India’s First National Cooperative University

March 27, 2025

The Lok Sabha recently passed the Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill, 2025, marking step in cooperative education in India. This initiative aims to establish the country’s first national cooperative university at the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) in Gujarat. The university is designed to enhance education, research, and training in the cooperative sector nationwide.

Purpose and Structure of the University

The Tribhuvan Sahkari University will serve as a hub for cooperative training. It will register cooperative training institutes across all states as affiliated colleges. The university will offer degree, diploma, and PhD courses. It is projected that around 800,000 individuals will receive certification annually.

Historical Context and Significance

The university is named after Tribhuvandas Kishibhai Patel, a pioneer of the cooperative movement in India and the founder of Amul. The cooperative model initiated by Patel transformed the dairy industry, boosting rural economies. Amul’s journey from a small cooperative to a leading dairy brand exemplifies the potential of cooperative societies.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The establishment of the university is expected to create job opportunities. Currently, many cooperative leaders tend to hire from their own circles. The university will provide formal education in cooperative management, enhancing the skills of individuals in this sector. This initiative aims to develop a robust cooperative model that will strengthen the rural economy.

Funding and Future Plans

The government plans to infuse ₹10,000 crore into the cooperative dairy sector. This funding will promote a circular economy, facilitating the provision of resources like fodder and veterinary services. Plans also include the establishment of a cooperative insurance company and the introduction of ‘Sahkar Taxi’, which will operate similarly to ride-sharing services.

Challenges and Criticisms

Some opposition members questioned the decision to establish the university in Gujarat, suggesting other states with strong cooperative structures should have been considered. Concerns were raised about the potential bureaucratic challenges that could hinder the university’s effectiveness and accountability.

Broader Implications for Cooperatives

The new university will address the inadequacies in the current cooperative education and training framework. It aims to unify 284 training institutes and expand long-term cooperative courses. The establishment is expected to enhance the capacity of existing centres and create a comprehensive system for cooperative education.

Vision for the Cooperative Sector

The Tribhuvan Sahkari University is aligned with the government’s vision of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’, aiming to boost rural economies and create valuable career opportunities in sectors like dairy, fisheries, and banking. It seeks to establish centres of excellence in cooperative education and training.

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