Amit Shah to Launch 10,000 New PACS, Dairy, and Fisheries Cooperatives to Boost Rural Economy

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah is set to inaugurate 10,000 newly established multipurpose Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS), along with dairy and fisheries cooperative societies, on Wednesday. This important event signifies a major step in empowering rural economies by fostering cooperative growth, particularly in sectors crucial to rural livelihood. It follows the launch of the National Cooperative Database (NCD) initiative in March, which aims to streamline and enhance the efficiency of India's vast cooperative sector.

Background: National Cooperative Database and Its Role in Promoting the Cooperative Movement

The National Cooperative Database, launched earlier this year, serves as a catalyst for strengthening India's cooperative movement. Under the leadership of Amit Shah, this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of "Sahakar Se Samriddhi," or prosperity through cooperation. The comprehensive database was designed to centralize and organize data about cooperatives, making it easier to monitor, evaluate, and support cooperative societies across the country.

The development of the NCD involves a phased approach to collect data from cooperatives, beginning with key cooperative sectors such as PACS, Dairy, and Fisheries. This step forward will help transform rural economies, promote financial inclusion, and reduce poverty in rural areas. By addressing social and economic challenges, the cooperative model empowers individuals and communities, contributing significantly to their well-being.

Phases of Data Collection for the National Cooperative Database

The process of developing the NCD involved meticulous data collection across several phases:

1. Phase One: Mapping Primary Cooperatives
   The first phase focused on mapping 2.64 lakh primary cooperative societies in the PACS, Dairy, and Fisheries sectors. These cooperatives are crucial in ensuring the financial stability and economic empowerment of rural populations.

2. Phase Two: Collecting Data from Federations and Banks
   The second phase saw the inclusion of data from National Federations, State Federations, Cooperative Banks, and other organizations involved in cooperative activities, helping to build a more robust and comprehensive dataset.

3. Phase Three: Mapping Additional Primary Cooperatives
   The third phase included mapping data from over 5.3 lakh primary cooperative societies across other sectors, finalizing the extensive data collection process.

Features of the National Cooperative Database

The National Cooperative Database is an advanced web-based digital platform that compiles vital data on cooperative societies across various sectors. It offers detailed insights, including:

• Basic Information: Details such as the registered name, registration date, and operational areas of cooperatives.

• Membership Size: Information about the size of the cooperative's membership, showcasing its reach and influence.

• Financial Status: Data on the financial activities and statements of cooperatives.

• Sectoral Details: Specific information about the sector(s) a cooperative operates in, such as agriculture, dairy, or fisheries.

• Audit and Operations: The database includes audit status and other operational details to assess the effectiveness and transparency of cooperatives.

Advantages of the National Cooperative Database

The National Cooperative Database offers a multitude of benefits for both government bodies and cooperative societies, including:

1. Centralized Access: A single platform for accessing comprehensive and updated data about cooperatives across India.

2. User-Friendly Interface: The database is designed for ease of use, allowing users to quickly find and analyze data.

3. Data Analytics and Mapping: Tools for generating query-based reports, graphs, and geographic maps for in-depth analysis.

4. Efficient Communication: The database enables seamless communication between government agencies, cooperative federations, and individual societies, improving coordination and information flow.

5. Management Information System (MIS): The system helps in monitoring the health of cooperatives, making it easier to identify potential challenges or growth areas.

Future of Cooperatives in Rural India

The inauguration of 10,000 new PACS, dairy, and fisheries cooperative societies marks a significant milestone in strengthening India's cooperative infrastructure. The new societies are expected to play an essential role in expanding rural economies by improving financial access, enhancing agricultural practices, and supporting sustainable dairy and fisheries ventures.

Through the strategic implementation of the NCD, the Ministry of Cooperation aims to enhance the cooperative sector's operational efficiency and enable better decision-making based on real-time data and analytics. This initiative also aims to close the gap in sectors with underdeveloped cooperatives, fostering an inclusive and sustainable rural economy.

Conclusion: Impact of the National Cooperative Database on Rural Growth

The development of the National Cooperative Database and the inauguration of thousands of new cooperatives underlines India's commitment to fostering rural economic growth. By centralizing data and improving the efficiency of cooperatives, this initiative promises to enhance the livelihood of millions of rural citizens. The synergy between technology and cooperative development will drive long-term social and economic benefits, providing the backbone for a more prosperous and inclusive rural India.