The cooperative sector plays a significant role in India’s socio-economic development, particularly in rural areas. To strengthen and promote the growth of cooperatives, the Indian government implements various support schemes. One such scheme is the “Assistance to National Level Cooperative Federations,” which aims to provide financial support for research, development, and infrastructure improvements within the cooperative sector. This piece explores the key aspects of this scheme.
Objective of the Scheme
The primary objective of the “Assistance to National Level Cooperative Federations” scheme is to provide financial assistance to these federations for:
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Promotion: Supporting activities that promote the cooperative movement.
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Research and Development: Funding research and survey projects to improve cooperative practices.
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Infrastructure Development: Providing resources to enhance infrastructure, such as office buildings and facilities.
Key Features of the Scheme
The scheme has several salient features:
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Technical & Consultancy Services: It promotes the provision of technical and consultancy services to cooperatives.
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Field Studies: It supports the intensification of field studies and research activities.
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Infrastructure Improvement: It provides assistance for improving infrastructural facilities, including office buildings and premises.
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Statistical Activities: It supports research and statistical activities to understand the cooperative sector better.
Pattern of Assistance
The scheme offers substantial financial assistance:
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Grant Percentage: 90% of the financial assistance is provided as a grant by the Central Government.
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Federation Contribution: The remaining 10% of the cost is borne by the respective Cooperative Federation.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for assistance under this scheme, a federation must meet certain criteria:
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Cooperative Composition: The federation should primarily comprise cooperatives that serve weaker sections of society.
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Promotional Role: The federation should have a predominantly promotional role.
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Resource Constraints: The federation should be facing constraints due to inadequate resources.
Procedure to Apply
The application process involves:
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Detailed Proposal: The federation 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.
Contact Information
For any queries or to initiate the application process, the following contact information is provided:
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Contact Person: The Joint Secretary, Cooperation Division.
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Department: Department of Agriculture & Cooperation.
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Location: Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.
The Scheme’s Role in Strengthening the Cooperative Sector
The “Assistance to National Level Cooperative Federations” scheme plays a crucial role in strengthening the cooperative sector by:
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Promoting Research: Encouraging research and development to improve cooperative practices.
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Improving Infrastructure: Supporting the development of necessary infrastructure for cooperatives.
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Capacity Building: Enhancing the capacity of cooperative federations to serve their members effectively.
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Financial Support: Providing crucial financial resources to overcome resource constraints.
Conclusion
The “Assistance to National Level Cooperative Federations” scheme is a vital initiative for promoting the growth and development of the cooperative sector in India. By providing financial assistance for research, development, and infrastructure, the scheme empowers cooperatives to play a more significant role in the nation’s socio-economic development. It highlights the government’s commitment to supporting the cooperative movement and ensuring its sustainability.