In a state heavily dependant upon agriculture, cooperatives are a way of life in West Bengal. The importance of cooperative societies as a State Subject has always been felt in this state as is evident in the changes brought about in the State Act over the years. In order to provide both fillip and autonomy to cooperatives,the role of the state has been redefined to promote and guide cooperative organisations.

West Bengal was one of the first states to implement the 97th Constitutional Amendment in its true spirit; it has been at the forefront in the matter of entrusting its cooperatives with provision of banking services in unbanked Gram Panchayats, allowing them to achieve financial inclusion in the cooperative way. Read More

Cooperatives have played a significant role in our lives. Initially a movement for ensuring supply of unadulterated foodstuffs at fair prices in Europe has now become a huge tree offering myriads of services to the people.

Co-operatives, a state subject, under the Indian Constitution have trudged a long way since the first legislation in 1904. Over the years, however the basic theme has been greater inclusion, stronger participation and strengthening of resources for sustenance. Read More

Presently in West Bengal we are having 30,811 Cooperative Societies including 5807 PACS, 1715 Consumer Co-operatives. Apart from these, there are Co-operatives under the fold of Fisheries, Dairies and Tribal Development Department. There are 83 cooperative banks of different categories under the Department.
The figures however are dynamic.
Essential shift from the consumer movement to the credit movement has endowed the co-operatives with a different dimension and made them bedrock for the common people. The latest shift has given a boost to the economy of the nation and that of the state of West Bengal.
A fresh paradigm shift is in the offing. We are trying to make the co-operatives more transparent and effective through massive computerisation of the primary societies on one hand and secondly ensure professional management through capacity building of the Human resources there.
All these efforts will be highlighted in this Departmental website. The website will be interactive and so all sorts of suggestions are welcome. A grievance recording and redressal corner is also there.
"ayamarambho subhayu bhabatu!" Hide