The cooperative is described as a people’s enterprise—a social start-up managed democratically by its members. Its focus remains on cultural, social, and economic objectives that serve the collective. This democratic structure inherently aligns with sustainability, says Dr Sudhir Mahajan, Chief Executive, National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI).
Cooperatives, by their very nature, encourage risk-sharing, inclusivity, and collective power—enabling individuals to achieve what they cannot on their own.
Built-in Sustainability
Sustainability is said to be deeply embedded in the cooperative model. Though India’s cooperative journey began with the 1904 registration of its first cooperative, there was a time when the sector lagged behind private enterprises. Challenges around governance, market access, and skill development were seen as barriers.
A Policy Shift
The establishment of the Ministry of Cooperation is described as a pivotal moment. The government has recognised the cooperative model as not just sustainable, but one that contributes meaningfully to India’s economy—and others around the world. Cooperatives are also acknowledged for generating quality employment.
Aligned with SDGs
Being member-owned and member-driven, cooperatives are naturally centred around individual and community welfare. Cooperation among cooperatives remains a defining principle. Risk and reward are both shared equally—something individuals often cannot achieve alone.
During crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, cooperatives like Amul, IFFCO, and KRIBHCO provided broader societal support, including the establishment of oxygen plants. These actions are seen to directly support several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially on equality and inclusive growth.
NCUI’s Strategic Focus
As the apex body, NCUI concentrates on education and training. The ministry’s formation is viewed as a recognition of cooperatives as viable business entities. Cooperatives are now part of India’s $5 trillion economic vision.
One major reform is the digital transformation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), which now cover 26 diverse trades. Although cooperatives fall under state jurisdiction, advisories from NCUI have led many states to adopt this new model due to its demonstrated viability.
New Institutions for New Challenges
In response to sectoral shifts, NCUI has set up the Cooperative Entrepreneurship Development Cell and the National Cooperative Resource Centre (NCRC). These aim to address gaps in capacity and market access—especially for women-led and smaller cooperatives affected by COVID-19.
A physical market, NCUI Haat, was launched to help members sell their products directly.
Dr Mahajan mentions that an annual cooperative fair during Cooperative Week (14–20 November) has already generated over Rs 4 crore in sales in just over three years. Building on this, a national e-commerce platform was launched on 1 July 2023, now onboarding over 2,000 cooperatives.
Women at the Centre
NCUI partnered with the National Street Vendor Association of India to uplift women from low-income backgrounds. A training and incubation centre provides holistic programmes in self-confidence, mind management, branding, packaging, English communication, and health awareness.
More than 2,000 women have been trained in eight trades. Some now run the Co-op Connect cafeteria on NCUI’s premises, with incomes increasing from ₹1,000 to ₹20,000 per month.
Multi-sectoral Partnerships
To scale impact, NCUI has entered into strategic partnerships with organisations such as GIZ, Art of Living, Pyxera Global, RuTAG (IIT Delhi), IIMR, NIFT, and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Special initiatives are underway for transgender and HIV-positive communities.
Training now often occurs in-situ, within local communities. Each trainee pledges to train ten others, creating a multiplier effect. Collaborations with organisations like the HCL Foundation have helped connect e-Haat and NCUI’s digital marketplace.
Taking it to the States
NCRC has developed training modules that incorporate business and marketing skills. These are being rolled out across India in cooperation with state-level training bodies, covering fisheries, dairy, and housing sectors. Modules are vetted by experts to suit regional needs. Recent programmes have been conducted in places such as Tripura, Ladakh, and Hyderabad.
Dr Mahajan shares that states are being encouraged to establish cooperative haats in high-footfall locations such as airports and railway stations to give cooperative products better visibility.
Policy and Advocacy
NCUI plays a key advocacy role, making policy recommendations and submitting consolidated reports to relevant ministries and institutions. The aim is to ensure that the cooperative voice is well represented in national policy.
Global Exchange
India’s cooperatives are also part of global networks. NCUI is an active member of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), along with other Indian bodies. International Year of Cooperatives (IYC 2025) is being marked this year.
Through platforms like the International Raiffeisen Union (IRU) and CICTAB, there is ongoing exchange of ideas. Dr Mahajan highlights a recent event in Hyderabad hosted by CICTAB, which welcomed participants from Nepal and Sri Lanka.
NCUI has also recommended that ICA organise regional roadshows showcasing strong cooperative models from across Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
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