The Ministry of Cooperation conducted a high-level review meeting in New Delhi to assess the implementation of various cooperative-sector initiatives in West Bengal and establish action plans for achieving targeted milestones by March 2027.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Ashish Bhutani, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, at Atal Akshaya Urja Bhawan. Senior officials and representatives of major cooperative and agricultural organisations participated in the review.
Representatives from NABARD, NDDB, NFDB, FCI, NCCF and NAFED presented updates on the progress of key initiatives being implemented across the state. Discussions covered the computerisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), the formation of 2 lakh new multipurpose PACS, development of dairy and fisheries cooperatives, decentralised grain storage facilities and the establishment of consumer cooperative stores.
The review also examined the progress of several economic activities being taken up through PACS and other cooperatives, including fertilizer distribution, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, e-services, seed business, organic products, exports and cooperative financial services.
Officials discussed specific action plans for the next three and six months, along with promotional and implementation strategies aimed at meeting the March 2027 targets. The discussions focused on strengthening coordination among implementing agencies and improving the reach of cooperative initiatives at the grassroots level.
The review forms part of the Ministry of Cooperation’s ongoing efforts to accelerate the implementation of cooperative-sector programmes across states. Particular attention is being given to expanding the role of PACS beyond traditional credit activities by enabling them to undertake a wider range of economic and service-oriented functions.
The initiatives are aligned with the government’s “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” vision, which seeks to strengthen grassroots cooperative institutions and enhance their contribution to local economic development.