The Jharkhand government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to revitalize the state's Primary Agriculture Cooperation Societies (PACS). This initiative, announced during a high-profile event in Ranchi, aims to significantly expand membership, diversify their operational scope, and implement full-scale computerization.
Addressing the Cooperative Gap
During a function marking the International Year of Cooperatives and the silver jubilee of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) in Jharkhand, senior officials openly acknowledged that the cooperative movement is lagging behind in the state compared to many other regions of India.
Agriculture Secretary Abu Bakr Sidiqui, speaking at the event, highlighted the vast potential of cooperatives. He pointed to the example of Kerala, where cooperatives are actively involved in the health, road construction, and hospitality sectors, in addition to their core agricultural activities. "Cooperative activities in Jharkhand have, however, not reached the desired level," Sidiqui admitted.
The Membership Drive and Digital Overhaul
The urgency for intervention is underscored by stark official figures. The current membership in Jharkhand stands at a mere 373 per PACS, a figure drastically lower than the national average of 1,197. The total membership in the state is 1,661,131, against a potential of 4,718,522, indicating a massive scope for growth.
To bridge this gap, the government is taking concrete steps. Sashi Ranjan, the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, announced that a targeted campaign will be executed in mission mode. This drive will be integrated into the soon-to-be-relaunched 'Sarkar Apke Dwar' programme, bringing the administration to the people's doorstep to onboard new members.
Simultaneously, a major technological upgrade is underway. Ranjan confirmed that a drive to computerise all 2,796 PACS in Jharkhand is currently in progress. This move is expected to streamline operations, enhance transparency, and improve service delivery to farmers and rural communities.
A Call for Inclusive Growth
The government's vision extends beyond mere numbers. Agriculture Secretary Sidiqui issued a direct charge to the office bearers of the PACS, urging them to ensure comprehensive inclusion. He emphasized that "the PACS office bearers should ensure that none of the families are left out of their organisation in their panchayats."
This multi-pronged approach—focusing on membership expansion, activity diversification, and digital transformation—signals a renewed commitment from the Jharkhand government to empower its rural economy through a strengthened cooperative sector.
