On 7th August in the year 1918, Rabindranath Tagore re-introduced “Bhandar” Magazine as the main journal for the promotion of the Cooperative Movement in West Bengal. West Bengal State Cooperative Union was established on 11th of May in the year 1950. After a few years from its establishment, WBSCU was given the responsibility of publication of Bhandar. Henceforth West Bengal State Cooperative Union has been successfully publishing this magazine on a regular basis once every month.

May it be propagation of Principles of Cooperation, or be it introduction of modern views in management of different Cooperatives, “Bhandar” has been able to make a special position in the hearts of thousands of its readers today. At present more than 3000 copies of “Bhandar” are circulated every month. Today, on its own merits “Bhandar” has been able to cross the boundaries of our State and has risen to National Level. “Bhandar was awarded with a national level award for best magazine in the years 2005 and 2010. In 2006 it was awarded with the prestigious “Certificate of Merit”.

Apart from twelve issues in twelve months, a special issue of Bhandar is also published every year on the occasion of Durga Puja popularly known as “Saradiya Bhandar”. In 2017 “Bhandar” completed its journey of 100 years. To demarcate this occasion, a special issue was published on the 8th of August, 2017. A special celebration was also observed on this day. This issue was graced with special notes of congratulations from the Honourable Chief Minister of West Bengal, Smt. Mamata Banerjee and the then Honourable Minister-In-Charge of Department of Cooperation, Sri Arup Roy.

Since the inception of Bhandar, it has been enriched by eminent writers and poets who have shared valuable information and their valuable views in regards to the matter of Cooperation and Cooperative movement. Today “Bhandar” is the only esteemed magazine on Cooperatives in the State of West Bengal. “Bhandar” is not only a cooperative magazine but it has become a heritage for its rich history which needs to be carried on generation after generation.

Motos of Bhandar:

• To publish recent information and facts through prose and write-ups.
• To propagate thoughts regarding Cooperative Movement in its readers.
• To build up cooperative principles and values.
• To grow interest of common people and members of Cooperatives on Cooperation.
• To influence modern views in Management of Cooperatives.
• To create scope for exchange of thoughts among readers through their writings.
• To inform the readers about important agendas through Q&A Section
• To create public interest and work efficiency by providing articles regarding training.
• To draw attention of readers towards cooperative by publishing articles collected from other publications.
• To point out the positive sides of cooperatives through book reviews.
• Anyone can subscribe to Bhandar by filling up a small form and payment of nominal subscription fees.

  Currently subscription of Bhandar is provided in 3 (three) modes.

  • Annual Subscription - Rs. 300/- for 1 year.
  • 3 Years Subscription - Rs. 800/- for 3 years.
  • Life Subscription (12 Years) - Rs. 1,200/- for 12 years