International Year of Cooperatives 2025 Launched

The Global Cooperative Conference 2024 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. This event marked the launch of the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives 2025. The theme for this year is “Cooperatives Build a Better World.” This initiative aims to highlight the essential role cooperatives play in encouraging social inclusion, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.

The Role of Cooperatives

Cooperatives are recognised as vital in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They contribute to reducing inequality, promoting decent work, and alleviating poverty. The International Year of Cooperatives 2025 will showcase how cooperative enterprises can address global challenges.

Symbolism of the Postal Stamp

A commemorative postal stamp was released during the event. The stamp features a lotus, symbolising peace, strength, resilience, and growth. The five petals of the lotus represent the Panchatatva, emphasising the commitment of cooperatives to environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

Modernisation of Cooperatives

The Government of India plans to modernise the cooperative sector. This includes the establishment of two lakh new Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to ensure every village panchayat has a cooperative society. The aim is to make these societies tech-enabled and economically viable.

New National Cooperative Bodies

Three new national-level cooperative entities have been introduced – National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL), and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL). These bodies will enhance farmers’ access to both domestic and international markets.

Legal Framework Strengthening

The legal framework for cooperatives has been strengthened since the formation of the Ministry of Cooperation. This has driven important initiatives like White Revolution 2.0 and Blue Revolution, where cooperatives play important role in agriculture and fisheries.

Future Plans for Cooperatives

Plans are underway to establish a cooperative university to develop trained, tech-savvy human resources. A new cooperative policy will also be introduced to enhance the cooperative movement in India. The government remains committed to expanding cooperatives’ reach to every village and farmer.

Empowerment Through Cooperatives

The cooperative movement is seen as a pathway to empower villages, farmers, women, and the underprivileged. The vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” aims to achieve prosperity for all through cooperative efforts.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the role of cooperatives in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
2. Critically discuss how modern technology can enhance the effectiveness of cooperatives in agriculture.
3. Point out the significance of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 in global socio-economic contexts.
4. Analyse the impact of cooperative movements on rural empowerment and sustainable development in India.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the role of cooperatives in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Cooperatives contribute to reducing inequality by providing equal opportunities for all members.
2. They promote decent work through fair wages and working conditions, enhancing livelihoods.
3. Cooperatives play a role in alleviating poverty by supporting income-generating activities.
4. They encourage social inclusion by empowering marginalized groups, including women and the underprivileged.
5. Cooperatives align with multiple SDGs, including those focused on poverty reduction, gender equality, and sustainable economic growth.

2. Critically discuss how modern technology can enhance the effectiveness of cooperatives in agriculture.

1. Technology can improve access to information, enabling better decision-making for farmers.
2. It facilitates efficient supply chain management, reducing costs and increasing market access.
3. Modern tools like drones can enhance productivity through precision farming techniques.
4. Technology enables better financial management and transparency within cooperatives.
5. Training in tech usage can empower farmers, leading to increased yields and income.

3. Point out the significance of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 in global socio-economic contexts.

1. It raises awareness of the cooperative model as a solution to global challenges like poverty and inequality.
2. The initiative emphasizes the transformative power of cooperatives in promoting sustainable development.
3. It encourages international collaboration and knowledge-sharing among cooperative movements worldwide.
4. Highlighting cooperatives can attract investment and support for local economies.
5. The year serves as a platform for showcasing successful cooperative models that can be replicated globally.

4. Analyse the impact of cooperative movements on rural empowerment and sustainable development in India.

1. Cooperatives provide financial services, improving access to credit for rural farmers.
2. They enhance bargaining power for farmers, leading to better prices for their products.
3. Cooperatives promote community development through collective efforts in agriculture and other sectors.
4. They contribute to sustainable practices by encouraging environmentally friendly methods of farming.
5. The cooperative movement encourages social cohesion, empowering women and marginalized groups within rural communities.