The Ministry of Cooperation was constituted on 6th July, 2021 with a mandate, inter alia to strengthen cooperative movement in the country & deepening its reach up to grassroots; and creation of appropriate policy, legal & institutional framework to help cooperatives realize their potential. To fulfil this mandate, various schemes and projects of the Government of India has been introduced to the Cooperative Societies especially the PACS, viz.

i. PACS as Common Service Centres (CSC)

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) through CSC-SPV Ltd. has started on-boarding all PACS that are shortlisted for computerization as CSC for providing more than 300 services to their members as well as rural citizens. So far 11 PACS have started functioning as CSC.

ii. PACS for Jan Aushadhi Kendra

PACS are also being permitted to operate Jan Aushadhi Kendra for improving access to generic medicines at rural level. 3 to 4 such PACS would need to be facilitated in every district within next 2 months. Initially, around 6 PACS are in the process to operate Jan Aushadhi Kendra.

iii. PACS for Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK) for Fertilizer Distribution.

  PACS are also being encouraged to go for Fertilizer Distribution. All PACS that are being computerised may need to be facilitated.

iv. The Government of India has initiated an ambitious program to create the World’s Largest Grain Storage facilities under cooperative sector. The department of Cooperation has also joined this program by identifying one viable Cooperative Society to take up this project under Chumoukedima district. DPR has been prepared by National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) Ltd. for capacity of 1000 MT costing Rs 124.30 Lakh and approved by all stakeholders. Notice inviting e-Tender is already issued and is expected to start the construction at an early date.