Will the National Cooperative Policy Drive the Revitalisation of Cooperatives?

Cooperatives have historically been the backbone of India’s rural economy, empowering farmers, artisans, workers, women, and weaker sections through collective strength. However, in recent decades, the sector has faced challenges of inefficiency, weak governance, resource constraints, and limited market integration. Against this backdrop, the Ministry of Cooperation (MoC), Government of India, has taken bold steps to rejuvenate the cooperative movement by formulating the National Cooperative Policy (NCP)—a landmark initiative aimed at redefining the role of cooperatives in a rapidly transforming economy.