Punjab lifts curbs on registering new cooperative societies; state to unveil its Cooperative Policy soon

Chandigarh, September 25, 2025: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced the withdrawal of earlier restrictions on registering new cooperative societies in Punjab—including PACS, milk and dairy cooperatives, and labour societies—in a bid to expand the cooperative ecosystem and deepen participation across rural communities.

Framing the move as a return to first principles of the cooperative movement—voluntarism, democratic member control, and open access—the Chief Minister said the state is drafting a comprehensive Cooperative Policy to attach more people to cooperatives, widen opportunities for participation, and ensure fair competition.

What changes immediately

All restrictive

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