Odisha has launched a massive digital capacity-building drive to modernize its grassroots cooperative network. Union Cooperation Secretary Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani inaugurated the PACS IT Training in Bhubaneswar, covering over 5,400 officials from 2,700 societies across 314 blocks through a hybrid model.
Organized by the state Cooperation Department with Odisha Knowledge Corporation Limited, the initiative focuses on digital literacy, cybersecurity, AI awareness, and e-governance. Bhutani emphasized that digital skills are key to improving agricultural credit flow, transparency, and rural financial inclusion.
Senior officials, including Rajesh Prabhakar Patil and Siddharth Jain, underlined the need for operational accountability. The move aims to streamline cooperative processes and enhance farmer services statewide.