In this regard, NCDC-LINAC and ICA-AP signed an agreement intending to assimilate and develop further on the core strengths, experience and institutional objectives of the respective parties in the interest of advancement of research, study, documentation and training for development of the cooperative sector.  On behalf of LINAC, Lt Col Dr Baljit Singh, Chief Director, LINAC, Gurugram signed the pact while  Balasubramanian Iyer, Regional Director, ICA AP represented the other party.

“The handbook has been developed by LINAC-NCDC in consultation with eminent experts and leading organizations in the domain of cooperatives. The consultation process for the Handbook was initiated in November 2021 inspired by the ideas of Hon’ble Home and Cooperation Minister,” recalled NCDC MD Sundeep Nayak. International experts and other participants from across the country had deliberated on the difficulties in operating cooperatives and possible solutions to those challenges. The final format also included focused group discussions covering best practices adopted by several cooperatives in the country as in abroad which helped them deftly sail through the economic gloom posed by Covid-19 pandemic.

Some of the best practices were from milk, credit and banking co-operatives in the handbook, details which are aligned with the Government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. India has more than 8 lakh registered cooperative societies, especially in the agricultural and agri-allied sector, banking and housing sectors. The cooperative movement in the country has regained focus after the Union Government recently created the Ministry of Cooperation to provide a separate administrative legal and policy framework for streamlining the cooperatives. The Government is also in the process of framing a new cooperative policy and proposes to work in tandem with states to strengthen the cooperative movement which are now being considered as an important plank of development.