What happened: Ministry of Cooperation scaled digitisation of cooperatives

The Ministry of Cooperation has used digital technology, transparency, and governance reforms to strengthen the cooperative sector under the vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi”. The Ministry reported scaling of (1) ERP-based digitisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) into e-PACS and (2) upgrades to the National Cooperative Database (NCD) for better visibility of cooperatives and members.

Background and earlier position: why PACS digitisation matters

PACS are key grassroots institutions for rural credit. Digitising PACS processes aims to standardise accounting and audit, enable consistent reporting and management information systems (MIS), and reduce delays and data errors in loan and member-related services. Digitised governance data also supports transparency and monitoring of cooperative performance.

What changed now: Computerisation of functional PACS into an ERP-based common national software

The Ministry is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Project for Computerisation of functional PACS with a reported financial outlay of ₹2,516 crore, increased up to ₹2,925.39 crore. The project includes bringing functional PACS onto an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) based common national software, linking PACS with NABARD through State Cooperative Banks (StCBs) and District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs).

Related current affairs