Journal Press India^®

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India’s cooperative banking system has long served as an alternative to exploitative money lending, reflecting Gandhian principles such as trusteeship, Gram Swaraj, Sarvodaya, Swadeshi, and Ahimsa. This study examines the relevance of these ideas in the cooperative sector through a case analysis of the Odisha State Cooperative Bank (OSCB), the apex institution coordinating DCCBs and PACS. Using the secondary data from RBI, NABARD, and OSCB reports for 2000–2023, the paper evaluates trends in deposits, advances, crop loan disbursement, and the non-performing assets (NPAs). The findings indicate substantial growth in deposits and credit, alongside improved asset quality, with NPAs declining significantly over time. OSCB also demonstrates a strong focus on agricultural finance and support for marginalized groups. However, issues such as governance constraints, uneven institutional performance, and digital gaps persist. The study underscores the continued practical relevance of Gandhian economic thought in promoting inclusive, ethical, and community-oriented banking in contemporary India.

Keywords

Gandhian Economics; Trusteeship; Gram Swaraj; Sarvodaya; Swadeshi; Cooperative banking; Odisha State Cooperative Bank (OSCB)

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