Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the Global Cooperative Conference 2024 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Monday. Addressing the event, Shah detailed the progress made by his ministry over the last three years and emphasized the transformative role of cooperatives in India’s development.
Shah applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Prosperity through Cooperatives,” noting the United Nations’ declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives as a timely step. He described this milestone as a blessing for millions of poor people and farmers globally. Shah welcomed the inauguration of the International Year of Cooperatives-2025 by Prime Minister Modi and the hosting of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) conference in India.
Reflecting on the theme of the conference, Shah highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s call for “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation) three years ago, which he said has revitalized India’s cooperative movement. He noted that after decades of stagnation, the sector has been infused with new energy, benefiting villages, women, and farmers across the country.
Shah outlined ambitious plans for the cooperative sector in the coming years, including the establishment of 2 lakh new Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to ensure every village panchayat in India has a cooperative society. He highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize PACS with technology and make them economically viable.
Additionally, he introduced three new national-level cooperative bodies: National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL), and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL). These organizations aim to enhance farmers’ access to domestic and global markets, promoting their participation in international trade. Shah cited success stories such as Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO), Krishak Bharti Cooperative (KRIBHCO), and Amul as inspirations for global cooperatives.
The Union Minister also discussed key reforms initiated by the Ministry of Cooperation over the past three years, including strengthening the legal framework for cooperatives. He highlighted the launch of White Revolution 2.0 and Blue Revolution, where cooperatives are playing a critical role in boosting India’s dairy and aquaculture sectors.
Shah announced plans to establish a Cooperative University to create skilled and technology-driven human
resources for the sector. He also hinted at the introduction of a new cooperative policy to add fresh dimensions to India’s cooperative movement.
Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, significant strides have been made in expanding the cooperative movement to reach every individual and sector. Shah stressed that cooperatives have opened new avenues for empowering underprivileged communities, especially women, farmers, and villages.
Shah concluded by emphasizing that the International Year of Cooperatives, inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi, will serve as a catalyst for empowering millions worldwide. He expressed confidence that through the cooperative movement, the vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi” can be fully realized, ensuring dignity and respect for all.
