The cooperative sector plays a crucial role in India's socio-economic framework, providing livelihoods to millions and ensuring equitable growth. Recognizing the immense potential of this sector, the government has introduced several reforms, including the establishment of a structured and standardized education system for cooperatives. The "Tribhuvan" Sahkari University will serve as a central hub for cooperative training, offering specialized courses to empower individuals and organizations in this sector. By integrating cooperative principles into mainstream education, the university aims to equip students, cooperative society members, and industry professionals with the necessary skills to drive innovation and efficiency in cooperative enterprises. This initiative will also foster research and development in the cooperative sector, bridging the existing knowledge gap and strengthening India's cooperative movement on a global scale.
A distinctive feature of this initiative is the inclusion of Vedic knowledge and values in the university’s curriculum. Vedic rhymes and teachings, known for their profound wisdom and moral grounding, will be incorporated to instill ethical governance and sustainable development principles in cooperative management. This fusion of ancient wisdom with modern education aligns perfectly with Modi’s vision of a self-reliant and culturally enriched India. The university’s curriculum will emphasize holistic learning, integrating traditional Indian economic philosophies with contemporary management techniques. By drawing inspiration from the Vedic traditions, students will gain insights into sustainable agricultural practices, ethical business conduct, and community-driven economic models, ensuring that cooperative societies operate with integrity and social responsibility.
One of the primary objectives of the university is to standardize cooperative education and training across the country. Currently, the cooperative training landscape in India is fragmented, lacking uniformity and accreditation. The establishment of "Tribhuvan" Sahkari University will not only streamline cooperative education but also enhance the global competitiveness of India’s cooperative sector. The university will offer diploma, degree, and certification programs tailored to different cooperative sectors, including dairy, fisheries, agriculture, banking, and marketing. Additionally, it will collaborate with international cooperative organizations, bringing best practices from around the world to India’s cooperative framework.
Tribhuvan Sahkari University will serve as a unifying force, bringing together diverse institutions such as ICAR centres, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, CSIR institutions, health-related institutes, and other universities. By integrating knowledge from various sectors, it will train PACS secretaries and complement all national development departments, ensuring a multi-disciplinary approach to cooperative growth. This collaboration will shift the narrative beyond Minimum Support Price (MSP), enabling cooperatives to explore innovative market-driven solutions and self-sustaining business models. Additionally, the university will align with health institutions to develop cooperative models for rural healthcare, ensuring affordable and accessible medical services for all. By bridging the gap between cooperative education and national development goals, this university will safeguard national interests and strengthen India's socio-economic fabric.
A major component of this initiative is to protect national interests by securing the economic rights of farmers and artisans through the creation of a robust agricultural and artisan value chain. Farmers and artisans form the backbone of India's rural economy, and their sustainability is crucial to the nation’s self-reliance. The university will work towards developing comprehensive supply chain models that integrate small-scale producers into modern cooperative networks. This will help in eliminating middlemen, ensuring fair pricing, improving access to markets, and enhancing product quality and value addition. By implementing innovative agricultural techniques, organic farming, rural industrialization, and digital platforms, the university will empower farmers and artisans to compete in national and international markets, making India a leader in sustainable production.
A core vision of Tribhuvan Sahkari University is to catalyze a structural shift in India’s economic landscape, aiming to generate 50% of the Gross National Product (GNP) from the cooperative sector by 2047. Through extensive research, training, and policy advocacy, the university will incubate human resources that drive entrepreneurship, end unemployment, and ensure financial inclusion. By fostering Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) transformation, the university will prepare cooperative enterprises to operate with sustainability and resilience, ensuring long-term economic stability. It will encourage cooperatives to adopt green technologies, ethical business practices, and inclusive governance frameworks, positioning India as a global leader in sustainable cooperative development.
The proposed Centre of Excellence for Cooperatives and Cooperation envisions itself as a transformative hub dedicated to catalyzing the growth and development of cooperatives across India. This Centre will redefine cooperative education and administration, positioning cooperatives as key drivers of economic and social progress. The Centre will be established in collaboration with the Alumni Association of DCBM officers of VAMNICOM, ensuring that its reach extends to various parts of the country. This decentralized approach will allow cooperative professionals and stakeholders from different regions to benefit from localized expertise and customized training solutions.
The Centre will also undertake research projects, including comparative analyses of global cooperative models, exploring digital innovations like blockchain in cooperatives, and enhancing cooperative entrepreneurship through mentorship and funding mechanisms. The collaboration with the Alumni Association of DCBM officers of VAMNICOM will further ensure the dissemination of expertise across various regions, creating a network of cooperative learning hubs. The university will also focus on improving supply chains by integrating local cooperative networks with national and global trade channels, ensuring that India's agricultural and artisanal products gain the recognition they deserve on a global scale.
The introduction of the "Tribhuvan" Sahkari University Bill is a testament to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership and his commitment to fostering inclusive growth through cooperative empowerment. This initiative will create a pool of skilled professionals dedicated to strengthening the cooperative movement, ensuring that India's cooperative societies thrive in the 21st century. As India marches towards economic self-sufficiency, the cooperative sector will play a pivotal role in achieving sustainable development and rural prosperity. With the backing of robust educational infrastructure, scientific research, and traditional wisdom, the "Tribhuvan" Sahkari University and the Centre of Excellence will become beacons of knowledge, guiding the cooperative movement toward new heights.
Through this landmark initiative, Modi’s promise of "Sahkar Se Samriddhi" is not just a slogan but a transformative vision that will redefine India's cooperative landscape for generations to come. As the Vedas say — Let us move together, speak together, and let our minds be united in understanding, for it is through unity and cooperation that the path to prosperity is forged.
By Binod Anand, National President, Alumni Association of PGDCBM officers of VAMNICOM, GOI and Member – Hon’ble PM Committee on MSP and Agricultural Reforms, GOI
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