Amit Shah Inaugurates 10,000 New MPACS, Launches Vision for 2 Lakh Cooperatives to Empower Rural India

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah today on December 25, 2024 inaugurated 10,000 Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (MPACS), along with Dairy and Fisheries Cooperative Societies, in New Delhi. The event saw the presence of notable dignitaries, including Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Ministers of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal and Murlidhar Mohol, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation.

Amit Shah began his address by paying tribute to Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on their birth anniversaries. He described Malviya as a stalwart of India’s freedom struggle, devoted to the country’s independence, culture, and values. Regarding Vajpayee, Shah highlighted his visionary leadership that significantly shaped modern India. Vajpayee’s contributions included laying the foundation for India’s nuclear capabilities, the creation of a tribal affairs ministry, and transformative infrastructure projects such as the Golden Quadrilateral highways and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Shah also commemorated the death anniversary of C. Rajagopalachari, recognizing his role as a freedom fighter and his invaluable input in drafting India’s Constitution.

The inauguration of 10,000 new MPACS coincided with the birth centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Shah emphasized that this milestone honors Vajpayee’s legacy, particularly his role in enacting the 97th Constitutional Amendment, which strengthened the cooperative sector. He also shared that the registration of these PACS was achieved within a record 86 days after the establishment of a Standard Operating Procedure on September 19, 2024.

Shah credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing the guiding principle of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation) and stressed the government’s ambition to establish cooperatives in every Panchayat. With a target of forming 2 lakh new PACS, the initiative is aimed at strengthening the three-tier cooperative structure, which serves as a foundation for rural development.

NABARD, NDDB, and NFDB were instrumental in facilitating the registration of these PACS, Shah noted. He also highlighted the modernization of PACS through computerization, enabling their integration with 32 essential activities like storage, fertilizer distribution, and water management. This technological upgrade has enhanced their functionality and relevance in rural areas. To support this transformation, a robust training module has been introduced to equip PACS members and employees with the required skills. Shah urged district cooperative registrars to ensure effective implementation of the training program, thus strengthening the capabilities of cooperative societies.

As part of the event, Shah distributed RuPay Kisan Credit Cards and Micro-ATMs to 10 cooperative societies, underscoring the government’s focus on financial inclusion. He announced plans to equip every primary dairy with Micro-ATMs, making low-cost loans accessible to farmers. He emphasized that the expanded functionality of PACS, ranging from gas and storage to petrol distribution, ensures their sustainability and vibrancy while enhancing their impact on rural communities.

Shah described the initiative as a comprehensive program designed to empower farmers and bolster the rural economy. He stressed the importance of transparency and operational efficiency, which the computerization of PACS would bring, alongside creating employment opportunities for women and youth. He also announced the establishment of three new national-level cooperatives, NCOL, BBSSL, and NCEL, to promote organic farming, quality seeds, and exports, unlocking new opportunities for farmers. Shah noted that the adoption of new model bylaws will enhance inclusivity, ensuring participation from women, Dalits, backward communities, and tribals, fostering social harmony and equality.

Shah expressed confidence in achieving the target of 2 lakh PACS ahead of schedule, detailing a phased approach to its implementation. NABARD will spearhead the formation of 70,000 PACS, NDDB will establish 56,500 new societies while strengthening 46,500 existing ones, and NFDB will contribute by forming 6,000 new fisheries cooperatives. State cooperative departments will also play a role by creating 25,000 PACS. So far, 11,695 new primary cooperative societies have been registered under the new model bylaws, marking significant progress in this ambitious project.

Shah concluded by emphasizing the transformative potential of these initiatives in integrating farmers’ produce into global markets. With robust forward and backward linkages, the establishment of 2 lakh PACS is poised to reshape rural India and drive its economic growth.