Tribhuvan Sahkari University: India’s first cooperative institute to train 8 lakh people each year

NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha passed the Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill 2025, marking the establishment of India's first cooperative university, 75 years after independence. The university, named after Tribhuvan Das Patel, plans to train 8 lakh individuals each year. The cooperative university will strengthen the rural economy as well as promote innovation and research in the cooperative sector.

The university will offer degree, diploma, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes, along with short-term certificate courses for existing employees in the sector. “After the formation of a cooperative university, its diploma and degree holders will get jobs,” the official press release said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the house, highlighting the university's potential to strengthen the rural economy and foster innovation and research within the cooperative sector. The minister stated that the bill aims to support the rural economy, expand self-employment and small business opportunities, promote social inclusion, and create scope for innovation and research.

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Tribhuvan Sahkari University: Course framework in progress

The Union Home Minister further said that there are cooperative education training institutes across the country, but they do not have a standardised course curriculum. He added that work on designing the course, keeping in mind the needs of the cooperative sector, began before the university was established.

According to the official press release, the bill will help expand cooperative principles and activities. The cooperative sector will gain access to new technology, and research and innovation will grow. This will also support the rural economy.

“Amit Shah said that being associated with the name of a great man like Tribhuvan Das, this cooperative university will prove to be a high-quality university. It will work to produce excellent cooperative workers in the country,” the press release said.