What is the National Cooperative Policy 2025 and what are its key objectives?

The National Cooperative Policy 2025 is a new and comprehensive plan by the Indian government aimed at revitalizing and modernizing the cooperative sector in the country. It replaces the previous policy from 2002 and is envisioned as a 20-year roadmap (2025-2045) to make cooperatives more active, inclusive, professional, and future-ready, contributing significantly to the goal of "Viksit Bharat 2047" (Developed India 2047).

Key Objectives of the National Cooperative Policy 2025:

The policy's core objectives are centered around the vision of "Sahakar se Samriddhi" (Prosperity through Cooperation) and include:

1. Revitalizing and Modernizing the Cooperative Sector: The policy aims to update existing cooperative structures and practices to adapt to the changes brought about by globalization and technological advancements over the past two decades. This includes promoting digital tools and improved management.

2. Making Cooperatives Inclusive and Professional: It seeks to ensure that cooperative institutions are accessible to all, especially in rural areas, and are managed with professionalism, transparency, and efficiency.

3. Generating Large-Scale Employment and Livelihood Opportunities: A significant focus is on creating jobs and boosting rural development, particularly through the growth of cooperatives in sectors like farming, dairy, fisheries, and banking. The policy aims to establish 2 lakh new multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), Dairy, and Fishery Cooperative Societies within five years, covering all panchayats and villages.

4. Strengthening the Role of Cooperatives in the Economy: The policy aims to enhance the cooperative sector's contribution to the overall economic growth of India, making them key drivers of development, especially in rural India.

5. Addressing Challenges and Weaknesses: It directly tackles issues that have hindered the cooperative movement in the past, such as outdated laws, lack of evolution in cooperative activities, and recruitment practices influenced by favoritism.

6. Promoting Self-Reliance and Autonomy: The policy emphasizes making cooperatives more self-reliant and encourages limited government control while ensuring proper governance and member protection.

7. Aligning with "Viksit Bharat 2047": The policy is designed to contribute directly to India's long-term vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047 by strengthening the grassroots cooperative movement.

The policy was drafted by a 48-member national-level committee after extensive consultations with experts and stakeholders across India, ensuring a participatory and inclusive approach.