The 49th Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of the apex body of Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs)- NAFCUB concluded on Friday with a special focus on the upcoming International Conference of the Urban Cooperative Credit Sector, “COOPKUMBH 2025,” scheduled for 8–9 November 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
The mega event is likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the august presence of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah and other dignitaries.
The AGM witnessed active participation of representatives from urban cooperative banks and credit societies across the country, many of whom traveled long distances to attend. The deliberations concluded on a positive note, with meaningful discussions on reforms, future strategies, and the challenges faced by the sector.
In his address, NAFCUB Chairman Laxmi Dass highlighted that over the past year, several reforms have been introduced in the cooperative banking sector, and many long-pending demands of UCBs have either been fulfilled or partially addressed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
“We have raised several issues before the RBI, whether in the Standing Advisory Committee meetings or through formal communications. While some of our demands have already been fulfilled and many more are in the pipeline, one challenge we face is responding quickly to RBI queries,” he noted.
He further added, “Sometimes banks receive emails asking for replies within two hours, five hours, or by the next day. Our systems are not yet robust enough to provide such immediate responses. We must strengthen and modernize our systems to become more agile and robotic.”
The Chairman also underlined the importance of the National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC), describing it as the umbrella organization for UCBs, and urged all cooperative banks to become members. “It is your own organization, and joining it will ultimately benefit you,” he said.
Making a strong appeal, Dass added, “I also strongly urge all cooperators present here to ensure full participation in COOPKUMBH 2025, which could become a historic moment for the urban cooperative credit sector.”
He informed that over 500 participants have already registered for the international conference, but expressed hope that at least one representative from each of the country’s 1,450 cooperative banks should attend to demonstrate the sector’s collective strength. He also urged banks to encourage neighboring cooperatives to join, making it a truly landmark event.
Adding to the discussions, NAFCUB Chairman Emeritus and senior cooperator H. K. Patil stressed the importance of strengthening NUCFDC and appealed to banks that have not yet subscribed to its equity to do so without delay.
Senior cooperator Patil underlined the massive changes UCBs have witnessed over the last four years. “Now the RBI is friendly and cooperative with us, thanks to the efforts of Mehta and his team,” he said. Patil also remarked that Laxmi Das is luckier than both him and Mehta, as members are readily extending support to him in organizing the upcoming global conference.
Further, NUCFDC President Jyotindra Mehta addressed the gathering, explaining the objectives of the umbrella organization and highlighting why UCBs must become its members for collective growth and stronger representation.
Delegates at the AGM also shared a wide range of issues with NAFCUB, urging it to continue raising their concerns with the RBI and the Government of India. These included regulatory challenges, the need for technological upgradation, and support for strengthening governance in UCBs.
The AGM closed on a note of optimism and renewed energy, with stakeholders pinning hopes on COOPKUMBH 2025 as a historic event that could provide greater visibility, strength, and recognition to the urban cooperative credit sector on both national and global platforms.
