Emphasising the role of cooperatives in driving inclusive and participatory economic development, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the government is actively promoting women-led cooperative societies across the country, with a special focus on rural and economically weaker sections.
Replying in the Lok Sabha, Shah said the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Cooperation reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the cooperative movement, particularly for farmers, women and rural communities.
Highlighting key initiatives, he said the government is encouraging women-led cooperatives in sectors such as dairy, agriculture, handicrafts and rural enterprises, supported through training, capacity building and financial assistance in convergence with various ministries.
Under the push for White Revolution 2.0, the government aims to set up 75,000 new dairy cooperative societies while strengthening over 46,000 existing ones, with a strong emphasis on enhancing women’s participation and rural livelihoods.
Shah also underlined the role of the National Cooperative Development Corporation in supporting women and SHG-linked cooperatives through dedicated schemes. These include Swayam Shakti Sahakar Yojana, which provides financial assistance and capacity building support; Nandini Sahakar Scheme, focused on women-led cooperatives in dairy and allied sectors; and Yuva Sahakar Yojana, which promotes young women entrepreneurs with concessional financing and interest subvention.
He noted that under Yuva Sahakar Yojana, women-led cooperatives benefit from a 2% interest subvention on term loans and are required to contribute only 20% of the project cost, making financing more accessible.
The Minister said these initiatives are aimed at boosting women’s economic empowerment, generating employment, and strengthening rural cooperative ecosystems across the country.
