NABARD’s New Delhi Regional Office has convened the third meeting of the High-Level Committee (HLC) on the cooperative sector in the National Capital Territory of Delhi to review institutional development, credit delivery and opportunities for strengthening cooperatives. The meeting was chaired by Pandurang K Pole, IAS, Secretary (Cooperation), Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Nabin Kumar Roy, Chief General Manager, NABARD, served as the convener.
Participants included Pushphas Pandey, Managing Director, NABCONS; Krishna Kumar Singh, Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Government of NCT of Delhi; Harita Thacker, General Manager, Reserve Bank of India; and Rajiv Kumar Kadyna, Officiating Managing Director, The Delhi State Cooperative Bank Ltd, along with other senior officials and stakeholders. The committee reviewed issues relating to governance, regulatory compliance, business performance, financial inclusion, technology adoption, cybersecurity and institutional strengthening across Delhi’s cooperative sector.
A key item on the agenda was the draft Diagnostic Study Report on Cooperatives in the NCT of Delhi, prepared by NABARD with technical support from NABCONS. The report presents recommendations to improve the governance and financial viability of cooperative institutions, strengthen regulatory frameworks and encourage digital transformation.
Among its key proposals are the establishment of a Project Management Unit (PMU), capacity building for cooperative institutions, revival of viable cooperatives and development of new cooperative models for women, young people and informal-sector workers. The study also identifies eight potential livelihood sectors for the development of cooperatives in Delhi.
Committee members acknowledged the research and stakeholder consultations undertaken for the study and said it could support evidence-based policymaking and the long-term development of the sector. Members also suggested changes to the draft before its finalisation.
The chairperson proposed preparing a Cabinet Note based on the report to enable the Delhi government to consider its recommendations. The proposed measures are intended to strengthen cooperative institutions and improve their ability to serve members and local communities.
The meeting also focused on improving credit delivery through cooperatives, with attention to financial inclusion and institutional capacity. The committee discussed the need for stronger governance, better regulatory compliance and wider use of technology to improve the functioning of cooperative institutions.
The discussions brought together representatives of the Delhi government, NABARD, NABCONS, the Reserve Bank of India and the cooperative banking sector. The committee aims to develop a coordinated approach to addressing existing challenges and identifying opportunities for cooperatives to contribute to livelihoods and economic activity in the capital.
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is a development financial institution established in 1982. Headquartered in Mumbai, NABARD works to promote sustainable and equitable agriculture and rural prosperity through credit support, institutional development and related initiatives.
