Amit Shah to Lead 'National PACS Mega Conclave' for Rural Prosperity

Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister, Amit Shah is set to chair the 'National PACS Mega Conclave’ on 'Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra.' It is a huge step forward in the empowerment of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). This pivotal event is scheduled to take place on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The Mega Conclave is being organized by the Ministry of Cooperation in collaboration with the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).

PACS Granted Access to Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras

Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the expert guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, PACS were recently granted permission to operate Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras. Since then, over 4400 PACS/Cooperative Societies from 34 States/UTs have submitted online applications through the Government of India’s Department of Pharmaceuticals portal. Remarkably, more than 2300 cooperative societies have already received initial approval, with 146 poised to function as Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

Participants and Live Streaming

The 'National PACS Mega Conclave' will witness the participation of Additional Chief Secretaries (ACS)/ Principal Secretaries/ Secretaries of Cooperation Department and Registrars of Cooperative Societies from all States/Union Territories. Additionally, Chairman, Secretaries, and Pharmacists from PACS with drug licenses for operating Jan Aushadhi Kendras will be actively engaged. The event will be live-streamed on major social media platforms, including YouTube, ensuring wider accessibility.

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras: Affordable Healthcare for All

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) play a crucial role in providing quality generic medicines to the general public at significantly reduced prices—ranging from 50-90% less than branded alternatives. With over 2000 types of generic medicines and approximately 300 surgical items available, these Kendras contribute to making healthcare more accessible and affordable.

Economic Opportunities and Rural Development

This initiative not only offers new avenues for PACS' diversification but also presents opportunities for expanding their economic activities. This, in turn, will boost the incomes of millions of small and marginal farmers associated with PACS, fostering rural development and creating employment opportunities in the process.

Strengthening Cooperative Movement

PACS, functioning as the backbone of the cooperative movement in the country, actively serve millions of small and marginal farmers in rural areas. The Ministry of Cooperation is committed to realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sahakaar-se-Samriddhi’ by implementing various measures, including the computerization of PACS, development of a National Cooperative Database, and the formulation of a New National Cooperative Policy.

Strategic Initiatives for Agricultural Development

To enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food security, several strategic initiatives are underway, such as the establishment of Multi-State Cooperative Societies for seeds, organic products, and exports. Furthermore, the implementation of the World's Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector aims to enhance storage capacity across the country, supporting agricultural infrastructure at the PACS level.

These crucial initiatives are poised to strengthen PACS and primary-level cooperative societies, ultimately contributing to the prosperity of millions of farmers associated with them.