BHUBANESWAR : The state cabinet on Saturday approved the State Cooperation Policy 2026, a 20-year strategic framework seeking to revitalise the state’s cooperative movement by enhancing member participation, financial inclusion and digital service delivery, in line with the long-term vision of Viksit Odisha 2036.
The state policy, aligned with the National Cooperation Policy 2025, lays emphasis on promoting value addition, agri-processing, storage and supply chain infrastructure through cooperatives, while strengthening market linkages for farmers and rural producers. Multi-purpose cooperative service centres at the village level are envisaged as key drivers of local economic activity.
“Capacity-building forms a core component of the policy, with systematic training and skilling programmes planned for cooperative members, chief executive officers and board members to improve professional management and decision-making. The government aims to address long-standing issues of weak governance and limited managerial expertise within the cooperative sector,” said chief secretary Anu Garg in her cabinet briefing.
She said that digital transformation is another major pillar, with the policy proposing the use of technology, management information systems (MIS) and digital platforms for end-to-end cooperative operations. This would improve transparency, efficiency and accountability and at the same time, enable faster service delivery and better integration with financial institutions.
The policy is anchored on seven strategic pillars, including strengthening the foundational framework of cooperatives, digital transformation, diversification of cooperative activities, member empowerment, financial strengthening, professionalisation of management, governance reforms and enhanced state support mechanisms.
The chief secretary said the expected outcomes include a robust and transparent cooperative network delivering reliable services to farmers, women, weaker sections and rural communities. By expanding the role of cooperatives beyond traditional credit and procurement functions, the policy seeks to unlock new livelihood opportunities and increase incomes in rural areas.
Increased economic activity at the village level is expected through the expansion of multi-purpose cooperative service centres which will act as hubs for agri-inputs, processing, storage, marketing and service delivery. The policy also aims to improve access to institutional finance and digital services, deepening financial inclusion across rural Odisha.
Garg said the policy is expected to give the state’s cooperative movement renewed direction and momentum, positioning it as a key driver of rural livelihood enhancement and inclusive economic growth.