The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, November 10, 2025- Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah today inaugurated the International Conference on Urban Cooperative Credit Sector — “Co-Op Kumbh 2025” in New Delhi, highlighting a new era of modernization and digital transformation in India’s cooperative movement.
Addressing the event as Chief Guest, Shah announced the launch of ‘Sahkar Digi-Pay’ and ‘Sahkar Digi-Loan’ mobile applications by the Umbrella Organization of Urban Cooperative Banks, terming them as milestones in integrating the cooperative sector into India’s digital economy.
Amit Shah stated that the ‘Delhi Declaration 2025’, adopted during the conference organized by NAFCUB, will serve as a roadmap for the expansion and modernization of Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs). He expressed confidence that this declaration would strengthen the financial backbone of small entrepreneurs, traders, and youth across the country.
Reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to inclusive growth, Shah announced that within the next five years, an Urban Cooperative Bank will be established in every Indian city with a population exceeding 2 lakh. He said this move aims to make cooperatives the primary financial support system for self-help groups, startups, and weaker sections.
Highlighting the achievements of the Ministry of Cooperation, Shah noted that India’s cooperative sector has witnessed remarkable progress under the Modi government. He revealed that Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) in Urban Cooperative Banks have fallen from 2.8% to just 0.6% in two years, demonstrating improved governance and financial discipline.
He added that the Ministry has introduced model bylaws for PACS, encouraged transparency, and initiated educational reforms like establishing Tribhuvan Sahkari University to prepare a new generation of cooperative professionals under the ‘Generation Sahakar’ initiative.
Praising India’s two cooperative giants, Shah shared that Amul and IFFCO have secured the first and second positions globally in the cooperative sector as per the International Cooperative Alliance.
Amul, with its network of 3.6 million farmer members, achieved a turnover of ₹90,000 crore in 2024–25, driving India’s White Revolution. Meanwhile, IFFCO recorded a turnover of ₹41,000 crore and a profit of ₹3,000 crore, exporting its nano urea and DAP to 65 countries worldwide.
Shah emphasized that cooperatives represent not just an economic model but a social movement that ensures every citizen has access to livelihood opportunities. “Our progress must be measured not only through GDP numbers but by how many people find dignity through work,” he said.
The event was attended by Minister of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar, senior officials from the Ministry of Cooperation, and representatives from global and national cooperative institutions.
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