Q.Describe the three-tier structure through which co-operative education and training are provided in India.

Education and training are organised at three connected levels so that advanced work and mass member-education are each handled at the right level.

In India, co-operative education and training are provided through a connected three-tier structure running from a national apex body down to the district and society level:

(1) National level. The National Co-operative Union of India (NCUI), New Delhi, is the apex organisation of the whole movement; it promotes co-operative education and, through the National Council for Co-operative Training (NCCT) with VAMNICOM, Pune at its apex (supported by regional and state institutes of co-operative management), directs co-operative training.

(2) State level. In each state a State Co-operative Union is the apex body for co-operative education and training within that state. In Maharashtra this is the Maharashtra State Co-operative Union, which plans and co-ordinates education and training across the state in line with national policy.

(3) District and local level. District co-operative (education) boards and co-operative training colleges/education centres carry education and training to the ground — the boards conducting mass member-education and basic training of small-society staff, and the colleges/institutes providing formal certificate, diploma and specialised courses. …