Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 4: The Cooperative Minister, Javid Ahmad Dar, today stressed the importance of reviving cooperative societies throughout Jammu and Kashmir to enhance the region’s cooperative movement.
He urged all stakeholders to adopt a transformative mindset to ensure the vibrancy and efficiency of the Cooperative Department.
While chairing a detailed review meeting of the Cooperative Department at the Civil Secretariat, the Minister highlighted the necessity of protecting cooperative assets and transforming them into revenue-generating opportunities to uplift the region’s economy.
Javid Ahmad Dar, who also oversees the Agricultural Production Department (APD), Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, and Election Departments, emphasized the need for renewed efforts to bolster and broaden cooperative societies. He directed that new societies, particularly Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), be registered in all Gram Panchayats to improve grassroots involvement.
The Minister emphasized the importance of making PACS sustainable for long-term growth, referring to them as the backbone of the cooperative movement. He encouraged the use of schemes under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) to bring cooperative services to every doorstep.
He highlighted the importance of ensuring the smooth operation of Cooperative Banks, Super Bazars, Schools, Common Service Centres (CSCs), Training Centres, and PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMJAKs).
Directives were issued to modernize Super Bazars, diversify their inventory, and boost foot traffic to spur economic growth.
Javid Dar motivated innovative cooperative societies under the Yuva Sahakar Scheme to foster youth entrepreneurship.
Additionally, the Minister reviewed initiatives like decentralized grain storage and cooperative education and training institutions. He called for diversifying course offerings to meet current market demands, thereby ensuring greater public benefit.
He urged the department to enhance its performance, adopt modern technologies, and strive to create a robust cooperative ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, Secretary Cooperatives, Babila Rakwal, presented a PowerPoint overview of the department’s accomplishments and ongoing initiatives, including progress in the computerization of PACS. She elaborated on efforts to diversify the roles of cooperatives in operating Jan Aushadhi Kendras, CSCs, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and other projects.
The meeting was attended by the Registrar Cooperatives, Additional Registrars for Kashmir and Jammu, Deputy Registrars, and other senior officials, along with Srinagar-based officers joining virtually.
