Odisha Aims to Strengthen Cooperative Movement

Bhubaneswar: The second State Cooperative Development Committee (SCDC) convened today under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena at the Second Floor Conference Hall of Lok Seva Bhawan. The meeting aimed to discuss and strategize the development of cooperatives and the cooperative movement in the state.

The meeting was attended by key officials, including the Principal Secretary to the Government of Agriculture & FE Department, Principal Secretary to the Government of FARD Department, Principal Secretary to the Government of RD, I&PR Department, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Government of Cooperation Department, Registrar of Cooperative Societies (Odisha), Chairman of OSWC, MD of OMFED, Director of Horticulture, and representatives from NABARD, OSCB, CWC, among others.

During the meeting, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Government of Cooperation Department, Rajesh P. Patil, presented a comprehensive overview, emphasizing the need to diversify the activities of Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS), with a specific focus on agriculture-related business activities.

Chief Secretary Jena provided guidance to all departments with cooperatives to strengthen these institutions for delivering better services to their members and society in line with cooperative values. He underscored the importance of regular and up-to-date audits for Fishery and Dairy Cooperatives.

Principal Secretary, A&FE, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, appreciated the efforts of Cooperative Banks in extending Agri Credit and stressed the importance of supplying fertilizers and seeds through the “B” component under the KCC finance. The meeting also delved into discussions on the computerization of all PACS and the seamless operation of Cooperative Banks in the CBS platform.