Expansion of cooperative societies

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Cooperation released an update on February 4, 2026, detailing the expansion of cooperative societies across India as part of the "Sahakar-se-Samriddhi" vision. The document highlights key initiatives undertaken since July 6, 2021, to modernize, enhance competitiveness, and expand cooperatives. The report references the National Cooperative Database (NCD) and provides state-wise statistics of cooperative societies, with totals last updated January 20, 2026. **Key Points / Main Content** * **National Cooperative Database (NCD):** The NCD indicates there are 8.48 lakh cooperative societies across the country. State-wise statistics are provided in Annexure-1. * **Ministry of Cooperation Initiatives:** Since July 6, 2021, the Ministry has undertaken initiatives to realize the vision of “Sahakar-se-Samriddhi”. These include: * Bringing transparency * Modernizing systems * Enhancing competitiveness * Reviving cooperative societies * Capacity building * Capacity expansion * **Strengthening PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies):** * A project with ₹2925.39 Crore outlay to computerize PACS. * Aim to bring all functional PACS in India onto a common ERP-based national software. * 61,478 PACS have been onboarded on ERP software out of the 79,630 sanctioned from 31 States/UTs. * **Model Byelaws for PACS:** Enables diversification into storage, processing, LPG distribution, and common service centers, enhancing governance and member-centric operations. * **World's Largest Decentralized Grain Storage Plan:** An initiative in the cooperative sector. * **National Cooperative Database (NCD) Creation:** Enables identification of gaps in the geographical spread, including covered/uncovered gram panchayats and forming 2 lakh new multipurpose PACS and Dairy/Fishery cooperatives. * **Cooperative Ranking Framework:** Launched January 24, 2025, leveraging the NCD to assess and rank cooperatives state-wise and sector-wise. Aims to enhance transparency, reliability, and competitiveness. * **Co-operative Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Development Fund:** Established under the MSCS (Amendment) Act, 2023 to revive sick multi-state cooperative societies and meet infrastructure requirements. * **Capacity Building and Skill Development:** Conducted through NCCT with a network of 20 training institutes for members, Board of Directors, employees, state officials, and aspiring youth. As of date, 16,404 training programs have been conducted for 10,11,359 participants. * **NABARD Training Programs:** Provide training on ERP Software (e-PACS software). * **Tribhuvan Sahkari University Establishment:** A new initiative. **Impact Analysis** **Key Stakeholders:** * **Cooperative Societies:** * **Impact:** Increased transparency, competitiveness, and access to resources. Potential for diversification of activities and infrastructural improvements. * **Action Required:** Adopt modern systems and technologies, participate in ranking framework, and leverage available funding and training programs. * **Government of India (Ministry of Cooperation):** * **Impact:** Facilitates the realization of "Sahakar-se-Samriddhi" vision, strengthens the cooperative sector, and supports rural development. * **Action Required:** Continue implementing and monitoring initiatives, ensure effective resource allocation, and support capacity building efforts. * **PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies):** * **Impact:** Streamlined operations, enhanced governance, and improved access to financial resources. Increased ability to serve members through diversified activities. * **Action Required:** Onboard ERP software, adopt model byelaws, and participate in relevant training programs. * **Members, Board of Directors, Employees of Cooperatives, State Officials, and Aspiring Youth** * **Impact:** Access to capacity building and skill development. * **Action Required:** Participate in training programs provided by NCCT and NABARD.

Key Entities Referenced