Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, inaugurated the National Cooperative Database and unveiled the ‘National Cooperative Database 2023: A Report’ in New Delhi. The event was attended by Union Minister of State for Cooperatives, B.L. Verma, Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation, Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, and numerous other dignitaries.
In his address, Amit Shah emphasized the significance of the initiative, marking the first inauguration of the cooperative database since India’s independence. He underscored the government’s commitment to expanding and fortifying the cooperative sector, facilitating its growth and momentum through transparent and data-driven strategies.
Amit Shah highlighted the establishment of the Ministry of Cooperation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership as a pivotal decision towards enhancing coordination and promoting national policies for cooperative movements. He lauded the digitization efforts, particularly the computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), which have paved the way for multifaceted development and increased business opportunities.
The minister revealed plans to introduce 20 new activities associated with PACS, aiming to enhance their profitability and contribute to rural economic development. Shah emphasized the importance of the cooperative database in identifying gaps and guiding cooperative sector development, likening it to a compass directing progress.
Furthermore, Amit Shah discussed the database’s three-phase development, culminating in the comprehensive mapping of over 8 lakh registered societies across various sectors. He highlighted the database’s potential to bridge geographical and sectoral imbalances while serving as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders.
Shah assured the authenticity and regular updates of the database through a robust scientific system, ensuring its reliability for future endeavors. He concluded by affirming the foundation of a robust cooperative structure poised to endure for generations, marking a significant milestone in India’s cooperative movement.
