Strengthening of Cooperative Institutions in Punjab
The Government of India is implementing a Central Sponsored Project for Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in Punjab. Under this project, 3,482 PACS have been sanctioned for computerization, out of which 3,454 have already been onboarded on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software. The total amount released by the Government of India to Punjab under this project stands at ₹33.94 crore.
The financial allocation and release details show that for FY2024-25, ₹13.32 crore was allocated but no funds were released due to non-utilization of previously released funds in accordance with prescribed rules. For FY2025-26, ₹14.84 crore was allocated with ₹7.42 crore actually released. For FY2026-27 (till date), ₹4.00 crore has been allocated with ₹1.00 crore released.
Under White Revolution 2.0, significant progress has been made in the dairy sector with 1,027 new dairy cooperative societies registered in Punjab and 951 existing dairy cooperative societies strengthened as of July 15, 2026.
Regarding the world's largest grain storage scheme, Food Corporation of India has provided storage requirements of 5 lakh metric tonnes in 9 districts of Punjab. The state has identified 30 PACS/Cooperatives with a capacity of 2.84 lakh MT to create storage under this scheme, though the actual construction of godowns is yet to be completed by the State of Punjab.
The Government has prepared model bye-laws for PACS which were circulated to all States/UTs on January 5, 2023, making provisions for more inclusive membership with adequate representation for women and SCs/STs. Punjab has adopted these model bye-laws, and various PACS in the state are working on multiple initiatives including Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendra, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra, and Common Service Centre.
This information was formally provided by Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Shri Amit Shah in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.