In a landmark collaboration aimed at revitalizing rural banking and cooperative services in India, VAMNICOM has partnered with the Syngenta Foundation India to launch the ambitious “Bharat-Banker” program.
Announced on April 4, 2025, during the International Year of Cooperatives celebrations, the initiative is poised to bridge the skill gap in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector for rural youth, with the goal of training 25,000 individuals across the country.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at VAMNICOM, Pune, in the presence of key officials from both institutions, signalling a shared commitment to transforming rural financial services through cooperative capacity building.
At its core, the Bharat-Banker program is designed to empower young people from rural communities by equipping them with essential BFSI skills, thereby creating a workforce ready to serve and strengthen Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and other cooperative entities.
This initiative plays a pivotal role in advancing the Ministry of Cooperation’s larger vision, which includes modernizing PACS, converting them into multifunctional Common Service Centers, and enhancing the overall efficiency of cooperative institutions.
Through a robust training model and a carefully structured curriculum, the program aims to develop a network of Cooperative Ambassadors—youth leaders who will drive financial inclusion, cooperative entrepreneurship, and digital literacy at the grassroots level.
The program blends academic instruction with hands-on experience. VAMNICOM and the Syngenta Foundation have co-developed a skill-based curriculum covering cooperative banking, microfinance, rural insurance, and digital services.
A Train-the-Trainer model will ensure wide-scale reach and consistent delivery, with VAMNICOM overseeing quality assurance. Participants who complete the course will receive a certification that boosts their employability, along with practical exposure through internships at cooperative banks and PACS.
As a nationwide rollout begins, the Syngenta Foundation will manage implementation logistics, while VAMNICOM provides academic guidance. The collaboration reflects a broader vision of inclusive, sustainable development.
Speaking at the event, Syngenta Foundation’s Country Director Rajendra Jog highlighted the initiative’s potential to transform rural livelihoods, while VAMNICOM Director Dr. Hema Yadav and Registrar Prof. Shantanu Ghosh emphasized the program’s role in building a skilled, future-ready cooperative workforce.
The Bharat-Banker program represents a forward-thinking model of public-private partnership, focused on grassroots empowerment and the long-term revitalization of India’s cooperative ecosystem.
