Status of Cooperative Societies in India
As per the National Cooperative Database (NCD) data as of July 15, 2026, India has a total of 8,53,430 cooperative societies registered across the country. The sector-wise distribution shows significant concentration in several key areas: Housing Cooperative Societies lead with 1,95,411 entities, followed by Dairy Cooperatives (1,58,216), Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) (1,06,126), and Credit & Thrift Societies (83,928). Other notable sectors include Labour Cooperatives (47,182), Miscellaneous Non-Credit (34,969), and Agriculture & Allied Cooperatives (27,600).
State-wise Distribution and Operational Status
Geographically, Maharashtra has the highest concentration with 2,27,177 cooperative societies, followed by Gujarat (88,119), Telangana (60,680), Madhya Pradesh (53,216), and Karnataka (47,288). The operational status reveals that out of the total 8.53 lakh societies, 6,62,811 are functional, 1,41,442 are non-functional, and 49,177 are under liquidation. State-wise operational performance varies significantly, with Maharashtra showing the highest number of functional societies (2,19,775), while Haryana has an unusually high number under liquidation (16,796).
Financial Performance Analysis
Among the 6.63 lakh functional cooperative societies, 3,55,680 are profit-making while 2,50,442 are loss-making. Financial information is not available for 56,689 societies. The profitability pattern shows state-level variations, with Maharashtra having the highest number of profit-making societies (1,09,113) but also the highest number of loss-making societies (71,593). Several states including Kerala, West Bengal, and Lakshadweep have complete financial data availability for all their functional societies.
Policy Initiatives and Development Framework
The Ministry of Cooperation has implemented proactive measures to convert Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), Dairy, and Fisheries Cooperatives into Multipurpose cooperative societies. This initiative aims to enhance business diversification, strengthen financial sustainability, and prevent closures by enabling cooperatives to engage in wider economic activities. The NCD serves as a tool for identifying geographical gaps in cooperative spread, supporting the formation of new multipurpose societies, and developing a Cooperative Ranking Framework to promote healthy competition. Additionally, the Ministry has established a Co-operative Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Development Fund under section 63A of the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) (Amendment) Act, 2023 for reviving sick multi-State cooperative societies and providing assistance for meeting infrastructural requirements.