Union Minister, Amit Shah chaired the first meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Cooperation in New Delhi on February 11, 2025, focusing on strengthening cooperative societies. The meeting highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by the Ministry since its establishment and ongoing efforts to empower cooperative institutions.
Amit Shah highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi set up the Ministry of Cooperation to benefit farmers and rural communities under the vision of "Sahkar Se Samriddhi." He stated that the Modi government believes in driving rural prosperity and employment through the cooperative model. Shah noted that while the cooperative movement initially flourished post-independence, it weakened over time in many states.
The Ministry’s first major step was compiling a database of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in collaboration with states and initiating the registration of two lakh PACS. With the National Cooperative Database nearly complete, information on cooperative societies across the country is now available with a single click.
Highlighting digital transformation, Shah mentioned the ongoing computerization of PACS and assured that in the near future, every panchayat in the country would have access to PACS. He further stated that the adoption of model by-laws by almost all states has helped make PACS viable. These societies are now linked to over 20 activities, providing services such as Common Service Centres and Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
A significant development discussed was the proposed "Tribhuvan" Sahkari University, for which a bill has been introduced in Parliament. This institution aims to provide technical education, accounting, administrative knowledge, and specialized training for professionals in the cooperative sector. Shah asserted that this initiative will ensure a steady supply of skilled manpower to strengthen cooperatives.
Additionally, Shah highlighted the establishment of national-level cooperative organizations, including the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL), and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samriti Limited (BBSSL), which are set to boost exports, organic farming, and advanced seed production.
He also emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that the cooperative sector enjoys equal opportunities as the corporate sector. Collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Finance, the Reserve Bank, and the Income Tax Department are aimed at creating a uniform tax structure for cooperatives and corporate enterprises.
The meeting also discussed a roadmap for the rapid development of national cooperative federations in partnership with key organizations such as KRIBHCO, IFFCO, and NDDB. Shah expressed optimism that, in addition to railway ticket booking, PACS would soon be able to offer airline ticket sales. Acknowledging regional disparities in cooperative development, he assured that the government is taking proactive measures to ensure balanced growth across all states.
Committee members shared their insights and commended the government’s initiatives to revitalize the cooperative sector. The meeting was attended by Union Ministers of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal and Murlidhar Mohol, along with committee members, senior officials, and representatives from the Ministry.
