Dr. M.R. Venkatesh, Chairman of Sri Thyagaraja Cooperative Bank has warmly welcomed the unveiling of the National Cooperative Policy 2025, calling it a transformative step for India’s cooperative sector.
Following the establishment of a separate Ministry of Cooperation in 2021 under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the stewardship of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, this new policy marks a bold milestone.
The policy, officially released on 24 July 2025, is the result of two years of nationwide consultations led by former Union Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu and a committee of cooperative experts.
The policy aims to strengthen governance, expand services, and enhance youth participation in cooperatives. It also proposes the creation of two lakh new primary cooperatives in agriculture, dairy, and fisheries, which is expected to boost rural income and support Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Key recommendations include the formation of cooperative recruitment boards, audit and financial regulatory bodies, cooperative tribunals, and promoting cooperatives in e-commerce and global trade.
Dr. Venkatesh expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, the Cooperation Minister, and the drafting committee, stating that this policy will become a second engine of India’s economic growth and will significantly empower the cooperative movement.