Ranchi: The Jharkhand government is taking a major step towards making the cooperative sector more effective, transparent, and modern. A new cooperative policy will be formulated for the state, aimed at economically empowering farmers, self-help groups, milk producers, women’s groups, and rural entrepreneurs. The government believes that a robust cooperative system will provide fresh momentum to the rural economy and create new employment opportunities.
The new policy will place special emphasis on improving the operations of cooperative societies, enhancing the use of technology, ensuring financial transparency, and facilitating easy access to markets. The government aims to establish the cooperative movement as a key pillar of the state’s development.
Formulating the New Cooperative Policy
According to the government, the proposed policy will incorporate practical solutions derived from an analysis of the challenges facing the current system. Suggestions are being sought from experts, departmental officials, and relevant stakeholders to make cooperative societies more capable and self-reliant.
The policy is likely to include provisions that enable cooperative institutions to function effectively in alignment with evolving economic needs.
Direct Benefits for Farmers
Farmers are expected to be the primary beneficiaries of the new policy. Key features include:
- Arrangements for better marketing of agricultural produce.
- Improved availability of fertilizers, seeds, and agricultural equipment.
- Expansion of storage and processing facilities.
- Easy access to financial services through cooperative societies.
- Promotion of agriculture-based enterprises.
These measures could help increase farmers’ income and make the agricultural sector more competitive.
Boosting Women’s Self-Help Groups
The government also intends to strengthen the role of women’s self-help groups (SHGs) and women’s cooperative societies. The new policy will emphasize providing women with greater opportunities in sectors such as self-employment, small-scale industries, food processing, dairy, and handicrafts.
This is expected to enhance the economic participation of rural women and foster self-reliance.
Emphasis on Digital and Transparent Systems
The new cooperative policy plans to promote the use of digital technology. This includes:
- Digitization of society records.
- Online accounting and record-keeping systems.
- Digital payment systems. Regular audits and monitoring.
Transparent financial management.
These measures aim to reduce the scope for corruption and enhance administrative efficiency.
Strengthening the Rural Economy
Experts believe that a robust cooperative system can serve as an effective means to boost economic activities in rural areas. If cooperative institutions function effectively, sectors such as agriculture, dairy, fisheries, horticulture, and small-scale industries could gain new momentum.
Additionally, opportunities for local employment and entrepreneurship for rural youth could increase.
Focus on Marketing and Value Addition
The new policy will place special emphasis not only on production but also on the marketing and value addition of products. The government intends for cooperative societies to provide better market access to farmers and producers, ensuring they receive fair prices for their produce.
To this end, plans are being considered to strengthen processing units, cold storage facilities, and supply chains.
Training and Capacity Building
There are also plans to organize regular training programs for the office bearers and members of cooperative societies. Training in areas such as modern management, financial discipline, digital technology, and marketing skills will enable them to function more effectively.
Role of Cooperatives in State Development
The government views cooperatives not merely as an economic activity but as a vital instrument for social development. They help small farmers, rural artisans, and marginalized sections of society organize themselves and access better opportunities.
The objective of the new policy is to make the cooperative movement in the state more expansive and impactful, thereby accelerating rural development and inclusive economic progress.
