VARANASI, APRIL 10, 2026: The 7th National Review Conference of the Ministry of Cooperation, held on April 9–10, 2026, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, outlined a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening India’s cooperative sector through banking diversification, White Revolution 2.0, technology-led expansion and improved implementation mechanisms.
The conference focused on accelerating sectoral reforms, enhancing institutional capacity and ensuring effective execution across key cooperative verticals, including banking, dairy, financing ecosystems and emerging cooperative models. Deliberations emphasised a shift from policy formulation to ground-level execution and measurable outcomes.
Addressing the concluding session, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, Ashish Kumar Bhutani, stressed that the next phase of cooperative reforms will depend on efficient implementation, better coordination and timely utilisation of funds. He called upon States to accelerate the implementation of the scheme and strengthen convergence among institutions for sustained impact.
Key Highlights of the Conference
Cooperative Banking Reforms:
Emphasis on diversification of operations, adoption of digital platforms, strengthening cyber security and improving credit delivery through PACS, DCCBs, StCBs and UCBs.
PACS Strengthening & Computerisation:
Focus on timely completion of ongoing phases, continuous monitoring and capacity building to ensure sustainability and accountability.
White Revolution 2.0:
Renewed thrust on dairy sector expansion through enhanced milk procurement, infrastructure development and farmer participation in value chains.
NCDC Financing Expansion:
The National Cooperative Development Corporation outlined increased financial support for FPOs, fisheries, food processing and emerging cooperative sectors.
Technology-Led Initiatives:
Cooperative-based digital platform ‘Bharat Taxi’ is expanding despite competition, with soft launches in cities like Lucknow, Mumbai and Nashik, and a national rollout planned.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives:
Integration of PACS, dairy cooperatives, federations and banks to build efficient value chains and strengthen rural economic growth.
Best Practices & Innovation:
State-level models, including Uttar Pradesh’s ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’, showcased scalable district-level innovations.
Sahakar Samvad Platform:
Enabled exchange of field-level experiences, challenges and innovative practices among cooperatives, FPOs and institutions.
Capacity Building & Media Strategy:
Highlighted the importance of training, awareness, and a “perform and inform” communication approach to build trust in cooperatives.
Strategic Directions
The conference identified priority areas for the next phase, including:
Improving fund utilisation and implementation efficiency
Strengthening cooperative banking systems
Expanding NCDC-supported financing
Promoting inter-cooperative collaboration
Accelerating dairy and allied sector initiatives
Enhancing technology adoption and institutional capacity
Bhutani emphasised that grassroots-level execution, accountability and institutional alignment will be critical in translating policy initiatives into tangible benefits for cooperative members and rural communities.
The conference concluded with a collective commitment from the Centre, States and cooperative institutions to drive reforms, strengthen delivery systems and build a resilient, inclusive and technology-enabled cooperative ecosystem.
About the Author
