Phase IFoundation
Background
Overview
Cooperatives are crucial for inclusive growth, rural development, poverty alleviation, and empowering marginalized sections. The recent establishment of the Ministry of Cooperation and constitutional provisions (97th Amendment) highlight their contemporary relevance in governance and economic policy.
Cooperative societies are autonomous associations of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise. In India, they play a crucial role in rural development, agriculture, credit, and various other sectors, operating on principles of self-help and mutual aid, contributing significantly to inclusive growth.