On February 3, 2025, the Indian government introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha for the establishment of Tribhuvan Sahkari University, a pioneering institution focused on cooperative education. The university will be located on the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) campus in Gujarat, with the goal of being declared an institution of national importance.
Key Details About Tribhuvan Sahkari University
The Tribhuvan Sahkari University will be a first-of-its-kind educational institution in India, dedicated to promoting the cooperative sector. This new university will specialize in offering courses, training, and research in the cooperative field, addressing the growing demand for qualified professionals in the cooperative sector. It will play a crucial role in supporting the national cooperative movement by offering sector-specific education in areas such as dairy, fisheries, sugar, banking, rural credit, cooperative marketing, accounting, audit, and more.
What Makes Tribhuvan Sahkari University Unique?
Unlike traditional universities, Tribhuvan Sahkari University is specifically designed to cater to the cooperative sector. Its focus will be on:
- Providing technical education and management training related to cooperatives
- Promoting cooperative research and development
- Establishing a standardized, high-quality educational structure for the cooperative sector
In addition, the university will operate affiliated colleges in states with high concentrations of cooperative societies, ensuring that the regions most in need of cooperative education are adequately served. The university will also leverage digital learning platforms like SWAYAM, a government e-learning platform, to reach a broader audience.
Why is a Cooperative University Needed?
The cooperative sector is a vital component of India’s economy, contributing significantly to agriculture, dairy, fisheries, and other critical sectors. For example:
- It accounts for 19% of agricultural credit for farmers
- 35% of fertilizer distribution
- 31% of sugar production
- 10% of milk procurement and 13% of wheat procurement
Despite its importance, the education and training infrastructure in this sector has been fragmented and inadequate, creating a gap in qualified manpower. The Tribhuvan Sahkari University aims to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive, integrated education that meets the growing needs of the cooperative sector.
IRMA’s Role After the New University
The Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA), which has been a major player in rural management education in India, will play a key role in the new university. Founded by Dr. Verghese Kurien in 1979, IRMA’s legacy in the cooperative sector will continue under the new university. Once the university is established, IRMA will be transformed into a Center of Excellence for rural management, preserving its autonomy and identity within the new structure. The move will further solidify its position in cooperative education, benefiting from greater responsibility and resources.
The Vision Behind Tribhuvan Sahkari University
The creation of Tribhuvan Sahkari University aligns with the vision outlined by Amit Shah, the Union Home and Cooperation Minister, in 2021. Shah emphasized the need for a National Cooperative University, recognizing the essential role of the cooperative sector in India’s economy and society. The establishment of this university is a step towards modernizing the cooperative sector and fostering global excellence in cooperative education.
A Step Towards National Cooperative Development
With the establishment of Tribhuvan Sahkari University, India is set to take a major leap towards enhancing the cooperative sector’s impact on the economy. The university will provide the much-needed education and training to develop skilled professionals who can drive the cooperative movement forward. It will also create a platform for research and development to strengthen the cooperative sector’s efficiency and global competitiveness.
