Registered Cooperative Societies in Jharkhand and Gujarat

Why in news

The article provides data on the number of cooperative societies in Jharkhand and Gujarat as per the National Cooperative Database and highlights the Central Sector Project for Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS).

Exam relevance

GS2, GS3 · Governance, Economy, Society · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. As on 15.07.2026, Jharkhand has 12,207 cooperative societies and Gujarat has 88,119 cooperative societies.
2. The Central Sector Project for Computerization of PACS was launched in 2022.
3. Initially, 63,000 PACS were approved under the project with a financial outlay of ₹2,516 crore.
4. The project has been enhanced to cover 79,630 PACS with a revised outlay of ₹2,925.39 crore.
5. The Ministry of Cooperation was established on 06.07.2021.

Prelims pointers

• National Cooperative Database (NCD) tracks cooperative societies.
• Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are a key type of cooperative.
• The Central Sector Project for Computerization of PACS aims to implement ERP-based software.
• The Ministry of Cooperation is responsible for initiatives related to cooperative institutions.

Mains practice question

Discuss the significance of cooperative societies in India's rural economy and analyze the impact of the Central Sector Project for Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) on their functioning and outreach.

Static linkage

Cooperatives are a significant part of India's economic and social fabric, particularly in rural development and agriculture. The Constitution of India, through the 97th Amendment Act, 2011, introduced specific provisions related to cooperatives, including Article 19(1)(c) guaranteeing the right to form cooperative societies and Part IXB dedicated to cooperatives. The Ministry of Cooperation was formed to provide a separate administrative, legal, and policy framework for strengthening the cooperative sector.

Significance

The data on cooperative societies in Jharkhand and Gujarat provides insights into the penetration and distribution of this sector in different states. The computerization project aims to improve the efficiency, transparency, and financial inclusion offered by PACS, which are crucial for agricultural credit delivery at the grassroots level. Strengthening cooperatives aligns with the government's objective of rural development and empowering farmers.