Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah chaired the first meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Cooperation in New Delhi. The meeting focused on initiatives taken to strengthen cooperative societies and was attended by Ministers of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal and Murlidhar Mohol, committee members, and senior ministry officials.
Amit Shah highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi established the Ministry of Cooperation to empower farmers and rural areas through “Sahkar Se Samriddhi.” He emphasized that cooperation is key to generating employment and ensuring rural prosperity. While the cooperative movement thrived after independence, it later weakened in many states.
To revitalize it, the ministry’s first step was to create a comprehensive database of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in collaboration with states. This initiative is nearly complete, providing real-time, region-wise data on cooperative societies. Additionally, the government is pushing for PACS computerization and aims to establish a PACS in every panchayat.
To enhance the viability of PACS, the government introduced model by-laws, now adopted by nearly all states. These societies have expanded into over 20 activities, including running Common Service Centres and Jan Aushadhi Kendras. The move is expected to strengthen their financial sustainability and extend their services to rural communities.
Amit Shah announced the upcoming establishment of Tribhuvan Sahkari University, which will offer specialized education in cooperative management, accounting, and administration. The university will provide the sector with trained professionals, ensuring better governance and efficiency in cooperative enterprises.
The government has launched national cooperative organizations aimed at modernizing and expanding the sector. The newly established National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) will help cooperatives tap into international markets. National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) is focused on promoting organic products, while Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samriti Limited (BBSSL) will work towards advancing seed technology and distribution. These initiatives are expected to bring long-term growth and innovation to the cooperative sector.
Amit Shah stressed that the government is working to ensure that cooperatives receive the same opportunities as corporate entities. In collaboration with the Finance Ministry, RBI, and the Income Tax Department, steps are being taken to introduce a unified tax structure for cooperatives and corporations. This reform will help cooperatives compete more effectively in the market, aligning with Modi’s “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” vision.
A roadmap for cooperative development has been prepared in collaboration with national federations like KRIBHCO, IFFCO, and NDDB. PACS are already engaged in railway ticket bookings, and soon, they may offer airline ticketing services as well.
To address regional disparities, the government is introducing special measures to ensure balanced development across all states. The successful “Cooperation Amongst Cooperatives” model from Gujarat will also be implemented nationwide.
Committee members provided suggestions on strengthening cooperative societies and praised the government’s initiatives to revitalize the sector. The meeting reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making the cooperative movement a key driver of rural and economic development.
