India has 6.21 lakh Cooperatives and 29 crore members: Co-op Database

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on December 11, 2024, Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah said that based on the National Cooperative Database, the country has a total of 6,21,514 functional cooperative societies, which together account for an extensive membership base of 28,69,74,425 individuals.

This figure is about two lakh less than the figure arrived by the NCUI a few years ago. But still this remarkable network of cooperatives highlights the integral role they play in India’s socio-economic structure.

Maharashtra stands out as the state with the highest number of functional cooperative societies, totaling 2,15,316. It also has the largest membership base, with 7,96,65,337 individuals associated with these cooperatives.

This dominance reflects Maharashtra’s rich history and strong organizational framework in cooperative movements, particularly in sectors like agriculture, dairy, and rural banking. The state’s leadership in cooperatives has been pivotal in driving its rural and agricultural economy.

Gujarat follows as another leading state, hosting 76,061 functional cooperative societies with a membership of 1,79,93,157 individuals. Gujarat’s cooperative sector is well-known for its success stories, such as Amul, which has set benchmarks in the dairy industry. The state’s cooperative initiatives have significantly contributed to empowering farmers, small-scale producers, and rural communities.

Karnataka ranks third in terms of the number of societies, with 38,828 cooperatives and a substantial membership of 2,36,76,736 individuals. The cooperative sector in Karnataka is diverse, encompassing credit societies, agricultural marketing, and the processing of agricultural produce. This has helped strengthen the state’s rural economy while providing sustainable livelihood opportunities.

In contrast, Kerala, while having only 7,076 functional cooperative societies, boasts a massive membership of 2,94,72,329 individuals, showcasing the efficiency and penetration of cooperatives in the state. Kerala’s cooperative model is heavily focused on inclusive development, emphasizing welfare-oriented activities such as credit unions, consumer cooperatives, and housing societies. The high membership compared to the number of societies demonstrates the collective participation of the population in these initiatives.

Uttar Pradesh also has a significant cooperative presence, with 19,587 societies serving 1,86,72,654 members, reflecting its importance in mobilizing resources for rural and agricultural development in the populous state. Bihar follows closely with 16,475 societies and a membership of 1,53,81,807, illustrating the active engagement of its rural population in cooperative ventures.

On the other hand, smaller states and Union Territories like Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep have fewer cooperative societies. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands host 1,210 functional cooperatives with 73,182 members, while Lakshadweep has 30 societies serving 79,091 members. Despite their smaller scale, these cooperatives are essential in addressing the unique economic and social needs of these regions, particularly in providing access to credit and supporting local livelihoods.

Overall, the cooperative sector in India demonstrates diversity in its reach and impact. States like Maharashtra and Gujarat lead in both the number and membership of societies, reflecting their historical legacy and robust institutional frameworks. Meanwhile, states like Kerala highlight how fewer but highly efficient cooperatives can drive widespread socio-economic benefits.

This comprehensive network of functional cooperatives underscores their vital role in empowering communities, fostering economic inclusion, and contributing significantly to the national economy.