Overview

• India is set to lead the United Nations' International Year of Cooperatives 2025, marking a global focus on cooperative-driven development.
• The government plans to establish over 2 lakh new Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) by 2029, targeting financial inclusion in every panchayat.
• A fourth tier has been introduced to the cooperative structure, strengthening alignment between local and national institutions.
• The Ministry of Cooperation has launched 57 initiatives, integrating 22 services into PACS to expand their operational scope and modernize governance.
• Policies are being developed for the swift settlement of liquidated PACS and the promotion of circular economy projects in the dairy sector.