25 November 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC
1. International Cooperative Alliance
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/FeaturesDeatils.aspx?NoteId=153448&ModuleId+=+2®=3&lang=1 )
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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) |
