India’s cooperative sector has played a pivotal role in transforming rural and agricultural development. From dairy cooperatives like Amul to credit cooperatives supporting small farmers, these organizations have become engines of inclusive growth. Recognizing the need to engage young professionals and provide them with experiential learning, the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) launched the SAHAKAR MITRA: Scheme on Internship Programme.
This innovative initiative aims to nurture young talent, expose them to real-world cooperative business practices, and inspire them to contribute to India’s cooperative movement. In this comprehensive blog, we delve deep into what SAHAKAR MITRA is, its objectives, eligibility, benefits, application process, and why it stands out as a significant step toward strengthening the cooperative ecosystem.
Table of Contents
What is SAHAKAR MITRA?
SAHAKAR MITRA is an internship programme initiated by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC). It is designed to provide short-term (approximately 4 months) opportunities for young professionals to work with cooperatives, especially in rural areas. The main goal is to provide them with hands-on experience while also assisting cooperatives in business planning and operational improvements.
This programme is a part of NCDC’s efforts to strengthen cooperatives by creating a pool of young talent familiar with cooperative business models, governance structures, and community-based entrepreneurship.
Objectives of SAHAKAR MITRA
The scheme has been crafted with multiple objectives in mind:
1️⃣ Capacity Building of Young Professionals: To create a cadre of trained young professionals who can support cooperative institutions in their business planning, project implementation, and governance.
2️⃣ Promote Cooperative Development: To encourage innovative ideas and new approaches to solve problems faced by cooperatives.
3️⃣ Hands-on Learning: To provide practical exposure to students or fresh graduates on the functioning of cooperatives and related enterprises.
4️⃣ Support for Cooperatives: To help cooperatives with business strategies, operational efficiencies, marketing plans, and technological interventions through these young minds.
Who Can Apply?
The scheme is open to:
✅ Students pursuing or having completed MBA (Agri-business), MBA, or equivalent courses, preferably in areas like agriculture, dairy, horticulture, fisheries, etc.
✅ Students from recognized universities, institutes, or colleges in India.
✅ Fresh graduates or those who have recently completed their postgraduate degrees.
Applicants must have a keen interest in cooperative business and rural development.
Duration of the Internship
The internship duration is generally 4 months. During this period, interns, known as Sahakar Mitras, work closely with cooperative societies, understanding their operational dynamics, preparing business plans, and supporting various development initiatives.
Stipend and Benefits
💰 Financial Support: Each intern receives a stipend of ₹10,000 per month during the internship period. This support is to cover expenses related to travel, accommodation, and other incidental costs.
🏅 Certificate: On successful completion, interns receive a certificate from NCDC, which holds significant value for future career prospects.
🤝 Networking Opportunities: Interns get a chance to interact with cooperative leaders, government officials, and development professionals, thus expanding their professional network.
🧭 Skill Development: From project management and market analysis to business planning and community engagement, interns gain a wide range of practical skills.
Role of Interns (Sahakar Mitras)
Interns under the SAHAKAR MITRA scheme play an active role in:
- Preparing business development plans for cooperatives.
- Assisting in market analysis and feasibility studies.
- Supporting cooperatives in digital transformation initiatives.
- Helping in financial planning and resource mobilization.
- Organizing awareness and capacity-building programs for cooperative members.
Their contributions help cooperatives become more sustainable, competitive, and community-focused.
How to Apply for SAHAKAR MITRA Internship?
The application process for SAHAKAR MITRA is streamlined and digital:
1️⃣ Visit the NCDC website: Navigate to the SAHAKAR MITRA page on NCDC’s official website.
2️⃣ Check eligibility and guidelines: Download and read the guidelines carefully.
3️⃣ Online registration: Fill out the application form with your personal and educational details.
4️⃣ Submit documents: Upload necessary documents such as your CV, educational certificates, and a brief statement of purpose.
5️⃣ Selection process: Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview or document verification.
Once selected, the interns are matched with suitable cooperatives and oriented accordingly.
Why Choose SAHAKAR MITRA?
The cooperative sector in India offers tremendous potential for economic and social empowerment. SAHAKAR MITRA provides a unique platform to:
🌱 Contribute to nation-building: Work at the grassroots level and help in uplifting rural communities.
💼 Gain industry-relevant experience: Understand cooperative business models which are becoming increasingly important in agribusiness and rural finance.
📈 Enhance employability: Practical experience makes candidates more attractive to employers in both public and private sectors.
🤲 Create an impact: Directly work on projects that improve the livelihoods of thousands of cooperative members.
Success Stories from SAHAKAR MITRA
Several young professionals have leveraged this internship to launch successful careers in development finance, agribusiness management, and rural entrepreneurship. For example:
- Ravi Kumar, an MBA (Agri-business) graduate from Punjab, worked on improving milk collection and distribution systems for a dairy cooperative, resulting in a 20% increase in farmer incomes.
- Neha Sharma, a postgraduate in rural development from Maharashtra, helped a cooperative society set up an organic farming unit and directly connect with urban markets.
These stories highlight the transformative potential of SAHAKAR MITRA, both for interns and cooperatives.
Challenges and Future Scope
While the programme has been widely appreciated, it faces certain challenges:
⚠️ Limited awareness among students and cooperatives.
⚠️ Need for more structured mentorship during internships.
⚠️ Expanding beyond agriculture to other cooperative sectors like fisheries, textiles, and handicrafts.
To address these, NCDC plans to expand outreach, involve more academic institutions, and integrate advanced learning tools and mentorship programs.
Contribution to Atmanirbhar Bharat
The SAHAKAR MITRA programme aligns with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) by:
- Strengthening cooperative businesses to become self-sufficient.
- Generating rural employment.
- Promoting indigenous production and marketing systems.
It is a classic example of how public policy can integrate youth energy into cooperative growth strategies.
Conclusion
The SAHAKAR MITRA internship scheme by NCDC is a golden opportunity for young professionals to immerse themselves in India’s cooperative movement. With its well-defined objectives, robust support system, and focus on skill-building, the programme is paving the way for a new generation of cooperative leaders.
If you are a student or a recent graduate passionate about rural development, agribusiness, or social entrepreneurship, SAHAKAR MITRA can be your stepping stone to a rewarding and impactful career.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the stipend provided under SAHAKAR MITRA?
Interns receive ₹10,000 per month as a stipend during their internship period.
How long is the SAHAKAR MITRA internship?
The internship duration is typically 4 months.
Who can apply for SAHAKAR MITRA?
Students pursuing or who have completed MBA (Agri-business), MBA, or equivalent courses from recognized institutions in India.
How can I apply for the SAHAKAR MITRA internship?
You can apply online through the NCDC official website by filling out the application form and uploading the required documents.
Is the internship certificate recognized?
Yes, interns receive a certificate from NCDC, which is recognized and valuable for future career prospects.
Can engineering graduates apply?
Currently, the programme primarily targets MBA and Agri-business management graduates. However, interested candidates from related fields can check specific eligibility guidelines on the NCDC website.
🔗 Useful Link
👉 Learn more and apply for SAHAKAR MITRA on the official NCDC websitehttps://www.ncdc.in/
