Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani Inaugurates National-Level Workshop on Strengthening the Cooperative Sector
The recent National-Level Workshop and Review Meeting on Strengthening the Cooperative Sector took place over two days in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, organized by the Ministry of Cooperation. This significant event gathered representatives from various State and Union Territory governments, Registrars of Cooperative Societies, and key stakeholders from the cooperative sector. Inaugurated by Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation, the workshop aimed to enhance the cooperative movement’s role in diverse sectors beyond agriculture and credit, emphasizing technological advancement and capacity development.
Keynote Address Highlights Cooperative Movement’s Evolution
During the workshop, Dr. Bhutani delivered a keynote address that underscored the cooperative movement’s vital role in realizing the vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi.” He pointed out that cooperatives have expanded their reach into various sectors, including healthcare and services, moving beyond their traditional domains. Dr. Bhutani reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to integrating technology with institutional and human capacity development, ensuring that cooperatives remain focused on people and are prepared for future challenges. This approach aims to create a cooperative sector that is not only resilient but also innovative and responsive to the needs of its members.
Digital Transformation and Capacity Building Initiatives
A dedicated workshop segment focused on the computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), Agricultural and Rural Development Banks (ARDBs), and the Offices of Registrars of Cooperative Societies. The discussions centered on accelerating the digital transformation of the cooperative sector. Key objectives included achieving complete digitization of PACS operations, enhancing the digital skills of PACS staff and members, and enabling PACS to serve as comprehensive service centers. NABARD presented updates on software development and hardware procurement, along with capacity-building support for the project, highlighting the importance of technology in modernizing cooperative operations.
World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan and Cooperative Expansion
The workshop also addressed the ambitious World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan within the cooperative sector. The initiative aims to implement the plan in phases, starting with 500 PACS as a pilot, eventually expanding to 29,000 PACS across the nation. Discussions emphasized ensuring the economic viability of storage facilities through business diversification and strategic mapping based on land availability and cooperative strength. Additionally, the workshop focused on the formation and strengthening of two lakh Multipurpose PACS, Dairy, and Fishery Cooperatives, aiming to enhance rural livelihoods and ensure last-mile connectivity.
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