Cooperatives An Alternative Economic Force Cooperatives An Alternative Economic Force

V.N. Vasavan
Minister for Co-operation, Ports, and Devaswoms

Kerala’s cooperative movement is undergoing a bold transformation into a dynamic, tech-driven, and inclusive force for social and economic progress

The Kerala government is on the path of revolutionising the cooperative movement, making it more inclusive, dynamic and people-centric. In response to modern challenges, the cooperative sector is being strengthened to play a crucial role in infrastructure development, emerging as a sustainable alternative force in the state. With a focus on innovation, the sector has adopted cutting-edge technology, emboldened youth participation and reinforced strict vigilance against undesirable trends. These initiatives highlight the progressive reforms undertaken by the Department of Cooperation, paving the way for a more robust and future-ready cooperative ecosystem in the state.

Embracing Digital Transformation

As part of the digital revolution in the cooperative sector, the department has implemented the Integrated Cooperative Inspection Management Application (CIMA), featuring both mobile and web applications. Key operations, including society registration, bylaw amendments, fund management and applications for election, have fully migrated to online. Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) now function on a unified software system. Apart from this, audit monitoring and information system and the introduction of e-office solutions all mark a major milestone in Kerala’s cooperative modernisation, setting a benchmark for digital governance in the sector.

Comprehensive Legal Reforms

T he Kerala government has successfully carried out sweeping legal reforms in the cooperative sector and the most significant transformation has been the extensive amendment of cooperative laws, ensuring efficiency, transparency and accountability. In addition to the amendment, the state has also established the Cooperative Revival Fund, a long envisioned initiative aimed at the revitalisation and sustainable growth of the state’s cooperative institutions.

Transforming Lives and Strengthening Communities

Over the past four years, Kerala’s cooperative sector has undergone a dynamic transformation, spearheading social welfare, economic empowerment and infrastructure development. With a people centric approach, the department has implemented innovative initiatives that cater to diverse societal needs.

Key Initiatives

• Care Home Project – Rehabilitation initiative for individuals displaced by floods and natural disasters. • Team Audit – Strengthening audit systems to enhance transparency and accountability in cooperative institutions. • Cooperative Expo – A platform for promoting cooperative products and services, venturing into online and international markets. • Material Banks – Ensuring affordable access to construction materials. • Nursing College – Established in Alappuzha under the Co-operative Academy of Professional Education (CAPE). • Medicinal Plant Processing Unit – Set up by the T hrissur Mattathur Labour Contractors Society for herbal medicine production. • Aksharam Language Museum – India’s first language museum for literature, culture, and linguistics. • Paddy and Rice Production Schemes – Initiatives like Kerala Paddy Procurement Processing and Marketing Cooperative Society (KAPCOS) and Palakkad Paddy Procurement, Processing and Marketing Cooperative Society (PAPCOS) for paddy storage and rice production. • Cooperative Societies for Gig Workers – A first of-its-kind initiative to support freelancers and independent professionals. • Youth and Women Cooperative Societies – Formation of 32 youth cooperative societies, including those for SC/ST groups. • Yuvamitra Loan Scheme – Facilitated through Kerala Bank to encourage young entrepreneurs. • Women Cooperative Units – Empowering women-led cooperatives to transform them into production hubs.

Employment Generation

Kerala’s cooperative sector has played a crucial role in employment generation and economic growth over the past four years. Through strategic initiatives, the state has created 16,390 new appointments across cooperative departments, societies and Kerala Bank. The four years also saw five lakh employment opportunities through start-ups and MSME initiatives.

Vizhinjam: A Gateway to Global Maritime Trade

With the launch of commercial operations at Vizhinjam International Sea Port, Kerala has cemented its place in the global maritime trade network. The first phase of the port, with a handling capacity of one million TEUs, commenced on 3 December 2024, establishing it as a leading maritime hub in India. The complete expansion, scheduled for December 2028, includes extending the berth length to 2,000 metres, breakwater expansion and land reclamation to accommodate increased cargo volume. Once fully operational, the port’s annual handling capacity will rise to three million TEUs, which would boost Kerala’s trade connectivity and economic growth and also give the state a strategic prominence in the global shipping industry.T he approval of the Vizhinjam Railway Line construction marks a significant milestone in the port linked infrastructure development. Apart from this, the government is also fast-tracking the Outer Area Growth Corridor, Outer Ring Road and Vizhinjam-Kollam-Punaloor Growth Triangle to maximise Vizhinjam Port’s economic potential. T he Outer Ring Road Project (Vizhinjam to Navaikkulam), developed in collaboration with NHAI, is set to revolutionise T hiruvananthapuram’s infrastructure. It features a 2.5 km industrial commercial corridor that would boost trade, logistics and investment opportunities. By improving connectivity and accelerating urban growth, Thiruvananthapuram will be transformed into a key economic hub.

