The cooperative sector in India plays a vital role in various aspects of the economy, particularly in agriculture and rural development. To ensure the effective functioning of cooperatives, it is essential to have well-trained professionals with strong managerial skills. The Indian government’s “Assistance for Cooperative Education & Training” scheme is designed to address this need by providing financial support for education and training initiatives within the cooperative sector. This piece explores the key features and objectives of this important scheme.
Objective of the Scheme
The primary objective of the “Assistance for Cooperative Education & Training” scheme is to:
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Intensify Cooperative Education: Enhance the quality and reach of cooperative education programs.
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Improve Managerial Capabilities: Develop the managerial skills of professionals working at various levels within the cooperative sector.
Key Features of the Scheme
The scheme provides financial assistance to various institutions and organizations involved in cooperative education and training. These include:
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National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI): Support for the apex body representing the cooperative movement in India.
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National Council for Cooperative Training (NCCT): Funding for the national-level training council responsible for developing and implementing cooperative training programs.
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Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management (VAMNICOM): Assistance to this premier cooperative management institute.
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Junior Cooperative Training Colleges (JCTCs): Support for regional training colleges providing basic cooperative training.
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Center of International Cooperation & Training in Agriculture Banking (CICTAB): Assistance to this center focused on international cooperation and training in agricultural banking.
Pattern of Assistance
The Government of India provides financial assistance under this scheme through the following mechanisms:
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Assistance to NCCT: The scheme covers the resource gap of NCCT. This gap is calculated by deducting the interest earnings on the Corpus Fund and income generated by NCCT (through paid programs, research, and consultancy) from the estimated expenditure of NCCT for that year.
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Assistance to NCUI: 50% of the expenditure of NCUI is borne by the Government of India, and the remaining 50% is met by NCUI from the Cooperative Education Fund and its internal resources.
Eligibility Criteria
The scheme is primarily targeted towards:
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MSCS of Cooperatives: Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) that serve weaker sections of society or have a predominantly promotional role.
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Cooperatives with Resource Constraints: Cooperatives that are facing constraints due to inadequate resources.
Procedure to Apply
To apply for assistance under this scheme, the following procedure must be followed:
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Detailed Proposal: The applicant organization must submit a proposal with full details of the requirement of the grant-in-aid.
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Justification: The proposal should clearly justify the need for financial assistance and outline how the funds will be utilized to achieve the scheme’s objectives.
Contact Information
For any queries or to initiate the application process, the following contact information is provided:
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NCUI/NCCT: Chief Executive/Director-General (NCUI/NCCT) and Secretary (NCCT), 3, Siri Institutional Area, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110016.
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VAMNICOM/CICTAB: Director (VAMNICOM/CICTAB), University, Pune – 411007.
Scheme’s Role in Strengthening the Cooperative Sector
The “Assistance for Cooperative Education & Training” scheme plays a crucial role in strengthening the cooperative sector by:
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Developing Skilled Professionals: Enhancing the skills and managerial capabilities of professionals working in the cooperative sector.
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Improving Cooperative Management: Promoting effective management practices within cooperatives.
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Promoting Cooperative Values: Reinforcing the principles and values of cooperation through education and training.
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Capacity Building: Strengthening the overall capacity of the cooperative sector to contribute to economic development.
Financial Overview (Integrated within the Content):
The scheme has seen varying levels of expenditure over the years. For example, in 2012-13, the expenditure was ₹9.30 crores, which decreased to ₹8.34 crores in 2013-14, and further to ₹7.76 crores in 2014-15. These figures are indicative of the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting cooperative education and training.
Conclusion
The “Assistance for Cooperative Education & Training” scheme is a vital initiative for building a strong and sustainable cooperative sector in India. By providing financial assistance for education and training programs, the scheme ensures that cooperatives have access to skilled professionals and effective management practices, contributing to their overall success and impact on the economy. It reflects the government’s dedication to fostering growth and development within the cooperative movement.