Integrated Cooperative Development Project (ICDP)
Context
Recently, the Ministry of Cooperation updated on the Integrated Cooperative Development Project (ICDP) and the contribution of cooperatives to India’s economy.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Government policies and interventions)
About Integrated Cooperative Development Project (ICDP)
- The Integrated Cooperative Development Project (ICDP) was a Central Sector Scheme that was discontinued by the Government of India on April 1, 2021.
- It was implemented by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) under the Ministry of Cooperation.
- It aims to strengthen the cooperative societies alongside modernising them to enhance their capacity to promote rural development and livelihoods across various states.
- However, despite its termination on April 1, 2021, the funds allocated before the cutoff date continued to be disbursed across states in subsequent years.
- State-wise data for the last three years reflects a cumulative disbursement of ₹483.09 lakh.
- Beneficiary states include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, among others.
- Uttar Pradesh topped the list with ₹100.25 lakh disbursed during this period.
Contribution of Cooperatives to National Economy
- Cooperatives remain a cornerstone of India’s economy, fostering community-based growth.
- As of December 2024, India has 6,21,514 functional cooperative societies, comprising 28.69 crore members.
- These societies span sectors like agriculture, healthcare, finance, and more, empowering millions across rural and urban areas.
- Some notable contributions:
- Maharashtra leads with 2,15,316 societies and 7.96 crore members, showcasing the state’s cooperative strength.
- States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka also contribute significantly with high membership counts, reflecting their robust cooperative ecosystems.
Conclusion:
The cooperative model embodies inclusivity and collective prosperity. Schemes like Ayushman Sahakar further highlight the sector’s potential, promoting healthcare access through cooperative initiatives. These efforts underscore the pivotal role of cooperatives in India’s socio-economic fabric.
