New Delhi (Aryavarth): The Indian Ministry of Cooperation, under the vibrant umbrella of the “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” and with the firm backing of various States and Union Territories, is pushing forward a series of initiatives designed to revitalize and fortify the cooperative sector across the nation. This venture is aligned with the vision of “Sahakar se Samriddhi,” translating into prosperity through cooperation.
The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), a statutory entity under the administrative purview of the Ministry of Cooperation, acts as an Implementing Agency under the Central Sector Scheme titled “Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).” To date, the NCDC has registered 610 new FPOs and has been tasked with the creation of an additional 1,100 FPOs. This initiative will strengthen the cooperative sector by allowing Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) to form new FPOs, thereby fostering agricultural prosperity in India.
Furthermore, the NCDC is actively supporting FPOs through registration and legal compliance processes, facilitated by Cluster Based Business Organizations (CBBOs). This assistance is crucial for FPOs to navigate the complex labyrinth of legalities and ensure their compliance with all necessary regulations.
Back in the financial year 2017-18, the NCDC launched an initiative known as Sahakar- 22. The objective of Sahakar-22 was to achieve the vision of a New India by the year 2022 through the strengthening of cooperatives. This initiative included focused assistance for Cooperatives in 222 districts, transformation of PACS and other Cooperatives into Apna Kisan Resource Centers, and various other measures.
Under the FPO scheme, Cluster Based Business Organizations have been enlisted by the NCDC to provide access to market linkages, facilitate the branding and marketing of produce, and aid in adding value to the products. The NCDC also oversees the implementation of the scheme across the country through its 18 Regional Offices.
The Government of India vigilantly monitors the financial disbursements under NCDC schemes like Sahakar- 22. This oversight involves the approval of annual Programme of Activities, monthly reviews of financial achievements, and auditing of Annual Accounts by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), among others.
Several other initiatives under the Sahakar 22 and associated schemes are underway, ranging from providing Micro-ATMs to Bank Mitra Cooperative Societies to relief measures for Cooperative Societies in Income Tax Act. Moreover, the Sahakar initiative has played a key role in the revival of Cooperative Sugar Mills and facilitated the establishment of three new Multi-State Societies at the National Level.
Another transformative stride taken under Sahakar 22 is the plan to establish the World’s Largest Cooperative University. This step is currently at an advanced stage and would be instrumental in providing Cooperative education, training, consultancy, research and development, and fostering a sustainable supply of trained manpower.
As India strives to make its agricultural sector more resilient, it is initiatives like Sahakar 22 that play a crucial role. It is through these endeavours that the cooperative sector in India will emerge stronger, ultimately leading to the prosperity and growth of the country’s agricultural community.
This information was officially shared by the Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, in a written response to a question in the Rajya Sabha.