Amit Shah Inaugurates National Cooperative Database, Envisions Cooperative Sector Expansion

New Delhi: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, inaugurated the National Cooperative Database in New Delhi, marking a significant step towards the expansion and fortification of the cooperative sector. During the inauguration, Shah also unveiled the ‘National Cooperative Database 2023: A Report’ alongside Union Minister of State for Cooperatives, B.L. Verma, and Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, along with other dignitaries.

In his address, Amit Shah emphasized the historical importance of the event, as it marked the first-time inauguration of the cooperative database since India’s independence. The program aims to propel the cooperative sector forward, providing it with the momentum needed for growth. Shah acknowledged the relentless efforts of thousands of individuals contributing to this success.

The Minister of Cooperation highlighted the need for national coordination in the cooperative sector after the 1960s. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for establishing the Ministry of Cooperation, a bold decision leading to significant advancements in the sector. Shah pointed out that computerization of all Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in the country has been completed in the last two years, with common bylaws accepted by all states to boost their business.

Shah outlined the Modi government’s focus on creating model bylaws, enabling PACS to become multi-dimensional and engage in various tasks. He revealed plans to establish a PACS in every village in the country by 2027. This ambitious decision prompted the need for a comprehensive database to identify and address gaps for effective development. The National Database is expected to guide the cooperative sector’s development like a compass.

The Union Home Minister underscored the transformative changes brought by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the rural economy, lifting 25 crore people above the poverty line in the last decade. The Ministry of Cooperation actively works to connect millions of people with the country’s economy and development. Shah emphasized that the cooperative database would play a crucial role in expanding cooperatives, digital development, and delivery through databases, leveraging data governance, proactive governance, and anticipatory governance.

The National Cooperative Database, developed in three phases, includes mapping of approximately 2.64 lakh societies in three sectors, data collection from various federations, banks, and societies, and mapping of the remaining 8 lakh primary cooperative societies in other sectors. Amit Shah highlighted that the database has the potential to connect various levels, from villages to cities, mandis to the global market, and state databases to international databases.

The cooperative database, utilizing state-of-the-art technology, features a dynamic web-based platform offering quick access to information about registered cooperative societies across the country. Shri Shah assured the authenticity and regular updates of the data through a comprehensive scientific system. The database, equipped to address geographical imbalances, sector imbalances, community imbalances, and functional imbalances, is expected to lay the foundation for a robust cooperative structure for the coming decades.