Bhubaneswar, Dec, 03: A revolution is coming to the state’s cooperative system. In the coming days, this system will be strengthened further. Following directions from the Central Government, several new initiatives are being taken to bring transformative changes in the cooperative sector of the state.
Accordingly, District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) will be opened in all districts. People of one district will no longer have to depend on the DCCB of another district. Currently, central cooperative banks exist in only 15 districts. By 2030, primary agricultural cooperative banks (PACS) or large tribal multipurpose cooperative societies (LAMPS) will be available in all panchayats. Out of 6,794 panchayats in the state, 4,252 already have PACS or LAMPS. For panchayats where no grassroots-level cooperative exists, they will be established immediately. A new cooperative policy will soon be released, under the framework of the National Cooperative Policy-2025, aiming at prosperity with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A common banking software will be implemented for the operation of PACS, DCCBs, and the Odisha State Cooperative Bank (OSCB). This will facilitate easy management. Existing services like Kisan Credit Cards will be integrated, and mobile banking and M-ATM facilities will be encouraged in rural areas. In places without cooperative institutions, services will be provided via mobile banking vans.
Efforts will also be made to revive sick cooperative societies across the state. Special programs will be organized to train employees and officers to enhance their skills.
A Cooperative Performance Index will be prepared, showing district-level efficiency scores. This will consider the financial health, operational practices, and member satisfaction of cooperatives. Participation of women, youth, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes in cooperative activities and regional economic development will also be emphasized.
Healthy and well-performing cooperatives will be used as models for others, and grassroots cooperatives will be promoted through various schemes. Professional and systematic practices will help cooperatives reach their full potential. Employment opportunities for local youth and women will also be created through cooperatives. By 2036, 18 specific areas will be focused on to strengthen cooperatives, ensuring autonomy in management and decision-making, and bringing transparency in appointments of employees and officers.