Union Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, provided a written reply highlighting the initiatives undertaken by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) under its Sahakar 22 initiative. This initiative was launched in FY 2017-18 with the aim of achieving the mission of New India through cooperatives.
One of the key programs under Sahakar 22 is FOCUS 222, which is focused on assisting cooperatives in 222 districts, including 117 Aspirational Districts identified by NITI Aayog.
The Sahakar 22 initiative encompasses several programs, including:
1. PACS HUB – Transformation of Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and other cooperatives as Apna Kisan Resource Centers.
2. AENEC – Act East and North East Cooperatives.
3. CEMtC – Centres of Excellence to Market through Cooperatives.
4. SAHAKAR PRAGYA – Capacity Development through Laxmanrao Inamdar National Academy for Cooperative Research Development (LINAC).
Regarding the PACS initiative, NCDC is implementing the Central Sector Scheme titled \”Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).\” As of 30th June 2023, 610 new FPOs have been registered, and the government has allocated an additional target of 1,100 new FPOs to strengthen the cooperative sector. NCDC facilitates Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies to form new FPOs and provides support and guidance through Cluster Based Business Organizations (CBBOs) for registration and legal compliance processes.
NCDC also engages Cluster Based Business Organizations to provide access to market linkages, value addition, branding, and marketing of the produce under the FPO scheme. The implementation of these schemes is monitored by NCDC\’s 18 Regional Offices across the country.
The financial disbursements under NCDC schemes, including Sahakar-22, are monitored by the Government of India through the approval of annual Programme of Activities, monthly financial review, control through Board of Management and General Council, and annual auditing of accounts by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). The Annual Accounts and Annual Report are also laid before the Parliament of India, ensuring effective implementation.
The Ministry of Cooperation, with active participation from various States and Union Territories, has taken initiatives to revitalize and strengthen the cooperative sector across the country, aiming to achieve the vision of \”Sahakar se Samriddhi\” (Prosperity through Cooperation).
