'Revitalise societies to strengthen Cooperative movement'

Jammu, Dec 4: Minister for Cooperative, Javid Ahmad Dar, today emphasised revival of cooperative societies across Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen the Cooperative movement in the region.

He exhorted upon all stakeholders to adopt transformative approach towards ensuring vibrancy and efficiency of the Cooperative Department.

Chairing a comprehensive review meeting of Cooperative Department at Civil Secretariat, Jammu, the Minister underscored the need to safeguard cooperative assets and convert them into revenue generating avenues to boost region's economy.

Highlighting the significance of the cooperative movement, Javid Ahmad Dar, who also oversees the Agricultural Production Department (APD), Rural Development & Panchayati Raj and Election Departments, called for renewed efforts to strengthen and expand cooperative societies. He directed for registration of new societies, particularly Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), in all Gram Panchayats to enhance grassroots participation.

Javid Dar stressed making PACS sustainable for long-term growth, describing them as the backbone of the cooperative movement. He emphasised leveraging schemes under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) to extend cooperative services to every doorsteps.

The Minister emphasised on seamless functioning of Cooperative Banks, Super Bazars, Schools, Common Service Centres (CSCs), Training Centres and PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMJAKs).

Directives were issued to modernize Super Bazars, diversify their inventory, and increase footfall to enhance economic growth.

Javid Dar encouraged innovative cooperative societies under the Yuva Sahakar Scheme to foster entrepreneurship among the youth.

The Minister also reviewed projects such as decentralized grain storage and Cooperative education and training institutions. He called for diversifying course offerings to align with current market demands, ensuring greater public utility.

Javid Dar reiterated his commitment towards revitalising the Cooperative Department, stating that the Cooperatives are integral to strengthening economy and empowering communities. He underscored the need to secure and optimize assets while making cooperative societies more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable.

The Minister asked the department to bring vibrancy in its performance, adopt modern technologies and work towards creating a robust cooperative ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, Secretary Cooperatives, Babila Rakwal, through a power point presentation presented an overview of department’s achievements and ongoing initiatives, including the progress in computerising PACS. She detailed about efforts towards diversification of the role of cooperatives in running Jan Aushadhi Kendras, CSCs, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and other ventures.

The meeting was attended by Registrar Cooperatives, Additional Registrars for Kashmir and Jammu, Deputy Registrars and other senior officials while Srinagar based officers joining virtually.