Bihar Receives ₹53.90 Crore for PACS Computerization; 728 Cooperative Societies in Bhagalpur to Benefit
Bhagalpur: The Central Government has taken a major step toward modernizing Bihar's cooperative sector by releasing ₹53.90 crore for the computerization and digitization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). The initiative aims to make PACS more transparent, efficient, and technology-driven, enabling faster and better services for farmers across the state.
The information was shared by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah in a written reply to Unstarred Question No. 438 raised in the Lok Sabha by Bhagalpur MP Ajay Kumar Mandal. The announcement has generated optimism in Bihar's cooperative sector, particularly in Bhagalpur district, where 728 active PACS are expected to benefit from the modernization drive.
PACS Modernization Raised in Parliament
During the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Bhagalpur MP Ajay Kumar Mandal sought details from the Central Government regarding the progress of computerization and modernization of PACS in Bihar.
He asked what measures had been taken to strengthen cooperative societies through digital technology and how much financial assistance had been provided for the initiative.
In his written reply, Amit Shah stated that the Central Government is implementing a nationwide programme to strengthen the cooperative movement. As part of this initiative, ₹53.90 crore has already been released for the computerization of PACS in Bihar.
Plan to Digitally Connect 4,495 PACS
The Union Minister informed Parliament that 4,495 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) across Bihar are being connected to a digital network.
Under the project, PACS will be equipped with computers, essential hardware, internet connectivity, software systems, and digital record management facilities.
The objective is to make cooperative services faster, more transparent, and more accessible to farmers. Once the digitization process is completed, activities such as loan disbursement, membership management, account maintenance, procurement of agricultural produce, fertilizer distribution, and other cooperative services will become more efficient.
728 Active PACS in Bhagalpur to Benefit
Bhagalpur currently has 728 active PACS, which play a crucial role in providing agricultural credit, supplying seeds and fertilizers, implementing government schemes, and procuring crops such as paddy and wheat from farmers.
With digitization, these societies are expected to function more efficiently, maintain secure digital records, and reduce the need for farmers to make repeated visits to cooperative offices.
Experts believe the introduction of technology will improve transparency, reduce the possibility of irregularities, and strengthen farmers' trust in cooperative institutions.
'Prosperity Through Cooperation' Initiative Gains Momentum
Welcoming the Central Government's decision, MP Ajay Kumar Mandal said the vision of "Prosperity Through Cooperation" under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah is steadily becoming a reality.
He said integrating modern technology into the cooperative movement would directly benefit farmers while strengthening the rural economy through greater transparency and operational efficiency.
The MP added that farmers across Bihar, including those in Bhagalpur, would benefit significantly from the initiative, enabling PACS to function more effectively.
Key Benefits of Computerization
The digitization of PACS is expected to provide several important benefits for both farmers and cooperative societies:
Secure digital maintenance of member records and financial transactions.
Faster and more transparent loan processing and disbursement.
Improved monitoring of government welfare schemes.
Quicker payments for paddy and wheat procurement.
Better financial management and auditing.
Timely access to information and services for farmers.
Reduced paperwork and improved administrative efficiency.
Farmers to Receive Modern Digital Services
Experts believe that once PACS become fully digitized, they will be able to offer services comparable to modern banking and cooperative institutions.
In the future, farmers may also gain access to online applications, loan status tracking, digital payment updates, and other electronic services.
Digital record-keeping is also expected to simplify dispute resolution and improve overall accountability.
Strengthening Bihar's Agricultural Economy
Bihar is primarily an agricultural state, and a large section of its farming community depends on cooperative societies for crop loans, seeds, fertilizers, government procurement, and various welfare schemes.
Modernizing PACS is therefore considered a major step toward strengthening the state's agricultural support system.
Experts believe that if the computerization project is implemented within the planned timeframe, it will significantly improve the quality and efficiency of services provided to farmers.
Cooperative Sector Among Government Priorities
The Central Government has been introducing several initiatives to strengthen India's cooperative sector. Promoting transparency, digital governance, and the use of modern technology in cooperative institutions remains one of its key priorities.
According to the Ministry of Cooperation, a stronger PACS network will not only enhance farmers' incomes but also contribute to the overall development of the rural economy.
The Road Ahead
With the release of ₹53.90 crore, the pace of PACS computerization in Bihar is expected to accelerate considerably. The government aims to connect all identified cooperative societies to the digital network in the coming months.
Farmers across Bihar, including those in Bhagalpur, are now looking forward to the effective implementation of the programme. If completed on schedule, the initiative could bring about a major transformation in the state's cooperative sector.
Experts believe that a technology-driven PACS system will provide farmers with faster, more transparent, and more reliable services while strengthening agricultural development and improving the economic condition of rural communities across Bihar.
