Establishment of Tribhuvan Sahkari University in Gujarat

The Lok Sabha recently passed a bill to establish the Tribhuvan Sahkari University in Anand, Gujarat. This initiative aims to enhance the qualifications and skills of individuals working in cooperative societies. Named after Tribhuvandas Kishibhai Patel, a key figure in India’s cooperative movement, the university will address the pressing need for capacity building in this sector. The Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, brought into light the importance of this university during the debate on the bill.

Objective of the University

The university’s primary goal is to create a skilled workforce for the cooperative sector. It aims to train employees and board members across India. The initiative is expected to standardise education and training in cooperatives, ensuring a steady supply of qualified personnel.

Background of Cooperative Movement

The cooperative movement in India has contributed to rural development. It provides self-employment opportunities and encourages innovation. The success of Amul, a leading dairy brand, showcases the potential of cooperatives. Amul’s turnover has soared from Rs 2,882 crore in 2003 to over Rs 60,000 crore .

Features of the University

The Tribhuvan Sahkari University will adopt a hub-and-spoke model for training. It will collaborate with existing institutions to offer courses in various states. The university plans to train around 800,000 individuals annually. It will also establish sector-specific Schools of Excellence, focusing on areas like dairy and fisheries.

Government Initiatives

To support the cooperative sector, the government plans to set up a cooperative insurance company. This will provide coverage to all cooperative societies in India. Additionally, the government aims to create 200,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) before the 2029 elections. These efforts will strengthen the cooperative framework across the country.

Impact on Rural Economy

The establishment of the university aligns with the government’s vision of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’, or prosperity through cooperation. It is expected to boost the rural economy by promoting growth in dairy, fisheries, and banking cooperatives. The university will also enhance career opportunities for youth in the cooperative sector.

Current Landscape of Cooperatives

India has approximately 800,000 cooperative societies with around 300 million members. One in five Indians is affiliated with a cooperative. The sector plays important role in rural development and economic stability.

Future Prospects

With the establishment of the Tribhuvan Sahkari University, the cooperative sector is poised for advancements. The university will unify existing training institutes and expand long-term cooperative education courses. This will ensure that the sector meets future demands for skilled manpower.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the role of cooperatives in rural development and economic self-sufficiency in India.
2. Critically discuss the impact of the cooperative movement on employment generation in rural areas.
3. Analyse the significance of capacity building in cooperatives for sustainable economic growth.
4. Point out the challenges faced by the cooperative sector in India and suggest measures for improvement.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the role of cooperatives in rural development and economic self-sufficiency in India.

1. Cooperatives empower local communities by pooling resources, leading to collective economic strength.
2. They provide essential services such as credit, marketing, and supply of goods, improving access for rural populations.
3. Cooperatives enhance agricultural productivity and income through organized farming and better market access.
4. They encourage self-employment and entrepreneurship, reducing dependency on traditional employment opportunities.
5. Cooperatives contribute to social development, promoting education and health initiatives within rural communities.

2. Critically discuss the impact of the cooperative movement on employment generation in rural areas.

1. The cooperative movement has created numerous job opportunities across various sectors, particularly in agriculture and dairy.
2. By establishing cooperatives, members can generate income through self-employment rather than relying solely on wage labor.
3. Cooperatives facilitate skill development, enhancing employability among rural youth through training and education.
4. They help stabilize rural economies, reducing seasonal unemployment through year-round activities.
5. Cooperatives can lead to the establishment of new businesses, further expanding employment opportunities in rural areas.

3. Analyse the significance of capacity building in cooperatives for sustainable economic growth.

1. Capacity building equips cooperative members with essential skills, improving operational efficiency and productivity.
2. It encourages leadership development, empowering individuals to take on managerial roles within cooperatives.
3. Enhanced capacity leads to better decision-making and governance, ensuring long-term sustainability of cooperatives.
4. Training programs can promote innovation and adaptability, crucial for responding to market changes and challenges.
5. Investing in capacity building strengthens the overall cooperative structure, contributing to economic resilience and growth.

4. Point out the challenges faced by the cooperative sector in India and suggest measures for improvement.

1. Challenges include inadequate infrastructure and fragmented training systems, limiting effective capacity building.
2. Lack of awareness and understanding of cooperative principles among potential members hinders growth.
3. Political interference can disrupt the functioning and governance of cooperatives, affecting their autonomy.
4. To improve, there should be a unified framework for training and education across cooperatives.
5. Strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks can ensure better governance and reduce political influence.
6. Promoting awareness campaigns can encourage more individuals to join and benefit from cooperatives.