NEW DELHI, Aug 4: The government has so far not contemplated an independent assessment of the functioning of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) operating as Multi-Purpose PACS in Himachal Pradesh, Cooperation Minister Amit Shah told Parliament on Tuesday.
Responding to a question from BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut in the Lok Sabha, Shah said his ministry had, however, provided the necessary framework for such evaluations to the state government by launching the "Cooperative Ranking Framework" on January 24, 2025.
The framework provides standardised parameters - including audit compliance, financial performance and operational activities - that enable the State Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) to conduct independent assessments and take steps to strengthen societies at the state, district and block levels, he said in a written reply.
Under the convergence framework, PACS have been enabled to undertake multiple business activities and function as multipurpose institutions, Shah said.
In Himachal Pradesh, 1,191 PACS are functioning as Common Service Centres, providing more than 300 e-services to rural citizens. As many as 772 PACS have been upgraded as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras for the supply of quality agricultural inputs, eight PACS are operating as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras, and 10 PACS are functioning as Farmer Producer Organisations.
Further, Memoranda of Understanding have been signed between HIMFED and national-level cooperative societies - National Cooperative Organics Limited, National Cooperative Exports Limited and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited - to facilitate aggregation, value addition and marketing of local produce.
Under the Centrally Sponsored Project for Computerisation of PACS, 1,885 PACS have been sanctioned in Himachal Pradesh, hardware has been installed in 1,789 PACS, and approximately Rs 41.10 crore has been received and utilised for the purpose.
On corrective measures proposed by the ministry to improve their performance, Shah said the evaluation of PACS is a concurrent and continuous process undertaken by respective state governments and UT administrations through the Registrar of Cooperative Societies and other concerned agencies.
The implementation and progress of cooperative-sector initiatives are reviewed through the State Cooperative Development Committee at the state level and the District Cooperative Development Committee at the district level.
These committees facilitate inter-departmental coordination, monitor implementation, identify operational constraints and recommend remedial measures, he said.
The state government takes corrective and remedial measures as considered necessary, based on local requirements and periodic performance assessments of cooperative societies, Shah added. (PTI)