National Workshop Strengthens Cooperative Sector for Inclusive Growth
In a significant move to boost rural prosperity and enhance grassroots economic empowerment, India hosted a two-day National-Level Workshop in Udaipur, Rajasthan, on January 8-9, 2026. Spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi,” the event gathered top officials from the Ministry of Cooperation, state representatives, and key stakeholders to discuss the future of cooperatives in India.
Under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Ministry of Cooperation aims to transform cooperatives into major contributors to the economy. The workshop commenced with an inauguration by Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation, alongside notable dignitaries including Smt. Anandhi, Secretary of Cooperation for the Government of Rajasthan, who welcomed delegates to the state.
Enhancing Cooperation and Innovation
During his keynote address, Dr. Bhutani highlighted the workshop’s goals to strengthen synergy between central and state governments, promote ideas exchange, and encourage innovative strategies to reinvigorate the cooperative sector. He stressed the necessity of mainstreaming cooperatives, also emphasizing the importance of reshaping public perception through the spotlight on successful cooperative stories.
A prime example cited was the Banaskantha Dairy, where innovations have enabled milk production of nearly 90 lakh liters per day, demonstrating the critical impact of robust cooperative structures. He outlined essential reform areas such as clarifying the dual regulation of cooperative banks, improving board election processes, and fostering decision-making based on consensus.
Key Initiatives and Digital Reforms
The workshop scrutinized crucial initiatives by the Ministry, including integrating Self-Help Groups (SHGs) into cooperatives, and pushing for mandated cooperative bank account openings to bolster low-cost banking services. Focus was also given to enhancing the cooperative sector in the North-Eastern Region through education and training, including establishing a Cooperative University.
A dedicated review session evaluated the progress of various initiatives, including the digitization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and the establishment of Multipurpose Dairy and Fishery Cooperative Societies. Discussions covered advancements in grain storage projects and the expansion of services offered by PACS.
PACS Empowerment and Best Practices
On the second day, the session titled “Sahkar se Samriddhi – PACS Ahead” aimed directly at empowering PACS, with states sharing their best practices and experiences. Notable presentations included a push for cashless PACS and the promotion of cooperative startups. The sessions stressed a comprehensive strategy to augment PACS for future challenges while enhancing financial sustainability and community engagement.
Dr. Bhutani concluded the workshop by reiterating the pivotal role of PACS in the cooperative framework and emphasized the urgent need for their complete digitalization. This effort aims at fortifying rural financial inclusion and enhancing grain storage capabilities, with specific targets set for the upcoming years.
As the workshop wrapped up, the collaborative effort between various levels of government demonstrated a clear path forward for the cooperative sector in India, highlighting its transformative potential for rural economies.
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