It is an association of the weak who gather together for a common economic need and try to lift themselves from

weakness into strength through business enterprise. Co-operative is a form of enterprise wherein persons voluntarily associate together as human being on the basis of equality for the promotion of the economic interest of themselves

Co-operative sector has emerged as the most significant sector of our Indian economy. The co-operative movement which has initially started in 1904 in the share of credit has now spread to all most all sectors and areas of operations like farming, marketing, insurance transportation, housing and others.

this form of business organization of weaker section or poors who individually unable to stand on his own feet. By forming this form of organization, Government emphasize the idea of a voluntary association of those weak individuals for the achievement of common good.

cooperative form of organization attempts to protect the weaker sections of the society through mutual help and assistance. In the other words, it is a protective device used by the economically weaker sections to protect their self interest and against the exploitation by others.

In all others form of business organization like sole proprietorship, partnership or company form, the primary motive is to generate profit by any means even at the cost of consumers. But this is completely different from all other form of organization.

Promote and develop the cooperative movement in India. To educate, guide and assist the people in their efforts to build up and expand the cooperative sector. To serve as an exponent of cooperative opinion in accordance with cooperative principles.

Organize cooperative education and training programmed and popularize the principles and practices of cooperation. Develop inter-cooperative relations and help the coordinated functioning of the cooperative movement in various sectors. Organize, conduct, collaborate and assist in carrying out research, investigation of cooperative problems and formulation of projects for cooperative development.

Arrange for the production and publication of literature and audio-visual and other aids including films, filmstrips on cooperation and allied subjects. Give publicity to the achievements of cooperatives through periodicals, journals, newspapers, pamphlets, brochures, books, films, broadcasts, T.V and the like for creating favourable atmosphere for the development of the cooperative movement. Maintain an information bureau and a library. Express opinion on matters of cooperative Policy and act as the accredited representative of the Indian Cooperative Movement in the national and international spheres.

Convene and hold the National Cooperative Congress and cooperative seminars, meetings, conferences, exhibitions etc Select delegates, representatives and observers on behalf of the Union for participation in the international, national and state conferences. Facilitate the promotion of cooperative institutions and assist the member societies in resolving their problems and difficulties and formulation of programmes and their implementation while also preserve and safeguard the democratic character of the cooperative movement in the country. to confer honour on the eminent co-operators. Acquire, hire, purchase, own or dispose off immovable property by way of sale, lease or otherwise for the furtherance of objects of the Union.

Promote international cooperative relations through active collaboration with ICA, UNO, FAO, ILO, UNDP, UNIDO and other international agencies involved in cooperative development. Establish effective liaison and relations with ICA member-organisations and national cooperative organisations of other countries. Help, promote international marketing on cooperative to cooperative basis by documenting necessary information and to act as nodal agency for the benefit of Indian Cooperative Movement. to provide consultancy services to the cooperatives.

to generally undertake such activities or functions as are considered incidental or conducive to the attainment of the objects of the Union. to undertake such economic activities, directly or through strategically collaborative joint ventures or partnerships with cooperatives and other organisations including insurance business as may be considered necessary for consolidation of financial position of NCUI or for furtherance of any or all of the above stated objects.