Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah will inaugurate the 'National Seminar on Delivery of CSC services through Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS)' on July 21, 2023, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. Joining him at the event will be Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Organized by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) in collaboration with the CSC, the seminar aims to discuss various aspects related to CSC services provided through PACS. With over 17,000 PACS already onboarded on the CSC portal, an estimated 6,000 PACS are gearing up to commence offering services as Common Service Centers (CSCs). Recognizing the significant role PACS play in the cooperative movement, the government has been diligently working to improve their viability.
One of the major initiatives undertaken by the Modi government is the computerization of PACS, aimed at bringing transparency to the system and bolstering financial discipline. Additionally, the government has introduced measures to establish a National Cooperative University, National Cooperative Policy, and Cooperative Database to further strengthen PACS.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi has introduced model bylaws, developed in consultation with stakeholders, which allow PACS to diversify their business by engaging in more than 25 different economic activities. This includes ventures in dairy, fisheries, godowns, custom hiring centers, fair price shops, LPG/diesel/petrol distributorship, and more.
Through collaborative efforts with other ministries, PACS have been empowered to function as Common Service Centers, form Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), apply for LPG Distributorship, retail petrol/diesel pump outlets, open Jan Aushadhi Kendras, and operate as fertilizers distribution centers. This paradigm shift in PACS' role is set to strengthen their capacity and extend the benefits of Common Service Centers to millions of people living in rural areas.
Speaking ahead of the event, Minister of State for M/o Cooperation, BL Verma, expressed optimism about the transformative potential of this initiative. "The integration of PACS into the CSC network is a game-changer for rural communities. It will not only enhance access to essential services but also create numerous employment opportunities, ultimately uplifting the lives of our farmers," he stated.
The Common Services Centres (CSCs) program, launched under the Digital India Programme, has been a flagship success of the Modi government. With over 5,20,000 CSCs operating across the country, these centers have become vital touchpoints for delivering government and public services to the rural, semi-urban, and urban populations.
The signing of the agreement to provide CSC services through PACS is expected to have a profound impact on rural development. In the initial phase, 63,000 PACS are being trained to function as CSCs, with an additional 30,000 PACS set to join in the subsequent phase.
With the esteemed presence of Amit Shah, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and other dignitaries, the 'National Seminar on Delivery of CSC services through Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS)' is poised to mark a significant milestone in the nation's journey towards a robust cooperative ecosystem and inclusive digital governance.
During the event, attendees will also be treated to a short film showcasing the delivery of CSC services by PACS, shedding light on the positive impact of this transformative partnership.
