While cooperatives in India have existed for over a century, sustainability is viewed as a more recent concern. However, the two ideas are not at odds, says Dr Sudhir Mahajan, Chief Executive, National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI). A cooperative, at its core, is a social start-up— a people’s enterprise that is owned, managed, and operated democratically by its members. The model is designed to fulfil shared cultural, social, and economic goals. He points out that cooperatives have always had democratic principles embedded in their structure, which naturally align with sustainability values.
Built-In Sustainability
The cooperative model promotes risk sharing, inclusivity, and collective strength. Members pool their capacities and resources to achieve what individuals cannot do alone. These core characteristics, according to Dr. Mahajan, made sustainability an inherent part of the cooperative system, even before it became a global agenda.
Cooperatives Versus PrivateSector
When asked how cooperatives fare in pursuing sustainability compared to the private and public sectors, Dr. Mahajan explains that cooperatives are unique in being member-owned, member-driven, and member-controlled. This places member welfare and social development at the centre.
He notes that cooperatives emphasise concern for the community and cooperation among themselves. These principles are not always present in other sectors. Profit-sharing and loss-sharing among members strengthen the collective, making it more resilient.
Promoting Equity
Dr. Mahajan highlights that cooperatives support several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the one focused on reducing inequality. Equal distribution among members directly addresses this global objective, reinforcing the idea that cooperatives are natural vehicles for sustainable development.
Global Engagement
On NCUI’s international linkages in the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC 2025), Dr. Mahajan shares that the organisation is an active member of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), along with many other Indian cooperatives. Through this association, NCUI frequently exchanges knowledge with global counterparts. He mentions that NCUI has proposed that ICA should conduct roadshows across its four global regions—Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe, and the Americas—to showcase regional strengths and foster cross-learning.
A Call to Upgrade
Looking ahead, Dr Mahajan emphasises the need for the Indian cooperative sector to modernise. He notes that while the private sector has advanced, cooperatives have shown reluctance in adopting new technologies—one of the reasons for falling behind.
He encourages cooperatives to embrace ongoing policy reforms, seek guidance when needed, and adopt best practices. He believes that each cooperative acts as a building block, contributing to a stronger, more resilient movement that can play a pivotal role in the country’s progress.
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