The Co-operative Banking Sector of Gujarat has been servicing the common man since last 128 years much before the Gujarat Co-operative Societies Act got enacted in 1908, 109 years back.

The Urban Co-operative Banks of Gujarat big & small, have been playing an instrumental role as financial power houses for the common man in each stage of his life - education, career building as entrepreneurs, helping buy the dream home, meeting personal needs through gold loans, setting up industries through term loans, business expansion through working capital limits & encouraging savings through term deposits.

All through these years and in the context of the global meltdown that shook the Western & European world the Co-operative Banking Sector has stood the test of time. It continues to demonstrate that it is a sustainable & viable model offering affordable finance for not only economic but socio economic upliftment of the common man.

Historically Co-operative Banks were started by ordinary people with miniscule capital. To date these banks represent the common man. These people have a feeling of ownership & pride in their association. Over time these banks have become financially strong & the assets generated by these banks also belong to the common people who are their members,

The Federation is currently working on three major areas :

1) Technology upgradation to help even the tiniest bank acquire capabilities to offer world class banking.

2) Consolidate the co-operative brand “Proudly Co-operative” to provide banks & other Co-operative Organizations with a uniform identity.

3) Carry out research for the sector to develop a road map for 2020 in its endeavor to constantly prepare banks to meet future challenges.

The declaration of 2012 as the International Year of Co-operatives by UNO had given us a unique opportunity to go to the public to highlight success stories, various socio-economic business models & initiatives that the Federation & its member banks have taken.

The Federation has decided to celebrate this year through various initiatives for financial inclusion & inclusive growth. The details of such initiatives & projects with emphasis on youth & women are highlighted separately under the title IYC initiatives.

The Federation is committed to serve the common man guided by Co-operative Principles, Values & Regulation.

The Federation continues to be absolutely confident that the Urban Co-operative Sector of the State is fully geared to raise to the expectations of the common man and handhold each such individual to a safe, secure & prosperous future.

The Federation deeply appreciates the recognition that UNO has given to the co-operative movement & pledges complete support in this initiative.

We recognize the efforts put in by Shri Prakash Kapoor for improving this website & making it interactive and the team of PHOENIX IT PARK as the design and developing team for having conceived & compiled this profile of the federation.

Mr. Jyotindra Mehta,
Chairman & Board of Directors.