The Citizen Advocate Summary: Declaring
April 11 as Safe ePay Day
Proposing April 11 as Safe ePay
Day to mark UPI’s pilot launch on April 11, 2016, by NPCI with 21 banks,
initiated by Dr. Raghuram G. Rajan in Mumbai. This initiative celebrates UPI’s
seamless integration of banking and merchant payments.
July 05 – Appeal No 46
April 11 – Declare ‘Safe ePay
Day’, Yes, April 11 is vacant in the UN Observance Day calendar
UPI 10th Birthday -April 11 2026 – 280
Days to go
July 5 International Day of Cooperatives: How India’s Co-ops and
April 11 Safe ePay Day Drive Global Empowerment
July 5
marks the International Day of Cooperatives, a UN observance celebrating
the vital role cooperatives play in promoting sustainable development, social
inclusion, and economic democracy. This day highlights how cooperatives empower
communities, support decent work, and foster solidarity worldwide.
The 2025
theme emphasizes cooperative action for a just and green future.
Celebrating July 5: International
Day of Cooperatives and Advocating for Safe ePay Day on April 11
🎉 Happy International Day of Cooperatives! 🎉
On July 5, 2025, we join the
global community in celebrating the International Day of Cooperatives, a United
Nations observance that shines a spotlight on the transformative power of
cooperatives in building inclusive, sustainable societies.
This year’s theme, “Cooperatives:
Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World,” resonates
deeply, especially in India, where cooperatives are a lifeline for millions.
But today, we’re also excited to
champion a proposed global observance: Safe ePay Day on April 11,
marking the launch of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and promoting
secure digital payments worldwide.
Let’s dive into the origins and
relevance of these initiatives, explore India’s vibrant cooperative movement,
and see how they intertwine to create a more equitable future. 🌍💸
The International Day of
Cooperatives: A Global Celebration
Origins and Evolution
The International Day of
Cooperatives, observed annually on the first Saturday of July, has its roots in
the cooperative movement’s rich history. First celebrated in 1923 by the
International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), a global body founded in 1895, the
day gained formal recognition from the United Nations in 1995 through
resolution 47/90, coinciding with the ICA’s centenary (UN Observances).
The cooperative model itself
traces back to 1761 in Scotland, with the modern framework established in 1844
by the Rochdale Pioneers in England, who pioneered a democratic, member-owned
business model.
In 2025, the observance is extra
special as it coincides with the United Nations International Year of
Cooperatives (IYC2025), launched in New Delhi in November 2024 at the ICA
Global Cooperative Conference.
The event, attended by delegates
from over 100 countries, adopted the New Delhi Action Agenda, calling for
concrete actions to advance cooperatives’ role in creating a just society and a
safer planet (ICA).
Why Cooperatives Matter
Cooperatives are a global force
for good, engaging over 12% of humanity through more than 3 million
organizations. They provide jobs or work opportunities to 280 million
people—10% of the global employed population—and the 300 largest cooperatives
generate a turnover of over 2.4 trillion USD (ICA Facts and
Figures).
Their impact spans:
- Economic Inclusion:
Cooperatives reduce poverty by providing affordable credit, market access,
and fair wages, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs).
- Sustainability:
From clean energy to organic farming, cooperatives prioritize
environmental and social goals over profit.
- Democratic Governance:
Member-owned and democratically run, cooperatives ensure equitable wealth
distribution.
- Community Empowerment:
They foster resilience in sectors like agriculture, finance, health, and
housing.
The 2025 theme emphasizes
cooperatives’ role in addressing global challenges like inequality and climate
change, making July 5 a day to celebrate their people-centered approach.
India’s Cooperative Movement: A
Legacy of Empowerment
India boasts one of the world’s
largest cooperative sectors, with over 800,000 societies serving millions,
particularly in rural areas.
The movement is deeply embedded
in India’s socioeconomic fabric, driven by the vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi”
(Prosperity through Cooperation), championed by the government (PIB India).
Historical Milestones
- 1904: The Cooperative Credit
Societies Act laid the foundation for credit cooperatives to combat rural
indebtedness.
