It is necessary to develop the cooperative sector into a strong, professional, and business model: Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India
The State View Udaipur/Jaipur Sunil Sharma
The national-level conference organized by the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, in Lake City, Udaipur, to strengthen the cooperative sector, concluded on Friday. During the two-day conference, 12 sessions reviewed the “Saharka Se Samriddhi” initiatives and deliberated on the future roadmap.
Addressing the closing session of the conference, Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, said that it is necessary to develop the cooperative sector beyond the traditional approach and into a strong, professional, and business model. He described the in-depth discussions, presentations, and feedback sessions held during the two-day conference as extremely useful. Dr. Bhutani stated that PACS are the backbone of the cooperative system, and their computerization and digitization will ensure transparency and efficiency.
Describing grain storage as a key initiative of the Ministry, the Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation stated that the world’s largest grain storage scheme is being implemented through cooperatives. The plan aims to increase capacity by 500,000 metric tons by September 2026 and 500,000 metric tons by September 2027. He also emphasized regular monitoring to achieve the set targets within the stipulated timeframe. Emphasizing the simplification of regulations, increasing membership, and sharing best practices within the “ease of doing business” in cooperative societies, Dr. Bhutani also mentioned new initiatives like “Bharat Taxi.” He emphasized that the central and state governments must work together in a team spirit for the overall development of cooperatives. Siddharth Jain, Joint Secretary of the Ministry, thanked everyone for the success of the conference and called for renewed energy and enthusiasm to strengthen the cooperative sector.
Earlier, on Friday, the second day of the conference, various technical and thematic sessions were held, which focused on strengthening PACS and the cooperative sector. The session, “Saharkaar Se Samriddhi – PACS Ahead,” included extensive discussions on the role of cooperative banks in strengthening and revitalizing Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), cashless PACS, the cooperative startup ecosystem, district-specific business plans, model cooperative villages, and membership drives. In her presentation, Anandi, Secretary and Registrar of the Cooperative Department, Rajasthan, highlighted the work being done by the Nimod and Ramgarh Cooperative Societies, highlighting the efforts being made to strengthen PACS in the state. Presentations also included presentations from the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as from NABARD and FCI.
A session titled “Development of Cooperatives in the North-Eastern States” included presentations on making PACS financially self-reliant, along with experiences, challenges, best practices, and future action plans. Another session, “Cooperative Dialogue” with successful cooperatives, featured discussions and presentations on technology-based fisheries and dairy societies’ innovations, success stories, and future strategies. A session on cooperation among collectives discussed initiatives related to integrating self-help groups and FPOs with PACS, the distribution of micro ATMs and RuPay Kisan Credit Cards by states, and membership drives. Detailed presentations were also made on NCDC’s cooperative promotion schemes and expectations from the states.Following the conference’s conclusion, delegates visited various cooperative societies in Udaipur and Rajsamand districts to gather information.
