Ever since Amit Shah took over as the first Union Minister of Cooperation, Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies have been at the CenterStage of ministerial planning. In one of its releases, the Ministry has given details about the structure of PACS as well as its area of operation.
Since the Indian Cooperative has also been believing all through that PACS being the building block of the cooperative movement in the country, we reproduce the write-up of the Ministry for our readers’ benefit.
Excerpts
Primary Agricultural Credit Societies are the grass root level arms of the short-term co-operative credit structure. PACS deals directly with the rural (agricultural) borrowers, give those loans and collect repayments of loans given and also undertake distribution and marketing functions.
They occupy a predominant position in the co-operative credit structure and form its base. It serves as the final link between the ultimate borrowers on the one hand and the higher financing agencies, namely the Scheduled Commercial Banks, and the RBI/NABARD on the other hand.
Organisational Structure of PACS
General Body of PACS: Exercise the control over board as well as management.
Management Committee: Elected by the general body to perform the work as prescribed by the society’s rules, acts, and by-laws.
Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary: Work for the benefit of the members by performing their roles and duties as assigned to them.
Office Staff: Responsible for performing day to day work.
Significance of Primary Agriculture Credit Society
For the uninitiated, a PACS is the first building block of the century-old cooperative banking system of India.
PACS can play a colossal role, in bringing farmer communities closer to credit, inputs, market and value addition.
No commercial bank branch can ever come close to providing the kind of services a Primary Agriculture Credit Society (PACS) can.
PACS can also play a major role by integrating its warehouse with the physical and financial supply chain of agro-commodities in the upcoming Garmin Agriculture Markets (GrAMs) or large warehouses in the private sector.
Strengthening of Primary Agriculture Cooperative Credit Societies (PACS)
The strengthening of Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS) refers to the process of enhancing the capacity, efficiency, and effectiveness of these cooperative institutions that will be providing multiple services to the farmers and rural agricultural communities, apart from credit and financial services.
By strengthening Primary Agriculture Credit Societies, governments and stakeholders aim to improve the overall state of agriculture, uplift rural communities, and promote inclusive economic growth. These efforts can contribute to poverty reduction, food security, and sustainable development in agrarian economies.
For more information click on: https://www.cooperation.gov.in/our-vision