Synopsis Co-operatives have been playing a pivotal role in the socio-economic upliftment of the poor and the downtrodden. India is proud of having the largest number of co-operative organizations in the world with mass involvement of the people from different sections of the society. But, the new economic policy and the consequent structural changes have posed a challenge to the development of co-operatives in our country. It is in this background that this volume provides a comprehensive explanation of the role played by the co-operatives in economic development. Each paper included in it takes up a specific aspect of co-operative sector and discusses it with greater depth and insight and offers suggestions for improvement. The book will be of immense use to scholars, teachers, researchers and planners.