The cooperative movement started in India as an initiative to promote social and economic justice to the class of Indian society which didn’t have the resources to uplift themselves. In his book, Cooperatives in 21st Century: Navigating New Frontiers, Arun Raste explores and investigates the perimeters and boundaries along with the work done and can be done on that front. ‘The book aims to provide overview of the sectors which could be vehicle for potential future growth of cooperatives.’ (sic)
Cooperatives, on a large scale, have been instrumental in economic growth of certain industries on India, eg. Dairy. The Amul movement is an example that world reckons with. Raste compares Indian cooperative movement with movements worldwide while analysing the work and impact of varied sectors. ‘Covered herein are the challenges cooperatives face in the ever-changing scenario and possible strategies for their continued growth and success.’ (sic)
Raste delves into the varied cooperative societies and the movement in India deep enough to point out the pluses and minuses of the movement and its evolution in the country. He lists down the seven important principles that the cooperatives work on and out the positive impact the movement has on economics and the communities.
While talking about the global scenario, Raste gives examples, with supporting figures, of countries like Brazil, Tanzania, Singapore etc. to reiterate the importance of cooperative movements to enhance the socio-economic timbre of a country. He points out that USA, the mecca of capitalism, too had to at one time depend on cooperative movement for economic growth.
Raste goes on to say that for an inclusive growth – economic and social – it is important to address the gender bias, especially in countries like India. He says that cooperatives have immense potential to play a significant role in empowering women and promoting gender equality.
The book examines the current Indian and global scenario of cooperative societies and movements in depth. Raste at times criticizes the approach of governments while recommending the apt use of cooperative societies to increase the GDP of the country. He also, rightfully, says that appropriate use of the societies can help income and jobs. The true potential of Cooperative Societies still remains untapped.
Cooperatives in 21st Century: Navigating New Frontiers is a book that any reader studying the cooperative movement or has interest in the same should not miss.
Book: Cooperatives in 21st Century: Navigating New Frontiers
Author: Arun Raste
Publisher: Book Enclave
Pages: 152
Price: Rs 495
