India’s Cooperative Renaissance: Unveiling the National Cooperative Policy 2025

Minister Amit Shah launched the National Cooperative Policy 2025, signaling a transformative era for India's cooperative movement from 2025-45. Crafted by a 40-member committee, the policy integrates stakeholder insights and aims for India's third-largest economy status by 2027, prioritizing inclusive growth and 'Prosperity through Cooperation'.

In a significant boost to India's cooperative movement, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperative Amit Shah unveiled the National Cooperative Policy 2025 on Thursday. This pivotal policy sets the stage for the country's cooperative sector to thrive over the next two decades, from 2025 to 2045. During the unveiling ceremony, Shah acknowledged the efforts of former Minister Suresh Prabhu and a 40-member committee for presenting this comprehensive and visionary policy framework after extensive dialogues with diverse stakeholders.

Minister Shah emphasized the importance of the new policy, crafted through regional workshops and consultations with cooperative leaders, experts, and government ministries. The committee received around 750 suggestions and conducted 17 meetings, finalizing the policy with inputs from the Reserve Bank of India and NABARD. Reflecting on history, Shah noted that the first such policy was introduced in 2002 under then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and now, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the tradition continues.

Describing the policy as a 'historic step,' Shah highlighted its alignment with PM Modi's vision of 'Sahkar Se Samriddhi' (Prosperity through Cooperation). He affirmed the government's ambition for India to become the world's third-largest economy by 2027 while ensuring equitable growth and inclusive development for its 1.4 billion citizens. The policy aims to modernize the cooperative sector, enhance its economic role, and create extensive employment opportunities, particularly in rural regions.

(With inputs from agencies.)