Empowering Farmers: Launch of 10,000 New Cooperatives
In a significant move to bolster the agricultural sector, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, inaugurated 10,000 newly established Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (MPACS) along with Dairy and Fisheries Cooperative Societies in New Delhi. This event, attended by various dignitaries, marks a pivotal moment in India’s cooperative landscape. The initiative aims to enhance financial inclusion and support for farmers, thereby strengthening the rural economy.
Honoring Legacy and Vision
During the inauguration, Shri Amit Shah paid tribute to two influential figures in Indian history—Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He acknowledged Pandit Malviya’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle and his dedication to promoting Indian culture and values. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was celebrated for his remarkable leadership, which included establishing India’s nuclear capabilities and guiding the nation during the Kargil War. Shah emphasized Vajpayee’s transformative initiatives, such as the creation of a separate ministry for tribal affairs and the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The event also coincided with the death anniversary of Shri C. Rajagopalachari, a revered freedom fighter and scholar. Shah praised Rajagopalachari’s role in drafting India’s Constitution, highlighting the enduring impact of these leaders on the nation’s trajectory.
A Milestone in Cooperative Development
The launch of 10,000 new MPACS is particularly symbolic as it aligns with the birth centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Amit Shah noted that this initiative is a continuation of Vajpayee’s commitment to revitalizing the cooperative sector, which was underscored by the enactment of the 97th Constitutional Amendment during his tenure. The registration of these societies was completed in just 86 days, showcasing the government’s efficiency in implementing this ambitious plan. Shah reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation), emphasizing the need for cooperatives to be present in every Panchayat. This grassroots approach aims to ensure that primary cooperative societies serve as the backbone of India’s cooperative structure, with a target of establishing 2 lakh new PACS in the near future.
Modernization and Training Initiatives
Shri Amit Shah highlighted the crucial role of organizations like NABARD, NDDB, and NFDB in facilitating the registration of these new PACS. A significant aspect of this initiative is the computerization of all PACS, which will integrate them with 32 diverse activities, including storage, manure, gas, fertilizer, and water distribution. This modernization aims to enhance the operational efficiency of these societies. To support this transition, a comprehensive training module has been launched to equip PACS members and employees with essential skills and knowledge. Shah emphasized the importance of quality training, urging district cooperative registrars to ensure effective implementation of the program. This focus on training is expected to create skilled manpower, which is vital for the successful operation of these cooperatives.
Empowering Farmers Through Financial Inclusion
In a significant step towards empowering farmers, Amit Shah distributed RuPay Kisan Credit Cards and Micro-ATMs to 10 cooperative societies. This initiative aims to provide farmers with access to low-cost loans, thereby facilitating financial inclusion. The expansion of PACS is guided by four key principles: visibility, relevance, viability, and vibrancy. By integrating various functions into PACS, their visibility and viability are significantly enhanced. The initiative also aims to transform Common Service Centres (CSC) into PACS in villages, ensuring that every citizen can benefit from their services. Furthermore, the involvement of PACS in activities such as gas distribution and storage adds vibrancy to their operations. Shah described this initiative as a comprehensive program aimed at strengthening farmers and the rural economy, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability.
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