Shimla: Department of Cooperation in Himachal Pradesh is launching 40 new schemes in collaboration with the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, to bring a revolutionary change to the cooperative sector in the state.

These initiatives, introduced by Secretary (Cooperation) C. Palrasu, aim to transform various aspects of cooperative societies, from their rules to business diversification.

One significant initiative involves Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) serving as Jan Aushadhi Kendras, making affordable generic medicines accessible to rural communities. Over 50 PACS have applied for Jan Aushadhi Kendra status.

The cooperative societies will function as Lok Mitra Kendras under the Common Service Centre scheme, offering rural residents timely and cost-effective access to various certificates. PACS will also provide services such as tele-law and tele-medicine. More than 80 societies are already operating as common service centers in the state.

LPG and petrol pump retail licenses are now available for PACS. Model bye-laws have been adopted by many societies. The department is working to computerize PACS' daily operations, with hardware supply and online software distribution to identified societies expected to begin within the next two months.

A grain storage program has identified one society in district Una, with land transfer procedures in progress. Around 1,300 societies in the state are functioning as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendra. District Cooperative Development Committee meetings have been held in all districts to address cooperative sector issues collaboratively.

C. Palrasu encourages all primary societies in the state to join the National Cooperative Export Ltd, National Cooperative Organic Ltd, and Bharati Beej Sahkari Samiti to maximize benefits from national-level cooperatives and actively engage in these schemes.