Strengthening Cooperative Societies in Punjab: PACS Computerization, Shwet Kranti 2.0, Food Storage
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Ministry of Cooperation, in a Rajya Sabha reply, provided an update on key cooperative sector initiatives in Punjab. These include the computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) under a centrally sponsored project, the establishment of dairy cooperatives under Shwet Kranti 2.0, and the world's largest grain storage scheme. The reply highlights progress, fund releases, and adoption of model byelaws.
Background
The Government of India has been implementing several schemes to strengthen the cooperative sector, including PACS computerization, Shwet Kranti 2.0 for dairy development, and a large grain storage plan. Model byelaws for PACS were circulated in January 2023 to enable diversified activities and improve governance.
Key facts
A centrally sponsored project for computerization of PACS with an approved outlay of ₹2,925.39 crore is being implemented.
In Punjab, 3,482 PACS were approved under the computerization project; 3,454 have been onboarded on ERP software.
Total funds released to Punjab under the project: ₹33.94 crore (₹0 in FY 2024-25 due to non-utilisation, ₹7.42 crore in FY 2025-26, ₹1.00 crore in FY 2026-27 till date).
Under Shwet Kranti 2.0, as of 15 July 2026, Punjab has registered 1,027 new dairy cooperative societies and strengthened 951 existing ones.
Under the world's largest grain storage scheme, FCI has provided 5 lakh metric tonnes storage requirement in 9 districts of Punjab.
Punjab has identified 30 PACS/cooperative societies for storage construction with a capacity of 2.84 lakh metric tonnes; construction is pending.
Model byelaws for PACS were circulated to all states/UTs on 5 January 2023, enabling over 25 business activities, improved governance, transparency, and inclusive membership for women and SC/ST.
Punjab has adopted similar model byelaws; many PACS in Punjab are running PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras, PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras, and Common Service Centres.
Prelims pointers
- PACS: Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
- ERP: Enterprise Resource Planning software
- Shwet Kranti 2.0: White Revolution 2.0 for dairy cooperatives
- World's largest grain storage scheme: under Ministry of Cooperation and Food Corporation of India (FCI)
- Model byelaws for PACS circulated on 5 January 2023
- Ministry of Cooperation: formed in 2021
- Punjab: state with 3,482 PACS approved for computerization
- PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendra, PM Jan Aushadhi Kendra, Common Service Centre
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of cooperative societies in rural development and financial inclusion.
- Evaluate the impact of PACS computerization on transparency and efficiency in agricultural credit.
- Analyze the significance of Shwet Kranti 2.0 in enhancing dairy sector productivity and farmer incomes.
- Examine the challenges in implementing large-scale grain storage schemes and the role of cooperatives.