How is Gujarat Strengthening Cooperatives with 54 New Initiatives?
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Synopsis
Discover how Gujarat is transforming its cooperative sector with 54 new initiatives aimed at boosting financial strength and local employment. These efforts are set to modernize PACS and improve access to essential services for rural communities.
Key Takeaways
- 54 initiatives launched to strengthen cooperative institutions.
- 14 initiatives focus on enhancing financial stability for PACS.
- PACS are diversifying into various businesses, creating local jobs.
- Direct access to banking services is now available in rural areas through cooperatives.
- Modernization and digitalization of PACS are key goals of recent reforms.
Gandhinagar, Sep 9 (NationPress) The Gujarat Cooperation Minister, Jagdish Vishwakarma, recently revealed in the Assembly that a significant number of 54 initiatives have been launched to fortify cooperative organizations, with 14 initiatives specifically targeting the financial enhancement of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS).
Addressing inquiries regarding agricultural credit cooperatives, Minister Vishwakarma noted that in the Ahmedabad district alone, 473 PACS have adopted model bylaws, 448 PACS have transitioned to computerized systems, and 160 PACS have established Common Service Centres (CSCs).
Moreover, multiple PACS have ventured into operating petrol and diesel stations, consumer shops, and seasonal product sales. These developments, he emphasized, have generated local job opportunities for the rural youth.
The minister further pointed out that through PACS and milk cooperatives, banking and financial services are now directly accessible to villages.
Under the pilot program 'Cooperation among Cooperatives,' initiated in Gujarat, the Ahmedabad District Cooperative Bank has trained PACS and dairy secretaries to serve as Bank Mitras. Armed with micro-ATMs, these individuals can now provide essential financial services right at the doorsteps of rural families.
Cooperatives represent a vital component of Gujarat's rural economy, spanning agriculture, dairy, credit, housing, and consumer sectors. The state boasts over 81,000 cooperative societies, including more than 8,800 PACS, nearly 18,000 dairy cooperatives, and numerous housing and urban credit societies catering to small savers and borrowers.
Gujarat's cooperatives collectively assist millions of farmers, milk producers, and rural households, creating jobs and ensuring last-mile access to banking, markets, and essential services.
The cooperative model in Gujarat is more than just a support system; it serves as a growth engine, merging community ownership with financial viability.
Recent initiatives from both state and central governments, such as the 54 cooperative reforms highlighted by Minister Vishwakarma, aim to modernize PACS, digitize operations, and broaden services to maintain the relevance of this extensive network amid the evolving rural economy.
On Monday, Minister Vishwakarma announced to the Assembly that residents in Gujarat will soon have the ability to obtain copies of their revenue documents with just a click.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the significance of Gujarat's cooperative initiatives in promoting economic stability and growth. These reforms are not only enhancing the financial capacity of PACS but also empowering rural communities by providing essential services and fostering local employment.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main objectives of the 54 initiatives announced?
The primary objectives are to strengthen cooperative institutions, particularly PACS, enhance their financial stability, and improve access to banking and financial services in rural areas.
How many PACS have modernized their operations?
473 PACS have adopted model bylaws, 448 have been computerized, and 160 have set up Common Service Centres (CSCs) in Ahmedabad district.
What services are provided by PACS to the rural community?
PACS provide essential banking and financial services, and many have diversified into operating petrol pumps, consumer stores, and selling seasonal products.
How do these initiatives benefit the local economy?
These initiatives create local employment opportunities and ensure that financial services reach the last mile, supporting millions of farmers and rural households.
What is the significance of the pilot program 'Cooperation among Cooperatives'?
This program trains PACS and dairy secretaries to act as Bank Mitras, allowing them to offer essential financial services directly to rural households using micro-ATMs.
