The Centre has set up Sahakar Sarathi, a Shared Service Entity, to help Rural Cooperative Banks provide modern and technology-driven banking services to customers. The initiative was established following approval from the Reserve Bank of India and was registered on July 21, 2025.
Sahakar Sarathi has an authorised capital of Rs 1,000 crore, with equal shareholding of 33.33 per cent each by NABARD, the National Cooperative Development Corporation and Rural Cooperative Banks.
In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Amit Shah said Sahakar Sarathi will offer shared technological infrastructure and digital services to rural cooperative banks.
These include modern core banking solutions, digital payment platforms such as AePS and UPI, cybersecurity and IT governance support, domain migration and standard operating procedures, along with training and capacity-building.
The initiative aims to improve efficiency, expand digital access and bring cooperative banks at par with other regulated banking entities.
