CO-OPERATIVE PRINCIPLES
1. Voluntary and Open Membership.—Co-operatives are voluntary organisations, open to all
persons capable of using their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without
discrimination on bases of gender, social inequality, racial, political ideologies or religious consideration.
2. Democratic Member Control.—Co-operatives are democratic organisations controlled by their
members, who actively participate in setting their policies and decision making. Elected representatives of
these co-operatives are responsible and accountable to their members.
3. Member’s Economic Participation.—Members contribute equitably and control the capital of
their Co-operative democratically. At least a part of the surplus arising out of the economic results would
be the common property of the co-operatives. The remaining surplus could be utilised benefiting the
members in proportion to their share in the Co-operative.
4. Autonomy and Independence.—Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organisations
controlled by their members. If co-operatives enter into agreement with other organisations including
Government or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure their democratic
control by members and maintenance of Co-operative autonomy.
5. Education, Training and Information.—Co-operatives provide education and training to their
members, elected representatives and employees so that they can contribute effectively to the
development of their Co-operatives. They also make the general public, particularly young people and
leaders aware of the nature and benefits of co-operation.
6. Co-operation among Co-operatives.—Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and
strengthen the co-operative movement, by working together through available local, regional, national
and international structures.
7. Concern for Community.—While focusing on the needs of their members, co-operatives work for
the sustainable development of communities through policies accepted by their members.