Tamil Nadu is set to overhaul its cooperative sector with a new policy aimed at transparency and economic sustainability. Significant allocations have been made for women entrepreneurs and agricultural business loans.

  • A new State Cooperative Policy will be formulated to ensure transparency and sustainability.
  • ₹7,015 crore allocated for the 'Singa Pengal Loan Scheme' to empower women entrepreneurs.
  • ₹5,000 crore allocated for rural business loans to farmers at 9% interest.
  • Launch of 'Vettri', a common business brand for cooperative products.

In a major move to revitalize the cooperative sector, Tamil Nadu Minister for Co-operation V. Gandhiraj announced on Thursday that the State government is formulating a comprehensive State Cooperative Policy. The initiative seeks to transform cooperatives into people-centric, transparent, and economically sustainable institutions capable of competing in modern markets.

Empowering Women and Rural Farmers

Highlighting social equity, Minister Gandhiraj stated that the 'Singa Pengal Loan Scheme' will be implemented through cooperative banks to promote women as entrepreneurs, backed by a massive allocation of ₹7,015 crore. To bolster the agrarian economy, the government has earmarked ₹5,000 crore to provide rural business loans to farmers at a subsidized interest rate of 9% for agriculture-allied ventures.

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The modernization of cooperatives will serve as the backbone of Tamil Nadu's rural economy.

To enhance the market presence of cooperative-made goods, the government will introduce a unified commercial brand named 'Vettri'. This branding strategy is designed to improve product quality perception, increase market share, and boost overall profitability for cooperative societies.

Infrastructure and Digital Transparency

The government is also investing heavily in physical and digital infrastructure. This includes constructing permanent buildings for 150 Public Distribution System (PDS) outlets at a cost of ₹15 crore and establishing a new auction center in Aykudi village, Tiruvarur district, for ₹53 lakh. Furthermore, petrol, diesel, and CNG stations will be set up in cooperative premises in Mayiladuthurai and Dindigul.

Why This Matters: BozokMedia Analysis

BozokMedia analysis shows that this multi-pronged approach addresses the three pillars of rural development: credit accessibility, market branding, and technological transparency. By integrating real-time vehicle tracking for essential commodities and e-auction systems, the government is effectively reducing leakages and corruption in the supply chain.

Additionally, the expansion of TANFED's fertilizer and seed sales from ₹898 crore to a projected ₹2,500 crore demonstrates a massive scaling of state-led agricultural support.

Did You Know?: Cooperative societies in India play a vital role in ensuring food security by bridging the gap between small-scale farmers and large markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is the purpose of the 'Vettri' brand?
Answer: It is a common brand intended to increase the market competitiveness and profit margins of products manufactured by cooperatives.

Question 2: How will transparency be improved in fair-price shops?
Answer: Transparency will be enhanced through the installation of LED boards in 100 shops and the implementation of real-time vehicle tracking for essential goods.