Parliament Question: Performance of Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COOPERATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2724 TO BE ANSWERED ON 4th AUGUST, 2026 Performance of Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies

2724. Ms. Kangna Ranaut:

Will the Minister of COOPERATION (सहकारिता मंत्री) be pleased to state:

(a) Whether the Government has undertaken any independent assessment regarding the functioning of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) converted into Multi-purpose PACS in Himachal Pradesh;

(b) Whether such Multi-purpose PACS are providing additional services such as storage, input supply, marketing and Common Service Centre (CSC) facilities, if so, the details thereof;

(c) the outcome of such assessment, constituency-wise within the Mandi Lok Sabha Constituency and district-wise in the rest of Himachal Pradesh; and

(d) the corrective measures proposed by the Ministry to improve their performance? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF COOPERATION सहकारिता मंत्री (SHRI AMIT SHAH)

(a) Ministry has provided the necessary framework for such evaluations to the State government by launching the ‘Cooperative Ranking Framework’ on 24th January 2025. This framework provides standardized parameters—including audit compliance, financial performance, and operational activities—that enable the State Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) to conduct independent assessments and take necessary steps to strengthen societies at the State, district, and block levels.

So far, Ministry of Cooperation has not contemplated independent assessment regarding the functioning of PACS operating as Multi-purpose PACS in Himachal Pradesh.

Page 1 of 2(b) Yes, Sir. In accordance with the convergence framework and the adoption of Model Bye-laws by the States, including Himachal Pradesh, PACS have been enabled to undertake multiple business activities and function as multipurpose institutions. In Himachal Pradesh, 1,191 PACS are functioning as Common Service Centres and providing more than 300 e-services to rural citizens, 772 PACS have been upgraded as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras for supply of quality agricultural inputs, 8 PACS are operating as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras and 10 PACS are functioning as Farmer Producer Organisations. Further, Memoranda of Understanding have been signed between HIMFED and the national-level cooperative societies, namely National Cooperative Organics Limited, National Cooperative Exports Limited and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited, to facilitate aggregation, value addition and marketing of local produce. In addition, under the Centrally Sponsored Project for Computerization of PACS, 1,885 PACS have been sanctioned in Himachal Pradesh, hardware has been installed in 1,789 PACS, and approximately ₹41.10 crore has been received and utilized for the purpose.

(c) Does not arise.

(d) The performance evaluation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) is a concurrent and continuous process undertaken by the respective State Governments/UT Administrations through the Registrar of Cooperative Societies and other concerned agencies. The implementation and progress of cooperative-sector initiatives are reviewed through the State Cooperative Development Committee at the State level and the District Cooperative Development Committee at the district level. These committees facilitate inter-departmental coordination, monitor implementation, identify operational constraints and recommend necessary remedial measures.

The State Government takes such corrective and remedial measures, as considered necessary, based on the local requirements and periodic assessment of the performance of cooperative societies. *** Page 2 of 2