Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Reviews Cooperative Department Activities, Membership Drive Launched Until June 30

Bhopal, May 22: Chief Minister Mohan Yadav held a review meeting on Thursday regarding the activities of the Cooperative Department. He directed that a membership drive for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) be conducted until June 30.

The membership campaign, which began on April 14, aims to add 1 million new members to PACS. Yadav set a target of approving 125,000 new Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) this year. Present at the meeting were Cooperative Minister Vishwas Kailash Sarang, Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, and Principal Secretary D.P. Ahuja.

Yadav praised the strengthening of district cooperative central banks and emphasized that all weak banks should be fortified within the next three years. It was reported that the financial condition of six out of 18 weak district banks has improved over the past two and a half years. Efforts are underway to strengthen six district banks in Rewa, Satna, Jabalpur, Shivpuri, Gwalior, and Datia with government equity capital assistance. The next phase will focus on strengthening another six banks in Bhind, Morena, Raisen, Sagar, Sidhi, and Narmadapuram.

He also mentioned the need to facilitate transactions through a mobile app for PACS. It was noted that all 4,536 PACS in the state have been computerized under a centrally sponsored scheme. With 100% computerization, the state is leading in the implementation of this initiative. Soon, transactions will also be possible via mobile app.

The meeting highlighted that through seed-producing cooperative societies, 1.4 million quintals of certified seeds have been produced and marketed over the past two years. Additionally, 1,102 new dairy committees have been formed, and 5,562 dairy committees have opened accounts for 76,000 members in district cooperative banks to promote financial inclusion.

Efforts have been made for large-scale recruitment and institutional capacity building. It was reported that partnerships and business engagements have been established with three newly formed national-level cooperative societies. The state cooperative seed federation signed an MoU with the Indian Seed Cooperative Ltd. (BBSL), resulting in a business worth ₹17 crore and membership from 844 PACS. An MoU with the National Cooperative Organic Ltd. (NCOL) has led to membership from 1,335 PACS. Furthermore, an MoU with the National Cooperative Export Ltd. (NCEL) has garnered membership from 1,612 PACS.