New Delhi, December 16:
Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said Ladakh has made significant progress in strengthening the cooperative movement, with the Centre approving the computerisation of 10 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) so far.
In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Shah said that as per the 2011 Census, Ladakh has a population of 2,74,289, including a rural population of 2,12,280.
He informed the House that the Union Territory has 169 PACS, of which 129 are currently functional, adding that every panchayat in Ladakh has an operational PACS, despite the region’s sparse population.
Under Phase-I of the PACS Computerisation Project, 10 PACS—five each from Leh and Kargil—have been approved for computerisation. The UT Administration has also proposed 23 additional PACS for inclusion under Phase-II of the project.
Shah said Ladakh has adopted the Model Bye-Laws for PACS under the vision of “Sahakar se Samriddhi”, enabling societies to undertake over 25 diversified business activities while improving transparency, accountability and governance.
With the new framework, PACS can function as PM-Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PMKSKs), Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) and Common Service Centres (CSCs).
“At present, 10 PACS have applied to open PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras, while seven PACS are already providing CSC services in Ladakh,” the minister said.
