In a detailed written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Amit Shah, outlined the Government of India’s multifaceted initiatives to commemorate the United Nations–declared International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) – 2025.
Themed “Cooperatives Build a Better World,” this year-long celebration is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Cooperation to underline the pivotal role cooperatives play in advancing inclusive, participatory, and sustainable development in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Policy-Driven Celebration of IYC–2025
Shah informed the Parliament that the Ministry has prepared a comprehensive Annual Action Plan for IYC–2025 in consultation with stakeholders across the cooperative sector. This Action Plan was officially launched on 24th January 2025 in Mumbai by the Hon’ble Minister himself. It serves as the backbone of the campaign and includes a wide array of initiatives such as:
- Awareness and outreach campaigns
- Capacity-building and training programmes
- Stakeholder consultations and engagement activities
Since its release, stakeholders nationwide have actively begun executing these initiatives, making IYC–2025 a truly collaborative and participatory campaign.
National Visibility Through Strategic Outreach
The Minister highlighted several innovative outreach measures designed to bring cooperatives into mainstream public consciousness:
- The IYC–2025 logo is being prominently displayed on Indian Railways E-tickets, the official websites of Ministries and Departments, and packaging of cooperative products such as milk packets.
- During all matches of the Women’s Premier League 2025, the IYC branding has been made visible, enhancing the campaign’s national reach.
- A special edition of Kurukshetra Magazine (July 2025) has been dedicated to the cooperative movement, showcasing its achievements and future vision.
Strengthening Cooperative Governance
In his reply, Shah emphasized that the Ministry’s IYC–2025 campaign focuses on:
- Increasing transparency and accountability within cooperative institutions
- Improving operational efficiency
- Promoting cooperation among cooperatives (Coop-to-Coop model)
- Strengthening governance through the implementation of model bye-laws
- Actively involving youth and women in cooperative initiatives
These strategic goals are designed to ensure that cooperatives are not just celebrated during IYC–2025 but also empowered for long-term transformation and resilience.
National Conference and State-Level Initiatives
The Minister also referred to the National Conference of State Cooperation Ministers, held on 30th June 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, under his chairmanship. This national-level event brought together policymakers and cooperative leaders to deliberate on key reforms and collaborative opportunities within the sector.
Various States and Union Territories, including Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and others, have also organized major events, adding a regional dimension to the IYC–2025 campaign.
Vision for 100 Years and Beyond
Reinforcing the Government’s vision, Amit Shah stated that IYC–2025 marks a historic opportunity to revitalize and reimagine India’s cooperative movement for the next century. Special emphasis is being laid on strengthening grassroots cooperatives, enhancing digital governance, and mobilizing communities to become active participants in this transformation.
He reiterated that the Ministry’s efforts are not merely symbolic but form part of a long-term strategy to promote self-reliance (Atmanirbharta), rural prosperity, and social equity through cooperatives.
