Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in Bihar are being encouraged to operate petrol and diesel retail outlets, opening another avenue for diversification and rural economic activity.
The Bihar Cooperative Department said the initiative will improve fuel availability in rural areas while creating local employment opportunities.
The move is part of the broader effort to transform PACS into multipurpose, economically viable institutions by adding new business activities beyond agricultural credit.
The Ministry of Cooperation has given PACS priority in the allotment of new petrol and diesel dealerships and also allowed eligible societies to convert existing bulk consumer petrol pumps into retail outlets.
Bihar has already made progress in this area, with 12 PACS applying for petrol/diesel retail outlets and five selected by oil marketing companies, according to a government update.
