The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, recently established 10,000 new multipurpose primary agricultural credit societies (M-PACS) along with dairy and fisheries cooperative societies in New Delhi. Many president cooperative societies in India on the back of development envisage a stronger future with the initiatives initiated by the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi to turn the ‘Sahakar Se Samriddhi’ – vision into a reality. The government is transforming India’s cooperative movement to set up 2 lakh PACS in five years to bring farmer empowerment, improve accountability and spur growth in rural areas.
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Key Highlights
The government is making enormous strides in building up the cooperative sector and rural development. New schemes are being unveiled to promote the establishment of more cooperatives for farmers and the rural population. The following are the salient points of these initiatives:
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Launch of 10,000 Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (M-PACS). Along with various dairy and fisheries cooperative societies, Shri Amit Shah brought into existence the previously established 10,000 M-PACS which is a major step in India's cooperative development.
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Sahakar Se Samriddhi Vision: The vision nods to the Indian vision of using cooperatives to achieve prosperity envisioned by Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi in inviting cooperatives in “each and every village”.
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Target To Form 2 Lakh PACS Well Ahead Of Target Date: The target is to form 2 lakh PACS in five years and as seen, the progress is already way ahead of the target.
Significance Of PACS Expansion
The expansion of PACS aims for more versatility, efficiency, and benefits for farmers and communities. By introducing new activities and technology, PACS are becoming stronger and more inclusive. Here are some important highlights of this expansion:
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Integration with 32 Activities: With the new services of gas and fertilizer provision, gas and fertilizer storage and even petrol stations, PACS will be more functional and supportive.
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Empowerment Through Technology: With the computerisation and setting up of PACS, there will be transparency of operations, operational efficiency, and job opportunities particularly for women and youth.
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RuPay KCC Cards and Micro-ATMs: Financial inclusiveness will be achieved to a great extent through low-cost bridging finance that farmers will get.
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Participation in Organic Products and Exports: Newly developed cooperatives will now engage in organic farming and quality seeds as well as exports which will raise farmers’ earnings and enter the international market.
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Historic Symbolism
The inauguration coincided with the birth anniversaries of eminent leaders like Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, emphasising their contributions to India's cultural and economic progress.
Strengthening Cooperative Infrastructure
The focus is on further developing cooperative structures. Specific measures are being taken to educate the members and integrate neglected segments of the population. Here are a few key measures that are being taken:
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Training Initiatives: Well-designed modules to train the employees and members of the PACS to enhance performance efficiency.
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Women and Community Participation: Customary regulations transform into a new model enabling women, Dalits, tribals and backward communities to take part.
Phased Approach To Expansion
The PACS formation is planned in phases with contributions from NABARD, NDDB, NFDB, and state cooperative departments. As of now, 11,695 new societies have been registered under updated bylaws, paving the way for a more equitable and vibrant cooperative ecosystem.
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Conclusion
The Modi government’s ambitious cooperative strategy aims to strengthen India's rural economy, create employment opportunities, and ensure the prosperity of farmers through modernised and inclusive PACS. With transparency, technology, and robust linkages, the initiative is poised to transform India’s cooperative sector for sustainable growth.
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