Ministry of Cooperation Concludes 9th National Review Workshop in Bastar
The Ministry of Cooperation concluded its two-day 9th National Review Workshop on October 9, 2026, in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, focusing on accelerating cooperative transformation through state-specific action plans. The workshop, organized under the theme 'Sahkar se Samriddhi — The Road Ahead: Scaling Impact through Cooperative Transformation', brought together senior officials from various states, Registrars of Cooperative Societies, representatives of national cooperative institutions, and key stakeholders.
Key Implementation Directives and Timelines
Secretary Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani emphasized that states must prepare prioritized, time-bound action plans with clearly identified responsibilities and regular monitoring mechanisms. He set a definitive deadline for the first phase of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) computerization to be completed by December 2026, with audits for the financial years 2024–25 and 2025–26 to be completed by October 2026. The existing computerization scheme is scheduled to conclude in March 2027, with a proposal for extension without additional financial implications already sought.
Cooperative Banking Modernization and Cybersecurity
The Ministry highlighted critical challenges in cooperative banking, emphasizing the need for strengthened cybersecurity measures following incidents of cyber fraud. Cooperative banks were directed to modernize core banking platforms, with NABARD developing a robust and uniform Core Banking Solution (CBS) platform whose tendering process is nearing completion. Banks were urged to expand internet and mobile banking services to improve service delivery and attract younger customers, particularly Generation Z.
Agricultural Cooperative Expansion and Infrastructure
States were urged to accelerate the formation of approximately 95,000 new PACS over the next two to three years through bifurcation of existing societies and membership expansion. The World's Largest Grain Storage Plan in the cooperative sector has shown progress, with several states identifying locations for godowns, securing loan sanctions, and initiating construction of decentralized grain storage infrastructure.
National Cooperative Institutions and Market Access
National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL), and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) were highlighted as creating important opportunities for grassroots cooperatives through agricultural produce aggregation, improved market access, and remunerative prices for farmers. States were encouraged to leverage these institutions effectively.
Alternative Marketing and Financing Models
The Ministry is exploring alternative farmer-centric marketing and financing models, including pledge finance, that would require a strong network of storage facilities. These models aim to provide additional mechanisms for agricultural commodities beyond wheat and paddy where MSP-based procurement presents challenges. Pilot projects in selected districts will be explored over the next two to three months before considering wider national rollout.
Regional Focus and Best Practices
The workshop specifically addressed cooperative development in North Eastern States, eastern frontier regions, and Left Wing Extremism-affected districts of Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Successful practices from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Bihar, and Puducherry were documented for replication across states. The next National Review Workshop is proposed for January 2027 in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.