Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri announced that the Himachal Pradesh government is taking strong steps to digitize and modernize cooperative societies across the state to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability. Under this initiative, ₹53 crore has been sanctioned for the computerization of 1,789 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), with ₹22.18 crore already spent. The first phase has seen the successful computerization of 870 PACS, while the second phase will cover the remaining 919 societies. Emphasizing that cooperative societies deal with public money, Agnihotri highlighted the need for transparent operations and stronger governance. The project is more than just a technological upgrade—it aims to build public trust, reduce irregularities, and foster result-oriented functioning. To reinforce audit mechanisms, the Cooperation Department has appointed 30 master trainers to provide audit training statewide, aiming to complete audits of all cooperative societies by 30 September 2025. Additionally, 1,153 PACS are being developed into Common Service Centres (CSCs), offering more than 300 digital services, including Tele-Law, telemedicine, pensions, certificates, and banking, directly to rural communities. Cooperative societies are also being integrated with the National Cooperative Database, enabling GIS-based monitoring and data-driven decision-making. The Deputy CM affirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the rural economy by empowering cooperative societies to become self-reliant and technologically advanced.
