25 November 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

1. International Cooperative Alliance

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/FeaturesDeatils.aspx?NoteId=153448&ModuleId+=+2&reg=3&lang=1 )

Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Important International institutions, agencies and fora

Context

The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), established in 1895, represents over 1 billion cooperative members globally. India has played a pivotal role in the ICA Asia-Pacific’s development since hosting its regional office in 1960. The 2024 ICA Global Conference in India highlights the country’s leadership in fostering inclusive and sustainable growth through cooperatives.

About the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)

• Founded in 1895 in London, the ICA is the apex body for the global cooperative movement.
• It represents over 1 billion cooperative members and 3 million cooperatives worldwide, advocating for their interests.
• With 306 member organisations from 105 countries, ICA promotes collaboration, knowledge sharing, and cooperative-friendly policies.
• The ICA operates across sectors such as agriculture, banking, consumer goods, fisheries, health, housing, insurance, and industry.

Establishment of ICA Asia-Pacific (ICA-AP)

• ICA expanded to the Asia-Pacific region in 1960, establishing its Regional Office and Education Centre in New Delhi, India.
• This was influenced by Dr. G. Keler’s 1957 exploratory tour across Asian countries to assess cooperative development needs.
• The initiative emphasized cooperation as a tool for social and economic development in underdeveloped regions.
• The ICA’s 19th Congress in 1954 passed a resolution urging established cooperatives to support developing nations.

India’s Role in ICA-AP Development

• Jawaharlal Nehru inaugurated the ICA Regional Office in 1960, reinforcing its alignment with India’s rural development goals.
• The office evolved into a unified institution in 1963, later renamed ICA Asia-Pacific (ICA-AP) in 1990 to reflect its broader mandate.
• India’s geographical location and commitment to cooperative principles made it the ideal host for ICA-AP.

Governance Structure of ICA-AP

• Regional Assembly: The highest policymaking body where all member organisations participate.
• Regional Board: Supports the implementation of policies from the Regional Assembly.
• Sectoral and Thematic Committees: Focus on agriculture, finance, housing, and sustainable development.
• India has played a pivotal role in shaping these structures and ensuring cooperative growth.

India’s Cooperative Movement

• Rooted in the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The world is one family), India’s cooperatives empower marginalised communities and promote rural development.
• In 2021, the Ministry of Cooperation was established to strengthen cooperatives across sectors.
• Types of cooperatives in India include consumer, producer, marketing, credit, farming, and housing cooperatives.

2024 ICA Global Conference

• For the first time, the ICA Global Conference will be held in India, with the theme “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All.”
• The event underscores India’s leadership in fostering inclusive growth through the cooperative model.

Conclusion

• India has been instrumental in ICA-AP’s growth, advocating for the cooperative movement regionally and globally.
• Its commitment to cooperatives continues to serve as a model for social and economic development.

Practice Question:  Cooperatives are essential for fostering inclusive growth and empowering marginalised communities. Discuss the role of cooperatives in promoting rural development and socio-economic equity. (250 Words /15 marks)