A co-operative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise. Therefore, they follow certain broad values other than those associated purely with profit making. The need for profitability is balanced by the needs of the members and the wider interest of the community. The values universally recognized as cornerstones of co-operative behaviour are self-help, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. The voluntary and open membership, democratic control, economic participation, autonomy, training and information and concern for community are the overarching features by which the co-operatives put their values into practice. The Co-operative institutions exist all over the world providing essential services which would otherwise be unattainable. The co-operative movement in India has celebrated its centenary year of service recently. The Indian co-operatives are unique as they were initiated and supported by the Government. In this paper explain that the development of co-operatives, Growth co-operatives, Types of co-operatives, Merits & Social Benefits of Co-Operative, Causes of slow progress co-operatives in India).