New Delhi, Dec 16: Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that Ladakh has shown notable progress in expanding and strengthening the cooperative movement, with the Centre approving the computerisation of 10 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in the Union Territory so far.
In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, the minister noted that as per the 2011 Census, Ladakh has a population of 2,74,289, including 2,12,280 people residing in rural areas. The region is served by 169 PACS, of which 129 are currently active and engaged in cooperative activities.
“Despite being sparsely populated, Ladakh has made significant strides in strengthening its cooperative landscape, ensuring that every panchayat has an operational PACS,” Shah stated.
Under the first phase of the PACS Computerisation Project, the Centre has cleared 10 societies — five each from Leh and Kargil — for modernisation. Additionally, the UT administration has proposed the computerisation of 23 more PACS under Phase II of the project.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to the ‘Sahakar se Samriddhi’ vision aimed at deepening and diversifying cooperative activities, Shah said Ladakh has adopted the Model Bye-Laws for PACS. This adoption enables societies to engage in over 25 types of business operations while enhancing transparency and accountability.
He added that the PACS in Ladakh can now also 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 Jan Aushadhi Kendras, while seven are already providing CSC services,” Shah informed Parliament.
