Shah also urged the Chhattisgarh government to introduce a new public dairy scheme focused on tribal development. He suggested that PACS should evolve into multi-purpose units, integrating dairy and fisheries cooperatives to better serve local needs.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah presided over a comprehensive review meeting on the expansion of cooperatives in Chhattisgarh on Sunday, outlining several ambitious initiatives aimed at bolstering the state’s cooperative sector. The meeting, held in Raipur, was attended by key figures including Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, and Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary of the Union Ministry of Cooperation.
In his address, Shah underscored the importance of forming a cooperative society in every panchayat across the nation to realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity Through Cooperation). Shah emphasized that these cooperatives are expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing rural development and economic self-sufficiency.
One of the significant announcements made during the meeting was the decision to launch Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS) in all 33 districts of Chhattisgarh. These PACS will also function as Water Committees, addressing local water management issues and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
In line with the government’s push for greater efficiency and accessibility, Shah called for the computerization of all 2,058 PACS in Chhattisgarh. He highlighted the necessity of transforming these PACS into Common Service Centers (CSCs), which would facilitate the delivery of various services and benefits directly to rural communities.
Shah also urged the Chhattisgarh government to introduce a new public dairy scheme focused on tribal development. He suggested that PACS should evolve into multi-purpose units, integrating dairy and fisheries cooperatives to better serve local needs.
Strengthening Chhattisgarh’s cooperative framework
To support these initiatives, Shah advocated for 100 per cent registration of PACS on the NAFED and NCCF portals for agricultural product sales. This move is aimed at streamlining the sale and distribution of farmers’ produce, ensuring fair prices and better market access.
Furthermore, Shah emphasized that all traders, PACS, and cooperative societies must open accounts with District Cooperative Banks (DCBs). He highlighted the need for four new District Cooperative Central Banks (DCCBs) to be established in Chhattisgarh to support the anticipated growth in PACS.
Addressing the issue of ethanol production, Shah called for a contract between the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF), NAFED, and the state for the production of ethanol from maize. He noted that maize cultivation is cost-effective and promised that the central government would purchase all maize at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Shah also stressed the importance of setting up multi-feed ethanol production plants at the state’s cooperative sugar mills, noting that currently, only one out of four cooperative sugar mills in Chhattisgarh has such a facility.
In addition to these initiatives, Shah participated in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, planting a sapling under the “Peepal for People” program. He also inaugurated several development projects undertaken by the Chhattisgarh government.
Shah concluded his visit by urging the Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, Tribal Affairs, and Cooperative departments of the Chhattisgarh government to adopt a coordinated approach for the economic development of rural and tribal populations. He stressed the need for a “Whole of Government Approach” to ensure comprehensive and effective development across these sectors.
Today’s review meeting and announcements represent a significant step towards strengthening the cooperative framework in Chhattisgarh, with a focus on improving rural livelihoods and fostering economic growth through cooperative initiatives.
