Author(s) :

Prashant Vithal Kadam.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

The study provides a descriptive analysis of the pivotal role that cooperatives can play in facilitating the growth of a circular economy in India. As one of the world's fastest-growing major economies, India faces the dual challenge of sustaining its economic momentum while addressing significant environmental pressures from a linear 'take-make-dispose' model of production and consumption. The transition to a circular economy, which emphasizes resource efficiency, waste reduction, and value retention, is not just an environmental imperative but also a social and economic opportunity. This paper argues that cooperatives, with their unique democratic governance, member-centric structure, and community-focused principles, are exceptionally well-suited to drive this transition. By their very nature, cooperatives promote local ownership and collective action, which are foundational to circular practices such as shared resource management, community-based recycling, and the creation of local loops for materials and products. We explore several examples across India's diverse sectors, including dairy, handicrafts, and waste management, where cooperative models have already demonstrated success in fostering sustainable practices. For instance, dairy cooperatives are increasingly integrating waste-to-wealth models, while artisan cooperatives are revitalizing traditional, low-impact production methods and promoting product longevity. Furthermore, the abstract highlights how cooperatives can bridge the gap between formal and informal economies, particularly in the waste management sector, by empowering informal waste pickers and integrating them into a formal, value-driven system. The study posits that a supportive policy environment, coupled with increased financial and technical assistance, can unlock the full potential of cooperatives to create inclusive and resilient circular economies across urban and rural landscapes in India. The research concludes by proposing that embedding cooperative principles into national circular economy strategies is not merely an option but a strategic necessity for building a sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for India.

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