West Bengal’s Cooperative Sector Thrives Amid Government Initiatives
In West Bengal, the cooperative sector is showing promising growth, with a total of 32,128 cooperative societies recorded, of which 22,953 are currently operational. This data was presented by Union Minister for Home and Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, during a recent Lok Sabha session.
The Ministry of Cooperation, established on July 6, 2021, has taken significant steps to promote the cooperative model across the country, including in West Bengal. One of its major initiatives, the PACS Computerisation Project, aims to digitize over 79,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) nationwide. This project focuses on implementing standardized software that enhances digital accounting and online service delivery, thereby fostering greater transparency.
Innovative Initiatives Fueling Growth
The introduction of Model Byelaws for PACS has empowered these societies to engage in over 25 different business activities. This change is expected to enhance governance, transparency, and accountability within cooperative operations. Notably, PACS are now authorized to function as PM-Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PMKSKs), Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs), and Common Service Centres (CSCs), diversifying their roles.
Boosting the Dairy Sector
A key initiative is the cooperative-led “White Revolution 2.0,” which aims to bolster dairy procurement by 50% over the next five years. This program focuses on providing market access for dairy farmers in underserved regions, enhancing the roles of dairy cooperatives in the organized sector, and promoting women’s empowerment within the industry.
Supporting Financial Growth
The government has also made strides in financial inclusivity by designating non-scheduled Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs), State Cooperative Banks (StCBs), and District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) as Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) under the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme. This initiative is set to increase the lending capacities of cooperatives.
Investment in Infrastructure
Furthermore, a new scheme has been launched through the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) to facilitate the establishment of ethanol and cogeneration plants, as well as to support operational costs. The government has allocated Rs.1000 crore to the NCDC under this scheme, with Rs.10,005 crore already distributed to 56 cooperative societies.
Capacity-building remains a priority, with programs through NABARD providing training on enterprise resource planning software, specifically tailored for PACS. This ensures that cooperative societies are well-equipped to navigate the digital landscape and improve operational efficiency.
The data outlining the district-wise total and functional cooperative societies in West Bengal reveals a strong commitment to enhancing the cooperative framework, which plays a critical role in the state’s economic development. The full breakdown is detailed in Annexure-1, showcasing the efforts to boost functional societies across various districts.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
