NE BUSINESS BUREAU
CHENNAI, DEC 5
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Tamil Nadu Regional Office, organised a State-Level Co-operative Conclave in Chennai on December 4, 2025, as part of the International Year of Co-operatives 2025. Themed “Co-operatives Build a Better World,” the conclave brought together policymakers, co-operative experts and fintech innovators to explore the future of digitally empowered co-operative institutions.
The conclave opened with a welcome address by S.S. Vaseeharan, General Manager, NABARD, Tamil Nadu Regional Office, who greeted participants and framed the day’s discussions.
Anand, Chief General Manager, NABARD, emphasised the institution’s proactive approach to strengthening the co-operative ecosystem in Tamil Nadu. He highlighted the democratic ethos of co-operatives that drives social equity, sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. Anand cited successful co-operative models from Maharashtra, Finland, the Philippines and Bangladesh, noting the “irreplaceable role of co-operatives in socio-economic progress.” He thanked all dignitaries and stakeholders for their commitment to the sector.
- Event marks International Year of Co-operatives 2025 with the theme ‘Co-operatives Build a Better World’
- Stakeholders discuss digital transformation, fintech integration and roadmaps for modernising co-operative banks
- Best-performing PACS and DCCBs honoured as NABARD showcases four decades of co-operative development
The conclave focused on strengthening Co-operative Banks through fintech integration, with companies such as Northern Arc Capital, Bulkpe and M2P demonstrating innovative digital solutions. The Chief Guest also released the brochure titled “Four Decades of Cooperative Building – NABARD’s Initiatives.”
Best-performing PACS and DCCBs were felicitated during the event, with the Dindigul DCCB receiving special recognition for its innovative ATM-cum-college ID card initiative. Deliberations concluded with the presentation of a forward-looking roadmap to leverage technology for enhanced rural prosperity and financial inclusion.
Key dignitaries present included K.R. Periakaruppan, Minister for Cooperation; Satyabrata Sahoo, Principal Secretary, Department of Co-operation, Food and Consumer Protection; and K. Nanthakumar, Registrar of Co-operative Societies, Government of Tamil Nadu.
