The Ministry of Cooperation has launched the National Cooperative Database (NCD), an ambitious initiative aimed at promoting a cooperative-centric economic model in India. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive database to capture vital information about the country’s vast cooperative sector, the NCD aims to streamline data collection and sharing among cooperatives, government entities, and stakeholders.
Key Features of NCD
- Web-based digital dashboard for capturing data on cooperative societies and federations
- Data entered and validated by state/UT nodal officials
- Collects information on 8 lakh cooperatives with 29+ crore members across various sectors
- Captures data on registration, membership, location, financial statements, audit status, etc.
- Facilitates efficient communication between the Ministry, states/UTs, and cooperative societies
- Provides single-point access to updated data, user-friendly interface, vertical and horizontal linkages
- Generates query-based reports, graphs, MIS reports, data analytics, and geographical mapping
Collaborative Effort
- The NCD has been developed through a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Cooperation, state governments, National Federations, and stakeholders.
- This partnership ensures that the database comprehensively represents the cooperative landscape in India, enabling informed decision-making and targeted interventions.
Data Collection and Validation
The process of data collection and validation for the NCD is as follows:
- Cooperative societies enter their data, which is then validated by state/UT nodal officials at the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) or Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies (DRCS) offices.
- National and state federations provide data directly to the NCD.
- The collected information pertains to various parameters such as registration details, membership, location, financial statements, and audit status.
Scope and Impact
- The NCD has collected and mapped information on a staggering 8 lakh cooperatives with a collective membership of over 29 crores spanning diverse sectors throughout the country.
- This extensive coverage underscores the significance of the cooperative sector in India’s socio-economic landscape.
Key Data on Cooperatives in NCD
| Data Point | Value |
| Number of Cooperatives | 8 lakh |
| Total Membership | 29+ crore |
| Sectors Covered | Agriculture, Dairy, Textiles, Housing, etc. |
| States/UTs Included | All states and Uts |
Benefits of NCD
The NCD offers a range of benefits to stakeholders in the cooperative sector:
- Single-point access to comprehensive and updated data
- User-friendly interface for easy navigation and data retrieval
- Vertical and horizontal linkages for better understanding of the cooperative ecosystem
- Query-based reports and graphs for data-driven insights
- Management Information System (MIS) reports for informed decision-making
- Data analytics for identifying trends, challenges, and opportunities
- Geographical mapping for visualizing the spread and impact of cooperatives
Efficient Communication
- One of the key advantages of the NCD is its role in facilitating efficient communication between the Ministry of Cooperation, states/UTs, and cooperative societies.
- By providing comprehensive contact details for registered societies, the database ensures smooth information flow and collaboration among stakeholders.
Empowering Cooperatives through Technology
The NCD exemplifies the transformative power of technology in the cooperative sector. By leveraging digital tools and platforms, the initiative aims to:
- Enhance transparency and accountability in cooperative operations
- Facilitate easier access to government schemes and support programs
- Enable data-driven policy formulation and implementation
- Foster innovation and competitiveness among cooperatives
- Bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive growth
The National Cooperative Database marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen the cooperative sector and promote a cooperative-centric economic model.
- By leveraging technology and collaborative partnerships, the NCD aims to provide a robust information infrastructure that supports the growth, transparency, and efficiency of cooperatives nationwide.
- As the database continues to evolve and expand, it holds the potential to transform the cooperative landscape, driving socio-economic development and empowering communities across India.
