The passage of the Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday has received widespread appreciation from cooperative sector leaders, who hailed it as a historic milestone. Announcing the bill’s passage at 6:25 PM on Wednesday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla emphasized its significance for India’s cooperative sector. With Ministers of State for Cooperation present, Amit Shah outlined the university’s benefits, highlighting its ambitious goal to train 8 lakh cooperative professionals annually from the first year.
Excerpts:
NCUI President Dileep Sanghani
Expressing his gratitude, he stated, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah introduced this landmark bill, which has now been successfully passed. This is a long-overdue achievement in India’s post-independence journey, and I take immense pride in witnessing this historic moment.”
ICA-AP President Chandra Pal Singh Yadav
Hailing it as a historic milestone for India’s cooperative sector, he stated, “India’s first cooperative university will be a game-changer, strengthening cooperatives through education, research, and training. It will empower them to compete with corporates while upholding their core values of inclusivity and collective growth. This is a proud moment for the entire cooperative fraternity.”
IFFCO MD Dr. U.S. Awasthi
Describing the bill’s passage as the fulfilment of a longstanding dream of 36,000 cooperative societies, he said, “A dedicated cooperative university will bring greater professionalism to this sector, which has a deep grassroots network. This visionary initiative, made possible by Prime Minister Modi and Minister Amit Shah, will transform cooperative management in India.”
NUCFDC Chairman Jyotindra Mehta
“It is a welcome move that the Lok Sabha has passed the Tribhuvan Co-Op University Bill.
A dedicated university for cooperatives is crucial, as education is one of the core principles of the cooperative movement. Member education is essential for the sector’s success, and this university will play a vital role in strengthening it. This initiative by the Prime Minister and the Union Home & Cooperation Minister is truly commendable.”
GCMMF Managing Director Jayen Mehta
Calling the decision a moment of pride, he stated, “Tribhuvandas Patel, the man behind the White Revolution, is now being honored with a university in his name. This institution will be instrumental in strengthening the cooperative sector and enhancing professional management.”
Sahakar Bharati National President Uday Joshi
“We wholeheartedly welcome the historic passing of the bill in the Lok Sabha for the formation of Tribhuvan Co-Op University. This initiative will help realize the Modi government’s vision of ‘Sahakarita se Samriddhi’ by strengthening the cooperative movement through training and capacity building.
Late Tribhuvandas Patel, a true hero, supported Dr. Verghese Kurien in making Amul a world-class dairy cooperative. Sahakar Bharati fully supports the proposed Tribhuvan Co-Op University.”
RBI Central Board Director and Senior Cooperator Satish Marathe
“The passage of the Bill was long awaited and much needed! The cooperative sector’s contribution to economic growth will rise, eventually leading to the separation of ownership and management. Congratulations to the Government of India.”
NAFCARD Chairman Dollar Kotecha
Hailing the Tribhuvan Sahakari University Bill as a milestone in realizing PM Modi’s vision of Prosperity through Cooperation, he stated,
“The Cooperation Ministry’s efforts have made cooperatives India’s fastest-growing sector, but skilled manpower remains crucial. As Minister Amit Shah stated, the university will train 8 lakh professionals annually, strengthening the sector. Its launch during the International Year of Cooperatives is a landmark achievement.”
NAFCARD members are in Chennai for the 178th Board Meeting (March 26) and the IYC 2025 Seminar (March 27).
