The Central government’s initiative to integrate Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) with the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra (PMBJAK) program has gained significant momentum, according to the Ministry of Cooperation.
More than 500 PACS have transitioned to operate as Jan Aushadhi Kendras since January, a move prompted by Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah’s address at a conclave earlier this year.
This strategic shift allows these cooperatives to provide affordable and high-quality generic medicines to the public. The Ministry of Cooperation highlighted this progress in a tweet, noting that 563 PACS have now started functioning as Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
This development is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing the economic viability of PACS and expanding their role beyond traditional activities.
Earlier in the year, Shah had granted codes and approvals to approximately 2,300 cooperative societies to begin operations as Jan Aushadhi Kendras. Remarkably, over 4,400 PACS and cooperative societies from 34 states and union territories have shown interest in this initiative by submitting online applications.
The approval of over 2,300 cooperatives has opened new opportunities for these entities, fostering economic diversification and growth.
This transformation is anticipated to significantly increase the incomes of small and marginal farmers associated with PACS, while also creating employment opportunities in rural areas.
In addition to converting PACS into Jan Aushadhi Kendras, the government has launched several other initiatives to strengthen these primary cooperative societies. These include the computerization of PACS, their integration with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) through a common national software, and the formulation of Model Byelaws. These efforts are revitalizing the cooperative sector and enhancing its contribution to the rural economy.
This development coincided with Amit Shah, along with Krishan Pal Gurjar and Murlidhar Mohol, taking the oath as Members of Parliament during the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha on Monday. This marks a significant step in their continued political careers and involvement in legislative activities aimed at national development.