In a significant move to revitalize rural economies, the Bihar government is transforming its grassroots cooperative societies into comprehensive service centers. State Cooperative Minister Pramod Kumar, addressing the media in Patna on Monday, outlined an ambitious plan for the modernization of Primary Agriculture Cooperative Credit Societies (PACS).
Digital Leap and Expanded Services
Minister Kumar revealed that a major digitalization drive is underway across the state's vast network of over 8,400 PACS. Approximately 4,000 units have already been declared as e-PACS, where all operations and services are conducted online to ensure transparency and efficiency.
He emphasized that these societies are no longer limited to credit. Several PACS across Bihar are currently providing up to 25 different types of services to their members and the local community. To further this, Common Service Centres (CSCs), which offer a staggering 300 services, have been established in 6,292 PACS, with 5,262 of them fully functional.
Healthcare Access and Computerization Phases
In a bid to improve rural healthcare access, the government is integrating 'Jan Aushadhi Kendras' into PACS. Out of 420 selected PACS, approval has been granted for 302 to open these generic medicine stores. Currently, 30 PACS have received the necessary drug licenses, and 22 centres are already operational. The minister stressed that it is mandatory for every such kendra within a PACS to have a qualified pharmacist.
The computerization process is being executed in a phased manner. The first phase targets 4,477 PACS, while a proposal for the computerization of 1,601 units in the second phase has been sent to the Union Ministry of Cooperation. A third phase is planned to cover all remaining societies.
New Initiatives and Membership Drive
Drawing inspiration from the successful 'Sudha' dairy model, the department plans to launch "Tarkari" outlets within PACS to provide fresh vegetables directly to consumers. Furthermore, a panchayat-level "membership-cum-awareness drive" will commence on January 2. This campaign aims to educate people about various government schemes and boost PACS membership.
On the agricultural front, PACS have played a crucial role in procurement. So far, they have procured 9.53 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from 1.32 lakh farmers, disbursing Rs 1,755 crore as Minimum Support Price (MSP). However, this figure is against a target of 36.85 lakh MT for the current 2025-26 kharif marketing season. Consequently, the state government has requested the Centre to increase the procurement limit to 45 lakh MT.
With 1.38 crore members statewide, the transformation of PACS into multi-utility service hubs marks a pivotal step in strengthening Bihar's rural cooperative framework and delivering essential services to its doorsteps.
