Non-Registration of West Bengal Cooperatives

Why in news

The article clarifies the participation of cooperative societies from West Bengal on various national cooperative platforms and initiatives, addressing concerns about their access and registration.

Exam relevance

GS2, GS3 · Governance, Economy, Society · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The e-samyukti portal of National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF) and e-samridhi portal of National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) are open digital platforms for PACS, Cooperative Societies, FPOs, and farmers.
2. There are no state or region specific restrictions on registration on these portals.
3. 62 PACSs from West Bengal have registered on e-samyukti, and 10 PACSs from West Bengal have registered on e-samridhi.
4. Membership in Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL), National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), and National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) is open to all cooperative societies across the country.
5. 40, 12, and 4 cooperative societies from West Bengal are members of BBSSL, NCEL, and NCOL respectively.
6. Cooperative Societies of West Bengal have access to consumer retail networks, MSP procurement, organic certification, international export markets, and affordable certified seeds.
7. NCCF procured 257 Metric Ton of Maize from 148 farmers in West Bengal during Rabi Marketing Season 2025-26.
8. NAFED procured 1,800 Metric Ton of Maize from 237 farmers in West Bengal during Kharif-2024, Rabi-2025, Kharif-2025 & Rabi-2026 seasons.
9. 12 dealers of BBSSL are operating in West Bengal, through whom 126 Metric Ton of seed was sold.

Prelims pointers

• e-samyukti portal is associated with NCCF.
• e-samridhi portal is associated with NAFED.
• BBSSL, NCEL, NCOL are national cooperative societies.
• These platforms and societies are open to all eligible entities across the country without state-specific restrictions.
• Services offered include consumer retail, MSP procurement, organic certification, international export, and certified seeds.

Mains practice question

Critically examine the role of national cooperative federations and digital platforms in fostering an inclusive and robust cooperative ecosystem in India. Discuss how such initiatives address regional disparities in market access and economic opportunities.

Static linkage

This news relates to the broader cooperative movement in India, the role of national cooperative federations in integrating state-level cooperatives, and the government's vision of 'Sahakar se Samriddhi' (prosperity through cooperation). It highlights efforts to ensure equitable access to markets and services for cooperatives across all regions.

Significance

The information underscores the inclusive nature of national cooperative platforms and federations, ensuring that cooperative societies from all states, including West Bengal, can participate and benefit. This promotes market access for farmers, facilitates procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP), supports organic farming, and enhances export opportunities, thereby strengthening the cooperative sector and contributing to rural economic development.