Jammu, Nov 12: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review the performance of the Cooperative Department and assess progress in promoting cooperative activities and financial reforms across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Principal Secretary of Finance, Commissioner Secretary of Cooperatives, Regional Director of RBI, Managing Director of J&K Bank, Director General of Budget, Registrar of Cooperative Societies, representatives from NABARD and other banks, along with department officers.
The Chief Secretary highlighted the crucial role of cooperative institutions in rural development. He directed the department to transform Cooperative Societies into Common Service Centres (CSCs) to expand their service delivery. Dulloo emphasized the importance of modeling these societies on sound business principles to diversify into rural sectors such as sales of seeds, seedlings, cattle and poultry feed, and fisheries supplies.
He also called for exploring collaborations with the Ayush Department to promote wellness products and install vending machines at high-footfall locations. Strengthening credit linkages for cooperatives and ensuring their financial sustainability through viable business models was underscored.
During the review of cooperative banks’ financial health and the performance of Super Bazaars, the Chief Secretary urged J&K Bank to provide advisory support for managing Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) and other issues, helping Cooperative Banks operate professionally and legally. He also instructed the formation of a panel of retired bankers, in consultation with RBI, to assist in appointing managing directors and professional management bodies for cooperative banks, aiming for transparency and efficiency.
Commissioner Secretary Babila Rakwal shared that the cooperative sector is undergoing a major transformation with the adoption of the Multi-Purpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (M-PACS) model. All 537 PACS have adopted common byelaws to function as M-PACS, enabling diversification into sectors like dairy, fisheries, and horticulture. Rapid computerization efforts have led to all PACS completing their digital processes, with each availing a Rs.63,000 loan for hardware and software upgrades.
Further, 515 PACS now function as Common Service Centres, generating Rs.3.10 lakh monthly transactions, while 154 PACS have been upgraded as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Kendras (PMKSKs) to facilitate agricultural services. Under the White Revolution 2.0, the sector has established 2,232 Dairy Cooperative Societies, with 1,692 strengthened, benefitting over 1.06 lakh women members and producing 3 lakh litres of milk daily.
M-PACS are also operating as Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras, providing affordable healthcare, with 52 drug licenses and 50 stores operational, generating Rs.8.78 lakh monthly. The J&K State Cooperative Bank has adopted modern banking practices, including migration to Finacle 10, loan scheme automation, and financial literacy initiatives.
The Super Bazar chain has made notable progress, clearing Rs.4 crore in GST dues and settling gratuity and CPF dues of former employees. Currently, 16 PACS have been integrated as Super Bazar outlets, focusing on capacity building and urban market expansion.
The Chief Secretary emphasized the need for continued efforts towards professionalization, digitalization, and grassroots financial inclusion through the cooperative movement in Jammu and Kashmir.
sameer
Leave a comment