(a): The National Cooperation Policy (NCP) 2025 was launched by the Ministry of Cooperation on 24^th July, 2025. The Policy provides a roadmap for the systematic and all-round development of cooperative sector in India. It has 82 specific recommendations under 16 objectives which are further grouped under six strategic mission pillars.

(b): 12,178 PACS under Computerization of PACS project have been sanctioned. Total funds disbursed under this project to the state of Maharashtra is Rs. 130.73 crores. The year-wise details are as under:

 

 

(c): In NCP 2025, the following provisions have been made for tribal youth, women and cooperative entrepreneurship in section 6.1.1 & 6.1.2 of NCP:

6.1.1. Encourage the participation of women, youth, small & marginal farmers, and weaker sections (SC/ST, specially-abled, etc.) to foster inclusivity and assign them significant roles in cooperatives.

6.1.2. Strengthen and promote cooperatives for the weaker and marginalized sections in sectors like fisheries, dairy, handloom weaving, handicrafts, minor forest produce, etc,.

(d): In order to link PACSs with central schemes like PM-KISAN, PMKSK, and PMBJK, Government, in consultation with all the stakeholders, including States/ UTs, National Level Federations, State Cooperative Banks (StCBs), District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs), etc., has prepared and circulated Model Byelaws for PACS to all the States/ UTs, which enable PACS to undertake more than 25 business activities, improve governance, transparency and accountability in their operations. Ministry of Cooperation has taken multiple measures to integrate Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) with PM-KISAN and other Central schemes like PMKSK, and PMBJK; with a view to making PACS local-level service delivery hubs for farmers. These include:

1.  ERP-enabled Convergence with Farmer Databases: The Centrally Sponsored Project on Computerization of PACS provides a uniform ERP-based platform by integrating national portals such as PM-KISAN, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendra(PMKSK), interest subvention, fertiliser and seed distribution, PDS outlets, LPG/Petrol/Diesel dealerships, custom hiring, PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras, Common Service Centres, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), etc.

2.  Multi-Sectoral Scheme Linkages: PACS have also been enabled to participate in a range of Central schemes, including:

(i)                 PACS as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK) providing fertilizers, pesticides and various other agri inputs to farmers under one roof. So far, 38,330 PACS have been upgraded into PMKSKs.

(ii)              PACS as Common Service Centers (CSCs) to deliver more than 300 e-services such as banking, insurance, electricity bill payments, health services, legal services, etc. to rural citizens; etc. So far, 51,183 PACS have started functioning as CSC.

(iii)            PACS as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) to ensure availability of quality generic medicines to rural citizens at affordable prices. So far, 799 PACS have got Store Codes from PMBI and are ready to function as PMBJK.

(iv)             PACS made eligible for Retail Petrol/ Diesel outlets: Government has allowed PACS to be included in the Combined Category 2 (CC2) for allotment of retail petrol/ diesel outlets.

(v)               PACS given permission to convert bulk consumer petrol pumps into retail outlets: The existing bulk consumer licensee PACS have been given a one-time option by Oil Marketing Companies to convert into retail outlets. As per information shared by OMCs, 117 wholesale consumer pump licensee PACS from 5 States have given consent for conversion into Retail Outlets, out of which 59 PACS have been commissioned by the OMCs.

(vi)             PACS made eligible for LPG Distributorship for diversifying its activities: Government has now allowed PACS to apply for LPG Distributorships. This will give PACS an option to increase their economic activities and diversify their income stream.

(vii)          PACS have been made eligible to carry out Operations & Maintenance (O&M) of piped water supply schemes in rural areas. As per information received from States/ UTs, 763 PACS have been identified/ selected by 11 States/ UTs to provide O&M services at Panchayat/ Village level.

(e): The following monitoring mechanism have been formed for implementation of the policy:

(i).   National Steering Committee on Cooperation Policy chaired by the Union Minister of Cooperation for overall guidance, inter-ministerial coordination, periodic policy review, etc., with the Hon'ble Minister-in-charge of related Ministries of the Government of India as members.

(ii).National-level Policy Implementation and Monitoring Committee chaired by the Union Cooperation Secretary for central-state coordination, periodic monitoring and evaluation, etc., with the Secretary of related Ministries of the Government of India, Secretaries/Principal Secretaries/Additional Chief Secretaries of the Cooperative Department of all States/Union Territories (on rotation basis), a representative from NITI Aayog, and Chairpersons/MDs of national cooperative federations/unions/societies, NABARD, NDDB, NCDC, NCCT, VAMNICOM, etc.

This information was given by Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Shri Amit Shah in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

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AK

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