(a) whether the Union Government have any plans to formulate and declare National
Co-operative Policy;
(b) if so, the time by which the Policy is likely to be laid on the Table of the House;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor;
(d) whether the Union Government are reviewing the Multi State Co-operative Act as
promised earlier; and
(e) if so, the time by which the review is likely to be completed and the amended Act
come into force?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHRIPAD Y. NAIK)
(a)to(c): It has been decided to formulate a National Policy on Cooperatives. The
Draft National Policy on Cooperatives was discussed with the State Ministers of
Cooperation in a Conference held on 30.6.2000 at New Delhi. The State Governments
accepted the Draft National Policy in principle. However, in order to further fine-tune the
draft document, it was decided to constitute a Group of State Ministers headed by
Minister of State (Agriculture). The Group of Ministers has held some rounds of
discussions to fine tune the document. The Policy document would be finalised, in view
of the recommendations of the Group of State Ministers.
(d)&(e): It has been decided to replace the existing Multi-State Cooperative
Societies Act, 1984 on the lines of the Model Cooperative Act recommended by the
Brahm Perkash Committee. The Cabinet has approved the proposal. The Bill would be
introduced in the Parliament after completing procedural requirements.