Efficiency in Governance

To enhance transparency and efficiency in the registration and survey of mechanised vessels, a dedicated electronic portal has been introduced, modelled after the Motor Vehicles Department.T he maritime institutes in Kodungallur and Neendakara, which were not functioning, were revived. Specialised courses as per the Inland Vessels Act were introduced in the institutes. Moreover, the Kerala Maritime Educational Conference held in Kochi played a key role in promoting maritime education and industry growth. As part of enhancing accessibility and efficiency in hydrographic survey services, the Kerala government developed the Jalanethra web portal, providing over 12 services online. Apart from this, the Theeram mobile application was introduced for hydrographic surveyors. The Jalabindu portal helps the public to know about hydrographic related services. A comprehensive e-governance system has been implemented, ensuring that all hydrographic survey operations meet international standards.

Empowering Lives Through Samashwasanidhi Under the Samashwasanidhi Scheme, financial aid amounting to Rs 95,01,50,000 was given to 45,210 applicants in six phases. With respect to the cooperative sector’s welfare programmes,initiatives like Sahakari Santhwanam, Risk Fund and Family Protection Assistance continue to offer security and support to members. In a major relief, 10.69 lakh families benefitted from the ‘Navakeraleeyam One-Time Settlement’ campaign, by which cooperative banks waived off Rs 1,960.15 crore in outstanding dues.

Revamping Kerala’s Temples

Since 2016–17, the Kerala government has allocated Rs 600.70 crore to modernise and develop temples across various Devaswom boards. This includes Rs 144.96 crore for Travancore Devaswom Board, Rs 26.38 crore for Cochin Devaswom Board, Rs 250.77 crore for Malabar Devaswom Board and Rs 15 lakh for Koodalmanikyam Devaswom. T he Kerala Devaswom Recruitment Board received Rs 17.41 crore, while Rs 3.38 crore was granted to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The Malabar Devaswom Board was allotted Rs 25.38 crore in the present budget for disbursing salaries of employees. An amount of Rs 18.27 crore was disbursed in four instalments, along with Rs 11.38 crore allocated under the non-salary category for 2024–25. Under the financial aid scheme for temple ritualists (Acharasthanis) and Koladharis in North Malabar, 1,544 Acharasthanis and 368 Koladharis at present receive monthly assistance. T he financial assistance to them has been increased from Rs 1,400 to Rs 1,600 per person. For the 2024–25 f inancial year, an amount of Rs 5.30 crore has been allocated.

Sabarimala – Development Initiatives and Digital Advancements

T he Sabarimala Mandala Makaravilakku pilgrimage, one of India’s largest, was successfully conducted last year with improved facilities, including an upgraded virtual queue system. The Travancore Devaswom Board introduced an online payment system and accelerated the digitisation of its operations. Steps were taken to fast-track Sabarimala Master Plan projects, with initiatives underway to establish the Sabarimala Development Authority. Plans are also underway for the Sabarimala ropeway project, with alternative land allocated for development instead of acquiring forest land.T he sacred temples of Kerala are embracing modernisation while preserving their rich traditions. T he Guruvayur temple, a spiritual and cultural landmark, has undergone significant improvements. T he Guruvayur Goshala now boasts modern facilities, ensuring better care for temple-owned cattle. The renovation of the Manjulal–KSRTC Road has enhancedconnectivity, while the upgraded Panchajanyam Guest House offers improved accommodations for devotees. Besides, the board has taken up new elephant shelters to enhance facilities for temple elephants. In pursuit of digital transformation, the Cochin Devaswom Board introduced e-filing and biometric punching systems to improve administrative efficiency. Devotees can now book offerings online or through a mobile app. The Malabar Devaswom Board has also stepped into the digital era with the introduction of the e-kanikka system.