Cooperation Ministry Reviews ‘Prosperity through Cooperation’ Initiatives – Rajasthan Leads with Remarkable Innovations; Other States Urged to Follow

• Rajasthan ranks first in membership of BBSSL: Principal Government Secretary & Registrar, Cooperation

Jaipur, Aug 2025 – Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, said that Rajasthan is performing remarkably in implementing the initiatives under ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation). He highlighted that Rajasthan has excelled in the formation of new Multi-Purpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (m-PACS) and has introduced several innovations that can serve as models for other states.

Dr. Bhutani was reviewing, via video conferencing on Tuesday, the progress of various initiatives being implemented under ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’.

Principal Government Secretary and Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Smt. Manju Rajpal, informed the meeting that under the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan, 76 of the 100 godowns announced in the 2024-25 budget have been completed, while construction of the remaining is in progress. Of the 100 godowns announced in the 2025-26 budget, approvals for 56 have already been issued. She added that so far, NAFED has given assurance letters to lease 68 godowns, while NCCF has assured 49. For PACS that lack land for godown construction, district collectors are being approached to provide suitable land.

Smt. Rajpal further informed that the computerisation of PACS in the state is progressing rapidly, with efforts underway to address gaps at various levels. Online audits are being streamlined following discrepancies identified during the transition from offline audits. She added that under the Sahkar se Sahkar initiative, 11 out of 34 Urban Cooperative Banks in Rajasthan have already been onboarded, while six banks have applied for membership with NUCDFDC. Progress has also been made regarding membership in three newly established multi-state cooperative institutions. Rajasthan ranks first in the country in membership of the Bharat Beej Sahkari Samiti Ltd. (BBSSL). Work is also ongoing to ensure membership of all PACS in NCOL and NCEL.

To spread awareness, a state-level workshop was organized on Monday to provide extensive information to GSS and KVSS, which received an enthusiastic response.

Appreciating Rajasthan’s progress, Dr. Bhutani instructed that the godowns already completed should be inaugurated at the earliest. He directed that proposals for hiring assurance for the remaining godowns be sent to NAFED and NCCF, and assured that the Cooperation Ministry will facilitate meetings with their officials to issue necessary directions. He also emphasized that all functional Urban Cooperative Banks should be onboarded and enrolled as members of NUCDFDC without delay.