NCDC Implements Yuva Sahakar and Swayamshakti Sahakar Schemes to Strengthen Cooperative Sector

The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) is implementing two major initiatives—Yuva Sahakar Scheme and Swayamshakti Sahakar Yojana—to promote innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable livelihoods in India’s cooperative sector. Both schemes are fully funded and supported by NCDC, a statutory body functioning under the Ministry of Cooperation. The initiatives reflect the Government of India’s focus on cooperative-led growth, youth entrepreneurship, and women’s economic empowerment.

Background: Role of NCDC and the Ministry of Cooperation

NCDC plays a central role in strengthening India’s cooperative ecosystem by providing financial assistance, institutional support, and capacity building. It works across sectors such as agriculture, dairy, fisheries, handloom, cottage industries, and services, helping cooperatives improve their economic viability and reach.

Since the creation of the Ministry of Cooperation, the government has placed renewed emphasis on cooperatives as instruments of grassroots development, employment generation, and financial inclusion. The Yuva Sahakar and Swayamshakti Sahakar schemes align with this broader policy direction.

Yuva Sahakar Scheme: Promoting Youth-Led Cooperatives

The Yuva Sahakar Scheme is designed to encourage newly formed cooperative societies, particularly those led by young entrepreneurs. The scheme focuses on:

• Promoting innovative and startup-oriented ideas within the cooperative framework
• Supporting early-stage cooperatives facing initial capital constraints
• Encouraging business models aligned with local economic needs and sustainability

Under the scheme, NCDC provides financial assistance to help youth-driven cooperatives scale up operations and become economically self-reliant. The initiative aims to tap into the energy and innovation of young entrepreneurs while strengthening the cooperative movement.

Swayamshakti Sahakar Yojana: Empowering Women Through Cooperatives

The Swayamshakti Sahakar Yojana focuses on financial inclusion and livelihood generation, with special emphasis on women and economically weaker sections. The scheme supports women Self Help Groups (SHGs) by facilitating access to:

• Affordable and reliable bank credit
• Financial support for collective income-generating activities
• Opportunities to build women-led cooperative enterprises

The broader objective of the scheme is to promote sustainable livelihoods, enhance women’s participation in the economy, and strengthen their role in cooperative institutions.

Why These Schemes Matter

Both schemes address key development priorities:

• Youth employment and entrepreneurship through Yuva Sahakar
• Women empowerment and financial inclusion through Swayamshakti Sahakar
• Strengthening cooperative-based economic models at the grassroots level

By supporting cooperatives rather than individual enterprises, these initiatives promote collective growth, shared ownership, and long-term sustainability.

Parliamentary Disclosure and Financial Support

Details of financial assistance released under both schemes for the financial years 2022–23, 2023–24, and 2024–25 were recently shared in Parliament. The information was provided by Amit Shah, Union Minister for Home and Cooperation, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

The disclosure highlights the government’s continued commitment to cooperative-led development and transparent reporting of public funding.

Important Facts for Exams

• NCDC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Cooperation
• Yuva Sahakar Scheme promotes youth-led and innovative cooperatives
• Swayamshakti Sahakar Yojana focuses on women SHGs and sustainable livelihoods
• Both schemes are fully funded by NCDC
• Financial assistance details were shared in the Rajya Sabha