Tribhuvan Co-op University to usher in Golden Future for Co-ops & Youth

By: Dileep Sanghani, President, NCUI, IFFCO & GUJCOMASOL – Former Minister, Gujarat

 With the aim of giving a new direction to the cooperative movement in India and creating new employment opportunities for the youth, the government proposed the establishment of Tribhuvan Cooperative University. This dream has now become a reality, as the Tribhuvan Cooperative University Bill has been passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. With the passage of this bill, the university will not only promote cooperative education, research, and training, but will also help make the cooperative sector more professional and effective.

India has a long-standing history with the cooperative movement, but its growth has been relatively slow. Cooperative institutions have often struggled due to a lack of professional management, the absence of modern technologies, and ineffective leadership. Tribhuvan Cooperative University aims to resolve these challenges and help the cooperative sector enter a golden era.

The Cooperative Movement in India: A Brief Overview

The cooperative movement in India began during the colonial period. The first law relating to cooperative societies was enacted in 1904, giving the movement a structured form. Today, cooperative societies operate in various sectors in India—agriculture, banking, dairy, housing, consumer goods, and more. Institutions like Amul, IFFCO, and KRIBHCO are shining examples of successful cooperatives.

However, the sector faces growing challenges, such as lack of digital technology, falling behind in competition, and a shortage of professional skills. To address these issues, Tribhuvan Cooperative University is being established.

Objectives of Tribhuvan Cooperative University:

The university has been founded with the following key objectives:

1. Employment-Oriented Education for Youth: Due to the lack of professional education in the cooperative sector, young people are not attracted to it. This university will provide specialized education in cooperative management, financial inclusion, cooperative marketing, digital cooperatives, and other relevant areas.
2. Empowerment of Cooperative Organizations: Through professional training and modern research, cooperative societies will be made more effective and competitive.
3. Growth of the Cooperative Movement in the Digital Era: Cooperative institutions will be integrated with modern technologies using digital tools, data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI).
4. Global Cooperative Networking: The university will partner with international cooperative organizations to make Indian cooperatives globally competitive.

Job-Oriented Courses: A New Career Path for Youth

Tribhuvan Cooperative University will be the first institution to provide higher education focused on the cooperative sector. Its curriculum will be practical and employment-oriented, including:

1. Cooperative Management: For smooth operations and leadership in cooperative institutions.
2. Cooperative Finance & Banking: Professional training for cooperative banks and financial institutions.
3. Digital Cooperatives: Integrating digital technologies into the cooperative sector.
4. Community Development & Cooperatives: Promoting the cooperative movement in rural and urban areas.
5. Agricultural & Rural Cooperatives: Modernizing agriculture-based cooperative societies.

Students earning degrees or diplomas from the university will be given preference in cooperative institutions, making it a promising career option.

Strengthening Cooperative Education, Research, and Training

To reinforce the cooperative movement, special emphasis will be placed on research and training at Tribhuvan Cooperative University, focusing on:

1. Research on Cooperative Policies: Studying cooperative policies from various states and countries to develop suitable policies for India.
2. Training Workshops: Organizing special training programs for workers and managers in the cooperative sector.
3. Innovation and Technology Inclusion: Incorporating AI, blockchain, and data analytics into cooperative institutions.

The Cooperative Movement and the Goal of a “Developed India”

The Government of India is moving toward its goal of “Developed India 2047”. The cooperative sector can play a vital role in this. Tribhuvan Cooperative University will contribute in the following ways:

1. Self-Reliant India (Aatmanirbhar Bharat): Cooperatives will boost local production and marketing, promoting self-reliance.
2. Job Creation: Expansion of the cooperative sector will generate employment for millions of youth.
3. Agricultural Revolution: Linking agricultural cooperatives with digital technologies will increase farmers’ incomes.
4. Financial Inclusion: Cooperative banks and credit societies will provide financial services to rural India.
5. From Local to Global: The university will prepare Indian cooperatives for global competition, helping them establish a global presence.
6. Green and Sustainable Development: Cooperative organizations will be aligned with environment-friendly policies to promote sustainable development.

Conclusion

Tribhuvan Cooperative University will prove to be a historic milestone for the cooperative movement. It will elevate cooperative education to a new level, making cooperative institutions more professional, modern, and effective.

• It will offer youth an alternative and attractive career option.
• It will digitally and technologically empower cooperative institutions.
• It will strengthen India’s participation in global cooperative organizations.
• It will enhance the role of cooperatives in achieving the Developed India vision.

Thus, Tribhuvan Cooperative University will be a landmark institution that leads the Indian cooperative movement into a golden era.