- 1912: The Cooperative Societies
Act expanded cooperatives to non-credit sectors, fostering growth in
agriculture, consumer goods, and more.
- Post-Independence:
Cooperatives were integrated into India’s Five-Year Plans, with the
National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) established in 1963 to
provide funding and support.
- 2024: The ICA Global Cooperative
Conference in New Delhi, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
marked the launch of IYC2025, with a commemorative postal stamp
symbolizing India’s commitment (PIB India).
Key Sectors and Impact
India’s cooperatives are a
powerhouse in multiple sectors:
|
Sector |
Examples |
Impact |
|
Agriculture |
NAFED,
IFFCO |
Provides
farmers with credit, marketing, and fair prices for produce. |
|
Dairy |
Amul,
Mother Dairy |
Empowers
millions of dairy farmers with stable income and market access. |
|
Credit |
Primary
Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) |
Offers
affordable loans, reducing reliance on informal lenders. |
|
Consumer Cooperatives |
Kendriya
Bhandar, local co-op stores |
Provides
affordable goods and services to members, promoting equity. |
The Gujarat Cooperative Milk
Marketing Federation (Amul), founded in 1946, is a global success story,
enabling small dairy farmers to collectively own and market India’s largest
food brand.
Similarly, organizations like the
National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and the
Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) support agricultural communities
by ensuring fair trade and resource access (Vajiram
and Ravi).
##
Connecting Cooperatives and Safe ePay Day
### Shared Values
At their core, both the
International Day of Cooperatives and Safe ePay Day are about **inclusivity**,
**empowerment**, and **trust**. Cooperatives unite people to share resources
and opportunities, while UPI ensures financial transactions are safe and accessible.
Both challenge traditional systems by prioritizing the needs of the many over
the few.
Here’s a quick look at how they
align:
| **Aspect** | **International Day of Cooperatives** | **Safe ePay
Day** |
| **Core
Principle** | People-centered, democratic ownership | Inclusive, secure digital payments |
|
**Impact** | Empowers communities through shared prosperity | Empowers individuals through accessible
finance |
|
**Global Reach** | 3 million cooperatives, 12% of humanity | UPI’s model adopted in multiple
countries |
|
**Focus** | Sustainable development (SDGs) | Cybersecurity and financial
inclusion |
| **Celebration Date** | First Saturday of July (July 5, 2025)
| Proposed for April 11
Modernization and Digital
Integration
The Indian government is actively
modernizing cooperatives, encouraging the adoption of digital tools to enhance
efficiency.
While specific data on UPI usage
in cooperatives is scarce, the widespread adoption of UPI across India—handling
over 14 billion transactions monthly—suggests that many cooperatives,
especially in retail and service sectors, use it for transactions.
For instance, cooperative stores
and credit societies likely accept UPI payments, streamlining operations and
reducing cash dependency.
Safe ePay Day: Celebrating UPI
and Secure Digital Payments
The Rise of UPI
On April 11, 2016, the National
Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launched the pilot of the Unified Payments
Interface (UPI), a real-time payment system that has revolutionized digital
transactions. UPI enables instant transfers via mobile devices, QR codes, or
Virtual Payment Addresses, making financial services accessible to all.
As of May 2025, UPI processes
over 14 billion transactions monthly, handling nearly 80% of India’s digital
payments and contributing to economic growth (ORF).
The Vision for Safe ePay Day
Safe ePay Day, proposed for April
11, is a grassroots initiative to celebrate UPI’s legacy and promote secure
digital payments globally. While not yet an official observance, it aims to
mark UPI’s 10th anniversary in 2026 with a focus on:
- Financial Inclusion:
UPI has democratized payments, enabling everyone from street vendors to
large businesses to transact seamlessly, much like cooperatives empower
communities.
- Cybersecurity Awareness:
With rising digital fraud, Safe ePay Day would educate users on practices
like two-factor authentication and verifying transaction details.
- NPCI’s Innovation:
UPI’s interoperable, cost-effective model has inspired countries like
Nepal, Singapore, and Peru, positioning India as a fintech leader.
