CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Under the chairmanship of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, a high-level ‘Manthan Meeting’ was held on Monday at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in view of the upcoming International Year of Cooperatives 2025. The meeting was attended by Cooperation Ministers from all states and Union Territories.

Madhya Pradesh’s Cooperation Minister Vishvas Kailash Sarang shared the state’s achievements, innovations, and future suggestions for the cooperative sector with the central government. Also present were Union Ministers of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar and Murlidhar Mohol, Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, and other senior officials.

🔹 Key Highlights from Madhya Pradesh:

✅ Success in Implementing Multipurpose PACS

Minister Sarang highlighted the successful transformation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) into multipurpose units. Each PACS receives annual financial assistance of ₹3.24 lakh, and in tribal regions, ₹3.48 lakh. He proposed that the central government provide grants for establishing new PACS and improving infrastructure to expand rural cooperative services.

✅ Need for a Central Recruitment Agency

He emphasized the need for transparent and standardized recruitment in cooperative institutions. Like IBPS in the banking sector, he suggested a centralized recruitment board for cooperative institutions at the panchayat and rural levels to ensure efficient human resource availability.

✅ Depositing Funds Through Cooperative Banks

Minister Sarang recommended that central funds for state cooperative schemes be routed through district cooperative banks to enhance their credit capacity and business volume, thereby strengthening the cooperative banking structure.

✅ Seed Innovation: ‘Cheetah Brand’

Madhya Pradesh has introduced ‘Cheetah Brand’ hybrid seeds at nearly half the cost, aiming to boost agricultural productivity and farmers’ income. This initiative strengthens the state seed corporation.

✅ Tech Support for Weak Cooperative Banks

He also suggested that financially weak cooperative banks be supported by the central government through technical and expert assistance so they can be brought into the mainstream and contribute effectively to rural financial systems.

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