Union Home and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah addressed the 91st General Council meeting of National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) in New Delhi on 23 November 2024 where lauded NCDC’s contributions to the cooperative movement, emphasizing its pivotal role in transforming the lives of millions of cooperatives.
The Union Minister said that special focus should be on promoting Milk Cooperative Unions in the North Eastern States and highlighted the need for collaboration between National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and NCDC to establish milk producers’ associations. Shah said that these organizations should work together to provide financial assistance with the initial phase of milk production being overseen by NDDB. The initiative, he stated, would not only drive the White Revolution forward but also play a significant role in empowering tribal communities and women.
He said that there is a need to establish an app-based Cab Cooperative Society Service, which will ensure that profits are directly distributed to the drivers. He also emphasized the critical role of the National Cooperative Database in integrating cooperative societies and highlighted the need to strengthen Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS).
Further, Shah proposed the formulation of a comprehensive five-year plan aimed at boosting the financial capacity of sugar mills, with a target of increasing their funding to ₹25,000 crores. This strategic initiative is expected to enhance the growth and sustainability of the sugar industry, ensuring improved financial stability and supporting the sector’s long-term development. He also asked to explore deep sea trawler in coastal states like Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.
The Union Minister also announced that the Ministry of Cooperation has introduced Cooperative Intern scheme with NCDC as the implementing agency. The scheme aims to help State and District cooperative banks in aligning with schemes of central government and strengthening of PACS. The Cooperative Intern Scheme helps participants gain invaluable hands-on experience, preparing them to drive forward the principles of cooperation and support the development of rural communities.
