New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024, emphasized that the event would offer crucial insights into shaping India’s future in the cooperative sector. He highlighted that while cooperatives are a global model, in India, they are deeply rooted in the country’s culture and daily life.

“This is the first time this conference is being held in India. Our efforts to expand the cooperative movement in India will provide fresh perspectives for global cooperatives, blending our experiences with a 21st-century approach,” PM Modi said. He stressed that cooperatives, for India, are more than just a model; they are the foundation of the nation’s lifestyle.

The PM also referenced Mahatma Gandhi’s view that the success of cooperatives is built on the moral development of their members, which leads to decisions benefiting humanity.

PM Modi emphasized the importance of women’s involvement in cooperatives, noting that societies that promote gender inclusion grow faster. He pointed out that over 60% of India’s cooperative workforce is female and that the government has amended the Multi-State Cooperative Society Act to ensure women’s participation in management.

To mark the occasion, PM Modi also launched a set of commemorative stamps for the International Year of Cooperatives, 2025.