New Delhi: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah chaired the first meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Cooperation in New Delhi. The meeting focused on the initiatives taken to strengthen cooperative societies and the ongoing efforts to empower them across the country. Union Ministers of State for Cooperation, Krishan Pal and Murlidhar Mohol, along with committee members, senior officials, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation, were present during the discussions.
During his address, Amit Shah highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation), stating that the creation of a separate Ministry of Cooperation was aimed at uplifting farmers and rural communities. He emphasized that employment generation and rural prosperity are possible through a strong cooperative movement.
Amit Shah acknowledged that India’s cooperative movement was once strong but later weakened in many states. To revitalize the sector, the Ministry of Cooperation undertook the task of creating a national database of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in collaboration with state governments. He announced that the registration of two lakh PACS is underway and that computerization of PACS is progressing rapidly to ensure digital accessibility. The Minister added that every panchayat in India will soon have PACS, ensuring financial and agricultural support at the grassroots level.
The adoption of model by-laws for PACS across the country has been a significant step in making these societies economically viable. Shah informed that PACS have been linked to over 20 activities, including services such as Common Service Centres (CSC) and Jan Aushadhi Kendras, enhancing their utility for rural communities.
Amit Shah revealed that the government has introduced a bill for the establishment of Tribhuvan Sahkari University, which will soon be passed in Parliament. The university will provide technical education, administrative training, and accounting expertise to professionals in the cooperative sector, ensuring a skilled workforce for cooperatives nationwide.
The Minister further announced the establishment of national-level cooperative organizations, including:
- National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) – To boost India’s cooperative-led exports.
- National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) – To promote organic farming and sustainable agricultural products.
- Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samriti Limited (BBSSL) – To develop and supply advanced seeds.
These organizations will strengthen India’s cooperative economy by expanding exports, improving agricultural productivity, and enhancing market access for farmers.
In a major policy move, Amit Shah stated that the government aims to provide cooperatives with the same opportunities as the corporate sector. The Ministry of Cooperation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Reserve Bank of India, and Income Tax Department, is working towards a uniform tax structure for cooperatives and corporations. This step is expected to enhance competitiveness and financial sustainability for cooperatives.
Highlighting future plans, Shah announced that PACS will soon be authorized to book airline tickets, similar to their current role in railway ticket bookings. This initiative will increase the earning potential of PACS and expand their service portfolio.
To address regional disparities in the cooperative sector, special initiatives are being undertaken to ensure balanced growth across all states. The successful “Cooperation Amongst Cooperatives” model from Gujarat will soon be replicated in other states, fostering inter-cooperative collaboration and economic development.
Committee members at the meeting appreciated the government’s proactive steps in strengthening the cooperative movement and shared their suggestions on further empowering cooperative societies.
With comprehensive reforms, digital integration, and new economic opportunities, the Ministry of Cooperation is set to revolutionize India’s cooperative sector, reinforcing its role as a key pillar of rural development and economic empowerment.
