Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, highlighted several initiatives to strengthen PACS as multi-service centers in rural India.
Under the scheme, PACS have been given priority for retail petrol/diesel outlets. So far, 394 PACS from 28 States/UTs have applied online for retail fuel outlets. Existing bulk consumer licensee PACS have also been given a one-time option to convert into retail outlets, with 117 PACS giving consent and 59 already commissioned by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
To diversify income, PACS are now eligible to apply for LPG distributorships, expanding their economic activities. Additionally, PACS have been allowed to operate Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) to improve rural access to generic medicines. So far, 4,183 PACS/cooperative societies applied, 4,169 received initial approval, and 799 PACS have store codes and are ready to function.
PACS have also been enabled to run Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSKs), with 38,330 PACS providing fertilizer and related services to farmers. In the public utility sector, 763 PACS across 11 States/UTs have been selected for operations and maintenance of rural piped water supply schemes (PWS) at the village level.
These initiatives aim to expand PACS’ role beyond traditional cooperatives, making them key drivers of rural development, essential services, and income generation.
