What happened: PMBJK expansion through PACS with IT reimbursement and stronger incentives
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah announced expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) run through Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), where PACS operate as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs), under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). The government’s plan prioritises PACS-JAKs in remote rural areas, aspirational districts, North-Eastern States, Himalayan regions, and island territories, with financial support for basic IT and specific incentive structures linked to stocking and purchases.
Background and earlier position: PACS-JAKs already contributing sales and gradually increasing
The government shared year-wise sales through PACS functioning as Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PACS as JAKs) for the last three financial years, and year-wise growth in the number of PACS operating as PMBJKs. Reported outcomes for sales at MRP value (in ₹ crore):
2023-24: 1.442024-25: 6.752025-26: 9.94
Reported growth in the number of JAKs opened through PACS (cumulative count shown):
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