Gandhinagar: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has called a meeting of Cooperation Ministers from all states and Union Territories in GujaratтАЩs Gandhinagar on February 17 to review reforms and expansion plans in the cooperative sector, including a proposal to set up two lakh new cooperative societies across the country, officials said on Sunday. Hans India reported.
Cooperation Ministers from across India are expected to attend the meeting, along with senior officials such as Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and Secretaries.
Officials said the meeting will review the progress of major initiatives launched by the Ministry of Cooperation and discuss a coordinated plan for the future growth of the cooperative sector. States and Union Territories will also use the platform to share their experiences and best practices.
One of the key issues on the agenda is the proposal to establish two lakh new Multi-Purpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies, along with new dairy and fisheries cooperative societies. These measures are aimed at strengthening rural credit systems and improving services linked to agriculture and allied activities.
The meeting will also review the expansion of a nationwide network of modern warehouses under the grain storage initiative. Discussions will focus on increasing storage capacity, supporting price stability and improving farmersтАЩ access to markets.
Another important topic will be the participation of states in three newly formed national-level cooperative bodiesтАФNational Cooperative Exports Limited, National Cooperative Organics Limited and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited. These institutions are intended to boost exports, promote organic farming and ensure the supply of quality seeds.
Other issues likely to be discussed include changes to state cooperative laws in line with the 97th Constitutional Amendment, steps to improve the financial health of cooperative sugar mills, and efforts to support growth in the dairy sector in partnership with the National Dairy Development Board.
The agenda also includes measures to promote pulses and maize production, address challenges faced by cooperative banks, strengthen shared service systems, expand membership drives, improve awareness campaigns and enhance media outreach.
In addition, officials said the meeting will review the computerisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies and offices of Registrars of Cooperative Societies, the use of the National Cooperative Database, staff training initiatives and the implementation of schemes by the National Cooperative Development Corporation, with the aim of improving coordination between the Centre and the states.
