Patna/ Nalanda: Nalanda University organised a special lecture on “Cooperatives for Inclusive Growth” on August 7, bringing together faculty members and students from several academic disciplines to examine the role of cooperative institutions in India’s socio-economic development.
The lecture was delivered by Satish Marathe, founder member of Sahakar Bharati, Director on the Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India and Director of the National Housing Bank. He has also served as a member of a Government of India-appointed expert committee examining the relevance and applicability of the three-tier Short Term Cooperative Credit Structure.
Cooperatives and the idea of inclusive growth
In his opening remarks, Nalanda University Vice Chancellor Professor Sachin Chaturvedi underlined the importance of cooperatives in advancing inclusive growth and development.
He said cooperative institutions can encourage people’s participation and collective action in addressing economic and social challenges.
Marathe traced the evolution of India’s cooperative movement and highlighted its role across different sectors. He described cooperatives as people-centred economic institutions capable of contributing to the socio-economic development of members and local communities.
He also referred to the contributions of prominent leaders to India’s cooperative movement and its emphasis on democratic functioning, ethical values and the common good.
From agriculture to healthcare, cooperatives span multiple sectors
Drawing on Indian and international experiences, Marathe discussed how cooperatives can improve access to markets, finance and essential services across sectors including agriculture, banking, dairy, healthcare, housing and fisheries.
He emphasised that cooperatives function most effectively when members actively participate in decision-making and management. At the same time, he stressed the importance of an enabling legal, financial and policy environment that allows cooperatives to become sustainable and professionally managed while retaining their cooperative character.
Farmer cooperatives can strengthen agricultural value chains
A key focus of the lecture was the potential of farmer cooperatives to move beyond traditional credit and input support.
Marathe highlighted opportunities in agro-processing, value addition, marketing and access to wider markets, which can help strengthen agricultural value chains and expand economic opportunities for farming communities.
He also discussed the role of cooperatives in banking, healthcare, housing, utilities and agricultural marketing, noting their potential to strengthen local economies and provide greater resilience during periods of economic and social disruption.
Students and faculty discuss cooperative movement
The lecture concluded with discussions on the continuing relevance of cooperatives to inclusive growth, food security, financial access and sustainable development.
Marathe emphasised collective economic action and people’s participation as important tools for addressing contemporary development challenges.
The session was followed by an interaction with faculty members and students, who discussed the practical and developmental dimensions of the cooperative movement in India and internationally.
