NEW DELHI, Feb 12: Cooperation Minister Amit Shah announced that the National Cooperative Database is nearing completion, allowing access to information about cooperative societies with just a click.
During the inaugural meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Cooperation on Tuesday, Shah mentioned that legislation to establish Tribhuvan Sahkari University will soon be passed by Parliament.
He emphasized that the government aims to provide the cooperative sector with equal opportunities as those in the corporate realm.
“Given the regional imbalances in cooperative development across the nation, special measures are being taken by the government to ensure uniform and balanced growth in all states,” Shah stated.
He also pointed out the necessity of skilled personnel in the cooperative sector, revealing that a bill for the creation of Tribhuvan Sahkari University has been introduced and “will soon be approved by Parliament”.
The university’s establishment will facilitate technical education, accounting, administrative training, and skill development for professionals entering the cooperative domain.
According to an official statement, this initiative aims to ensure a workforce of trained professionals within the cooperative sector.
Furthermore, Shah informed the committee that a strategic plan has been developed for the swift advancement of national cooperatives in collaboration with Krishak Bharati Cooperative Ltd (KRIBHCO), Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO), National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), among others.
The Ministry of Cooperation, in conjunction with the finance ministry, the Reserve Bank, and the Income Tax Department, is working towards establishing “a unified tax structure for both corporate and cooperative sectors,” he added.
Entities like National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL), National Cooperative Organics Ltd (NCOL), and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samriti Ltd (BBSSL) have been set up to promote exports, organic products, and advanced seeds within the cooperative landscape.
Shah mentioned that these initiatives are poised to bring about substantial changes in the cooperative sector in the years to come.
The model bylaws designed to enhance the viability of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) have been adopted by nearly all states across the country.
PACS are now connected to over 20 different activities, providing services such as Common Service Centres, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, and more.
“The Modi government believes that both job creation and the prosperity of rural areas can be achieved through cooperation,” he remarked.
Shah expressed optimism that the enterprises associated with India’s cooperative sector will thrive alongside corporate counterparts, fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi”.
The committee discussed a range of issues concerning initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Cooperation since its inception, as well as current efforts to empower cooperative societies.
Union Ministers of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal and Cooperation Secretary Murlidhar Mohol, along with senior ministry officials, were present at the meeting. (PTI)
