1. Consumers’ Co-operative Societies:
- Formed by consumers to buy daily goods at fair prices.
- Protects the lower and middle classes from exploitation.
- Profits are shared based on member purchases.
- Example: Super Bazaar, Apna Bazaar.
2. Producers’ Co-operative Societies:
- Formed by small producers/artisans to boost production and face competition.
- Types:
a) Industrial Service Co-operatives – Society supplies materials, members work independently, and the society sells the output.
b) Manufacturing Co-operatives – Members work as employees, the society provides resources, and sells goods. - Example: Amul (dairy), craftsmen groups.
3. Marketing Co-operative Societies:
- Formed by producers to sell goods at good prices.
- Products are pooled and sold through one agency.
- Profits are shared based on members' output.
- Example: Farmer Marketing Societies
4. Co-operative Farming Societies:
- Formed by small farmers to farm jointly.
- Members pool land and use modern tools collectively.
- Helps increase agricultural production.
- Example: Village joint-farming groups.
5. Housing Co-operative Societies:
- Formed by low/middle-income groups to own homes.
- Societies either allocate plots or construct homes for their members.
- Loans arranged from banks or the government.
- Example: Mumbai Housing Societies.
6. Credit Co-operative Societies
- Provide loans to poor members and promote savings.
- Protect members from moneylender exploitation.
- Found in both urban and rural areas.
- Example: Urban/Rural Co-op Banks.
