About Odisha

Odisha, formed as a separate province in 1936 and later becoming a state of the Indian Union in 1950, has consistently worked towards strengthening cooperative institutions for balanced socio economic development. The Department of Cooperation, Government of Odisha functions under the provisions of the Odisha Cooperative Societies Act, 1962, which provides the legal framework for the registration, regulation, and management of cooperative societies in the state. Since its establishment under this Act, the department has been responsible for supervising cooperative banks, credit societies, marketing federations, and other cooperative bodies. Over time, through amendments, policy reforms, and administrative modernization, it has expanded its role to include financial inclusion, digital governance, capacity building, and sustainable rural development. From its statutory foundation in 1962 to the present day, the Department of Cooperation has played a vital role in promoting transparency, accountability, and self-reliance among cooperative institutions in Odisha.

Mission of the Department of Cooperation

To promote, regulate, and strengthen the cooperative movement in Odisha through effective implementation of the Odisha Cooperative Societies Act, 1962, ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance, while empowering farmers, artisans, self-help groups, and rural communities by providing accessible credit, market linkages, capacity building, and digital services, thereby fostering inclusive growth, self-reliance, and sustainable socio-economic development in the state.

7 Cooperative Principles

Cooperatives around the world generally operate according to the following core principles and values:

1. Voluntary and Open Membership

Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all people able to use its services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

2. Democratic Member Control

Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members—those who buy the goods or use the services of the cooperative—who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.

3. Members' Economic Participation

Members contribute equally to, and democratically control, the capital of the cooperative. This benefits members in proportion to the business they conduct with the cooperative rather than on the capital invested.

4. Autonomy and Independence

Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If the co-op enters into agreements with other organizations or raises capital from external sources, it is done so based on terms that ensure democratic control by the members and maintains the cooperative’s autonomy.

5. Education, Training and Information

Cooperatives provide education and training for members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative. Members also inform the general public about the nature and benefits of cooperatives.

6. Cooperation among Cooperatives

Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

7. Concern for Community

While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of communities through policies and programs accepted by the members.