Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah informed Parliament that a total of 1,779 Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCSs) have been registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 across the country.
According to the state-wise breakup, Maharashtra leads with 714 MSCSs, accounting for the highest number in the country. It is followed by Delhi with 168, Uttar Pradesh with 196, and Tamil Nadu with 143. Other states with significant numbers include Kerala (96), Rajasthan (76), and West Bengal (73).
Several states and Union Territories have relatively fewer societies. For instance, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu have only one MSCS each. Similarly, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir have just two societies each.
The minister noted that the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 provides a framework for the registration and functioning of cooperatives whose operations extend beyond one state, ensuring that they remain accountable to their members while operating under uniform rules and regulations.
The distribution of these cooperatives highlights the strong presence of the cooperative movement in Maharashtra and southern states, while also showing gradual expansion into smaller states and Union Territories.
