Government Committed to Making Cooperative Sector More Transparent, Digital, and Farmer-Friendly: Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap

Raipur, A high-level review meeting of the Cooperation Department was held today under the chairmanship of Cooperation Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap in the conference hall of Chhattisgarh State Cooperative Bank Limited (Apex Bank) in Nava Raipur. The meeting reviewed 16 major public welfare schemes of the department and their implementation at the ground level. During the review meeting, emphasizing the strengthening of cooperation, Cooperation Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap said that the state government is working with full commitment to make the cooperative sector more transparent, digital, and farmer-friendly. Our main objective is to deliver the direct benefits of government schemes to the last person and every farmer in the state through Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). Digitization and modern banking services will further strengthen the trust of farmers in the cooperative system. Review of Major Schemes and Strict Instructions: Minister Shri Kashyap instructed the officials present, managing directors, divisional joint commissioners, deputy/assistant commissioners, and chief executive officers of District Cooperative Central Banks to take quick action on the following priorities. During the meeting, Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap directed to activate the working system of Dairy and Fisheries Societies in Chhattisgarh. He told the officials to prepare an action plan under an MOU with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for milk societies in Chhattisgarh to produce and process milk. Digitalization and Transparency: Instructions were given to expedite the 100% computerization of PACS and the audit process to ensure complete transparency in the financial system. Farmer Welfare and Loan-Fertilizer Distribution: Instructions were given to ensure interest subsidy on short-term agricultural loans, timely distribution of fertilizers, seeds, and loans. A target of Rs 8800 crore for agricultural loan distribution for the current Kharif season 2026 has been set for farmers of the state through cooperative banks, against which loans amounting to Rs 6932 crore have been distributed to more than 14 lakh farmers so far, which is 79 percent of the target. In the meeting, Minister Shri Kashyap instructed the officials to achieve 100% agricultural loan distribution. Expansion of Banking Facilities: Emphasis was placed on expanding Common Service Centers (CSC) in rural areas and making digital banking accessible by increasing the availability of micro ATMs. Warehouse Construction and Newly Formed PACS: A review of warehouse construction in 100 societies and construction works approved under the RIDF scheme was conducted, along with instructions for the smooth operation of newly formed 515 PACS. Information was provided in the meeting that out of 725 warehouses allotted under RIDF, the construction of 712 warehouses has been completed. Officials were instructed to complete the construction of the remaining 13 warehouses soon. Public Grievances and E-Office: Strict instructions were issued for the early resolution of cases registered in the CM Helpline, timely filing of responses in court cases, and ensuring e-office and Aadhaar-based attendance in offices. Final Resolution of Paddy Procurement: Orders were given for the speedy and transparent final resolution of the remaining paddy at the paddy procurement centers. At the end of the meeting, Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap directed all departmental officials to deliver the benefits of government schemes to farmers and common citizens associated with the cooperative sector quickly, with accountability and complete transparency. On this occasion, Secretary Cooperation Dr. C.R. Prasanna, Commissioner Cooperation and Registrar Cooperative Societies Chhattisgarh Shri Ramesh Sharma, Markfed MD Shri Jitendra Shukla, Apex Bank Managing Director Shri K.N. Kande, Additional Registrar Shri U.B.S. Rathia, Additional Registrar Mrs. Savitri Bhagat, and officials from the Cooperation Department and Apex Bank, and CEOs of District Cooperative Central Banks were present.