The govt intends to empower rural India by modernizing agricultural support systems and increasing financial inclusion, with a target of 2 lakh cooperatives. Additionally, the program will open up new doors for women, kids, and farmers nationwide
Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated 10,000 Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (MPACS) along with Dairy and Fisheries Cooperative Societies in New Delhi. The event was graced by prominent dignitaries, including the Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation, Union Ministers of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal and Murlidhar Mohol, and Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy Rajiv Ranjan Singh.
During his address, Shah paid tribute to Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on their birth anniversaries. He described Malviya as a pivotal figure in India’s freedom movement, dedicated to preserving the country’s traditions and values. Shah also highlighted Vajpayee’s visionary leadership, crediting him with initiatives like establishing the Ministry for Tribal Affairs, advancing India’s nuclear capabilities, and spearheading transformative infrastructure projects such as the Golden Quadrilateral highways and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Additionally, he commemorated C. Rajagopalachari’s death anniversary, honoring his contributions as a freedom fighter and his role in drafting the Constitution.
The launch of the 10,000 MPACS coincided with celebrations marking Vajpayee’s centenary. Shah underscored that the event served as a tribute to Vajpayee’s legacy, particularly his role in the passage of the 97th Constitutional Amendment, which strengthened the cooperative sector. He further revealed that these PACS were registered within a record 86 days, facilitated by the establishment of a standard operating procedure.
Shah reiterated the government’s commitment to establishing cooperatives in every Panchayat and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for advancing the principle of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation). He outlined the initiative’s aim to bolster the rural development framework by creating 2 lakh new PACS, forming the foundation of a robust three-tier cooperative system.
Acknowledging the crucial role of NABARD, NDDB, and NFDB, Shah credited these institutions for enabling the registration of these PACS. He also emphasized the transformative impact of computerization, which has modernized PACS by integrating 32 key functions, including water management, fertilizer distribution, and storage. These advancements have enhanced their relevance and efficiency in rural areas. To support this modernization, a comprehensive training program has been designed to equip PACS members and workers with essential skills. Shah urged district cooperative registrars to ensure the effective implementation of the training, enabling cooperative societies to enhance their capabilities.