ULCCS – a Successful Coop Model ULCCS was formed in 1925 by the disciples of eminent social reformer Sri Guru Vagbhatananda in a remote hamlet called Uralungal near Vatakara in Kozhikode District of Kerala, as a novel mass movement against the anarchies of the caste system prevalent in those days.

It has grown today as a name synonymous with quality, workmanship, precision and efficiency in infrastructure projects. In 1924 one of the newspapers published an article regarding a notification of Malabar District Board under British rule inviting people to form cooperatives in the Malabar region. This encouraged 14 young people to form an organasation which gives equity and equality among them.

ULCCS is a unique organisation that has carved a niche for itself through many decades of exemplary commitment to quality and integrity. It is a shining example of how teamwork, dedication and discipline helped a rural co-operative society overcome all challenges and grow into a huge, diversified organisation that has acquired international fame. Even though the workers of the Society hail from rural areas, they use modern state-of-the-art technology in their activities. In a sense, ULCCS is a successful example of how technology adoption at grass root levels can make phenomenal changes in the lives of the people in rural India.ULCCS provides direct jobs of 17138/day with a turnover of Rs 2334 crores.

The Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS) is one of India’s most successful worker-owned cooperatives, particularly in the infrastructure development sector. Its success can be attributed to several key factors, which have also had a profound impact on society.

Keys to ULCCS’s Success: 1. Strong Cooperative Model 2. Commitment to Quality & Timely Execution 3. Governance 4. Skilled Workforce & Training 5. Diversification & Expansion 6. Socially Responsible Approach Impact on Society: • Employment Generation: • Rural Development: • Ethical Business Practices: • Sustainable Growth: ULCCS stands as a model of cooperative success, proving that ethical, worker-owned businesses can compete with private enterprises while prioritizing social good.

Challenges and Its Survival Faced cut-throat competition from private contractors and struggled even to pay wages to its employees. Sometimes it confronted serious financial issues to meet large projects. But members accepted the challenges and they offered the reduction of their wages and they also started to mobilise funds from their kith and kins for meeting expenses. The economic reforms implemented in India in the early nineties created a crisis for the local bodies, and ULCCS took the opportunity to move forward. ULCCS was accepted by the government and the general public alike as it undertook the construction works of the local government and completed it in a timely manner without compromising quality and standards and with zero corruption. The compelled, sudden and unexpected shift to the digital money system after demonetization in 2016 in India was a challenge. The conventional employees were not used to this. ULCCS helped their laborers to open bank accounts and made things possible and easy for all the employees, even during those strenuous times.

Key Lessons from ULCCS’s Success

1. Worker Ownership Creates Long-Term Commitment 2. Ethical and Transparent Governance Builds Trust

3. Quality and Reliability Drive Sustainable Growth

4. Diversification Ensures Stability

5. Investing in People is Investing in the Business

6. Social Impact and Profitability Can Go Hand in Hand

How These Lessons Can Help New Businesses

• Start with a strong purpose

• Prioritize quality over shortcuts • Foster an ownership mindset

• Be transparent and ethical

• Diversify strategically

• Invest in people