Role of Co-Operative Banks in Eradication of Poverty in Rural Odisha

Abstract

The Constitution of India guaranteed fundamental rights to all its citizens irrespective of caste, creed, gender or religion, along with clear direction to ensure welfare of backward communities.  Directive Principles of State Policy enables to protect and promote their well being.  Considering the needs of weaker sections successive Governments have taken several measures by adopting under privileged friendly policies and programmes.  Where policies and programmes failed to yield expressed outcomes, legislations were brought in, so that equal opportunities are provided for the weaker sections and ensure benefits.  India has been a welfare State with constitutional mandate and democratic obligations to ensure social inclusion of all its citizens with special focus on the vulnerable, disadvantaged and weaker section of the society.  Empowering them at par with the rest of the society as part of social inclusion and inclusive development is the commitment of successive Government to the people of the country.  To ensure economic participation of the weaker sections various economic development programmes have been implemented.  For implementation of the programmes the role of the Co-operative Banks are vital.

Keywords- Co-operative, Bank, Poverty, Finance, Development