ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024

• 28 Nov 2024

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

Recently, India hosted the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Cooperative Conference in New Delhi for the first time in the organization’s 130-year history. 

• The UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025 was launched at the event.  

What are the Key Highlights of ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024? 

• About: The conference provides a platform for leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to address issues, share practices, and strategies for advancing the cooperative movement.  
  • It is organised by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA). ICA was established in 1895 to promote the cooperative model. 
• Theme: The theme of the conference is “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All,” which aligns with the Indian Government’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation). 
• Organisations Involved: The event was organised by Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) in collaboration with International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), AMUL, KRIBHCO (national level cooperative society), and the Government of India. 
• UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025: India’s Prime Minister launched the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025, centered on the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World.” 
• Postal Stamp: A commemorative postal stamp featuring a lotus was launched. The five petals of the lotus represent the five elements of nature (Panchatatva), highlighting cooperatives' commitment to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. 
  • Panchatatva includes earth, water, fire, air, and space. 

Cooperatives in India 

• Constitutional Provision: 97th Constitutional Amendment, 2011 gave constitutional status and protection to cooperatives in India. 
  • Part IX B (Articles 243-ZH to 243-ZT) was added to the Indian Constitution which deals with cooperative societies and their functioning. 
  • It made the right to form cooperative societies a fundamental right under Article 19 (1). 
  • A new Directive Principle of State Policy, Article 43-B, was introduced to promote cooperative societies. 
• Promotion of Cooperatives: The Ministry of Cooperation was constituted in 2021 to strengthen cooperative movement and deepen its reach up to grassroots. 
  • The Union government plans to establish a cooperative university and it also plans to unveil a new cooperative policy. 
• Contribution of Cooperatives: India has over 8 lakh cooperatives, and 98% of rural areas are covered by them.  
  • About 300 million people are associated with cooperatives in India.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year’s Question (PYQs) 

Prelims

Q. Consider the following statements: (2020) 

1. In terms of short-term credit delivery to the agriculture sector, District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) deliver more credit in comparison to Scheduled Commercial Banks and Regional Rural Banks. 
2. One of the most important functions of DCCBs is to provide funds to the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only  

(b) 2 only 

(c) Both 1 and 2  

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 

Ans: (b)