IYC 25 offers a rare chance to expand co-ops across India: Shah

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah addressed a large gathering in Ahmedabad at a Mega Sammelan on “The Role of Cooperation in Building a Viksit Bharat,” organized by the Gujarat State Cooperative Union.

Speaking in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries, he underscored the central role of cooperatives in realizing the vision of a developed India.

With 2025 declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Cooperatives, Shah said India must lead by example.

Shah called this a once-in-a-generation opportunity to expand cooperative values across every village and city. Stressing the need to modernize the cooperative sector, he noted that past neglect had weakened it in many regions. Now, the goal is to rebuild this structure from the grassroots up.

A major highlight of his address was the government’s commitment to establish a Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) in every panchayat by 2029. Over two lakh new PACS and dairies will be registered and integrated with 22 types of rural activities—ranging from agri-services and storage to dairy and marketing. This move is expected to significantly boost rural self-reliance and financial inclusion.

Shah emphasized that reforms must not remain on paper—they must directly benefit PACS and farmers. Without grassroots impact, he said, no amount of policy change can revive the sector. He also announced an upcoming policy to settle PACS currently under liquidation and to facilitate the creation of new ones where needed.

He introduced the idea of “Cooperation Amongst Cooperatives,” urging cooperative institutions at all levels to function in harmony. He proposed that primary cooperatives maintain their accounts in district cooperative banks to build a connected and mutually supportive network.

The revival effort is anchored on three pillars: mainstreaming cooperation in governance, ensuring transparency through technology, and increasing citizen participation. More than 57 initiatives have already been launched under the Ministry of Cooperation to support these objectives.

Shah also spoke of bringing scientific thinking into the cooperative sector, through what he called the “Science of Cooperation” and “Science in Cooperation.” Tribhuvan Sahakari University, a newly established national-level institution, will support education and training in this area. He urged everyone to use the International Year of Cooperatives to build awareness, transparency, and a strong cooperative ecosystem as the foundation of a truly Viksit Bharat.