National Platform for Cooperative Reforms
Rural Transformation Push at EARTH Summit 2025: The EARTH Summit 2025 in Gandhinagar marked a major policy moment for India’s cooperative sector. On 5 December 2025, Amit Shah inaugurated the second edition of the Summit and announced a set of initiatives aimed at modernising rural banking and strengthening cooperative networks. The Summit focuses on agriculture, animal husbandry and cooperative governance, and will culminate in a national policy framework during its final session in Delhi next year.
Static GK fact: Gujarat is the birthplace of India’s cooperative movement, with the first dairy cooperative established in 1946 in Anand.
Digital Boost through Sahakar Sarathi
A key highlight was the unveiling of Sahakar Sarathi, a collaborative platform developed by NABARD and the Ministry of Cooperation. It aims to provide a unified digital system for cooperative banks, allowing them to function at the same technological level as commercial banks. The model brings shared services such as internet banking, UPI, AEPS, core banking, e-KYC, and real-time loan tracking under one umbrella.
Static GK Tip: NABARD was established in 1982 to strengthen credit flow to agriculture and rural development.
Services and Products Introduced
Over 13 digital services and governance tools were launched at the Summit to enhance efficiency of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies and cooperative institutions. Tools like Digi KCC, Campaign Sarathi, Website Sarathi, and the Cooperative Governance Index support transparency and faster service delivery. Platforms such as ePACS and the World’s Largest Grain Storage Application improve grain management and PACS operations. Training-focused modules like Shiksha Sarathi and Sarathi Technology Forum aim to build skilled cooperative teams across India.
Static GK fact: India has over 1 lakh PACS, making it one of the world’s largest cooperative networks.
New Cooperative Ventures
The Summit also marked the introduction of Sahakar Taxi, a cooperative-based ride network. With over 51,000 registered drivers, the initiative aims to evolve into India’s largest cooperative taxi service. It supports rural drivers by offering a technology-backed system for income generation.
A cooperative insurance scheme was also launched, covering agriculture, health, life and accident risks. The plan includes appointing three trained youth per village as insurance ambassadors to expand social security across rural regions.
Static GK Tip: India’s insurance penetration remains below 5%, highlighting the importance of rural-focused schemes.
Strengthening Rural Economy
These announcements form part of a broader push to modernise rural financial systems. With over 50 crore cooperative members, the emphasis is on digital inclusion, better governance and diversified cooperative services. The initiatives are designed to uplift rural credit access, streamline compliance and empower grassroots-level institutions.
Static GK fact: Cooperative societies in India operate under the Cooperative Societies Act, 1912 and respective State Acts.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Rural Transformation Push at EARTH Summit 2025:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event | EARTH Summit 2025 (second edition) |
| Date and Venue | 5 December 2025, Gandhinagar, Gujarat |
| Key Leader | Amit Shah, Union Home & Cooperation Minister |
| Main Initiative | Sahakar Sarathi digital platform |
| Implementing Bodies | NABARD and Ministry of Cooperation |
| Number of Services | 13+ digital tools and products |
| Major Schemes | Sahakar Taxi and cooperative insurance |
| Target Members | 50 crore cooperative beneficiaries |
| Key Tech Features | UPI, AEPS, core banking, e-KYC |
| Rural Focus | Strengthening PACS, grain storage, training systems |