- Global Movement:
Like the International Day of Yoga, Safe ePay Day could foster
international collaboration for secure, inclusive payment systems.
Synergy Between Cooperatives and
Safe ePay Day
Shared Values
The International Day of
Cooperatives and Safe ePay Day share a commitment to inclusivity, empowerment,
and trust. Cooperatives unite people to share resources and
opportunities, while UPI ensures financial transactions are safe and
accessible. In India, this synergy is particularly powerful:
- Agricultural Cooperatives:
Farmers can receive payments for crops or supplies via UPI, ensuring
transparency and reducing cash-handling risks.
- Dairy Cooperatives:
Amul and similar organizations can use UPI for milk collection payments,
simplifying processes for farmers.
- Consumer Cooperatives:
Stores like Kendriya Bhandar can accept UPI, making shopping more
convenient for members.
- Credit Cooperatives:
PACS can disburse loans or collect repayments through UPI, enhancing
efficiency and security.
This integration aligns with
India’s push for a digital economy, where cooperatives can leverage UPI to
modernize operations and reach underserved communities.
A Practical Example
While specific examples of
cooperatives using UPI are not widely documented, the ubiquity of UPI in India
suggests its adoption in cooperative settings.
For instance, a cooperative store
in a rural area might use UPI QR codes for customer payments, while a dairy
cooperative could use UPI to pay farmers directly, ensuring quick and secure
transactions.
This not only streamlines
operations but also builds trust, a core value of both cooperatives and Safe
ePay Day.
A Vision for Collaboration
Imagine a future where every
cooperative in India uses UPI to enhance its operations. On Safe ePay Day,
cooperatives could host workshops to teach members about secure digital
payments, aligning with the day’s focus on cybersecurity.
This collaboration could amplify
the impact of both initiatives, creating a more inclusive and resilient
economic ecosystem.
A Call to Action
As we celebrate the International
Day of Cooperatives on July 5, 2025, let’s also rally for Safe ePay Day on
April 11, 2026. Here’s how we can make it happen:
- Raise Awareness:
Organize workshops and campaigns to educate cooperative members and the
public about secure e-payment practices, like avoiding phishing scams.
- Engage Communities:
Encourage cooperatives to adopt UPI and offer incentives for secure
digital transactions.
- Go Global: Advocate for Safe
ePay Day to be recognized by international bodies like the UN, mirroring
the global reach of the International Day of Cooperatives.
- Celebrate Together:
Plan events for Safe ePay Day, similar to #CoopsDay, to highlight fintech
innovation and cooperative success stories.
In Conclusion
On July 5, 2025, we honor the
cooperative movement’s legacy of unity and sustainability, with India’s vibrant
sector leading the way.
It’s also the perfect moment to
champion Safe ePay Day on April 11, a proposed observance that celebrates UPI’s
transformative power and promotes secure digital payments.
By intertwining these
initiatives, we can build a future where cooperatives and digital payments work
hand in hand to Juno to empower communities and ensure financial inclusion for
all. Let’s make Safe ePay Day a global reality and keep the cooperative spirit
thriving! 🚀💡
Citations:
- International
Day of Cooperatives | United Nations
- ICA: Facts
and Figures
- CoopsDay
2025
- PIB
India: Cooperative Movement
- Vajiram
and Ravi: Cooperatives in India
- ORF:
UPI Phenomenon
- NPCI: UPI
Overview
## Call to
Action
I urge
governments, financial institutions, businesses, and communities worldwide to
join hands in declaring April 11 as **Safe ePay Day**.
Let’s
celebrate UPI’s milestone by making **Safe ePay Day** a global movement for
secure, innovative fintech.
Together, we
can build a future where financial access is universal, and every e-payment is
safe—starting with **Safe ePay Day** in 2026.
No Vada Pav, not even one bite,
Till SafeePay Day takes off in flight.
Quirky vow with a Mumbai flair—
Announce the date, and I’ll be there!
Disclaimer: - The only Joy is
Safe ePayments. Nothing More – Nothing Less.
April 11 – Declare ‘Safe ePay
Day’.
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