Maharashtra Cooperative Societies: PACS Computerisation & Govt Initiatives
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
As of 15 July 2026, Maharashtra has 2,27,177 cooperative societies. The government has expanded the PACS computerisation project to 79,630 societies with a revised cost of ₹2,925.39 crore, and provided ₹29.14 crore to Maharashtra. NCDC has disbursed ₹34,161.54 crore cumulatively for cooperative development in the state.
Background
The Ministry of Cooperation was established on 6 July 2021 with the vision of 'Sahakar se Samriddhi'. The PACS computerisation project was launched in 2022 to connect all functional PACS with a common ERP-based national software and link them to NABARD via StCBs and DCCBs.
Key facts
Maharashtra has 2,27,177 cooperative societies as of 15 July 2026.
PACS computerisation project expanded from 63,000 to 79,630 PACS; revised cost ₹2,925.39 crore.
Maharashtra: 12,178 PACS approved under computerisation; ₹29.14 crore released (FY26: ₹9.14 cr, FY27: ₹20 cr).
NCDC cumulatively disbursed ₹34,161.54 crore for cooperative development in Maharashtra.
Model by-laws issued for PACS to undertake 25+ business activities and operate as PMKSK, PMBJK, CSC etc.
White Revolution 2.0 aims to increase dairy procurement by 50% in 5 years.
Income tax relief: No additional tax on excess payment of FRP/SAP by cooperative sugar mills from April 2016.
Budget 2023-24 allowed sugar cooperatives to claim payments before AY 2016-17 as expense, giving ₹46,000+ crore relief.
NCDC scheme for ethanol plants, co-generation, working capital; ₹1,000 crore provided to NCDC; ₹10,005 crore disbursed to 56 mills.
GST on molasses reduced from 28% to 5%.
Prelims pointers
- National Cooperative Database (NCD)
- PACS: Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
- StCBs: State Cooperative Banks
- DCCBs: District Central Cooperative Banks
- NABARD: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
- NCDC: National Cooperative Development Corporation
- PMKSK: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendra
- PMBJK: Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra
- CSC: Common Service Centre
- FRP: Fair and Remunerative Price
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of cooperative societies in rural development and agricultural marketing.
- Critically examine the impact of PACS computerisation on transparency and efficiency.
- Analyse the government's initiatives to revive the sugar cooperative sector and their implications.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of tax relief measures for cooperative sugar mills.
- How does the White Revolution 2.0 aim to empower women and boost dairy cooperatives?