Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Addresses Mega Sammelan in Gujarat, Emphasizes Role of Cooperation in Building Viksit Bharat and Announces PACS in Every Panchayat by 2029

On May 18, 2025, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addressed the Mega Sammelan on “The Role of Cooperation in Building Viksit Bharat” in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, organized by the Gujarat State Cooperative Union. The event, attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, highlighted the cooperative movement’s pivotal role in achieving Sahkar se Samriddhi and fostering a developed India by 2029. 

Reviving the Cooperative Movement

 Shri Amit Shah emphasized that 2025, declared the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) by the United Nations, is a critical opportunity to strengthen the cooperative framework. He noted that under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, the cooperative movement was revitalized in 2021 with the vision of Sahkar se Samriddhi. The Mega Sammelan aimed to promote awareness, training, and transparency to ensure the benefits of cooperative reforms reach Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and farmers. 

Science of Cooperation

 The Government of India has prioritized “Science of Cooperation” and “Science in Cooperation” during IYC 2025. Shri Shah highlighted the need to expand the cooperative movement to every state and district, strengthening primary cooperative societies and district-level institutions. A fourth tier has been added to the global three-tier cooperative structure, connecting national, state, district, and primary-level institutions to enhance coordination. 

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

 Shri Shah stressed the importance of Cooperation Amongst Cooperatives at the primary level. He urged cooperative societies, dairies, and other institutions to maintain accounts with district cooperative banks to foster financial integration. The Ministry of Cooperation has undertaken 57 initiatives to mainstream cooperation in governance, enhance transparency through technology, and connect more citizens to the movement.

Initiative	Objective
International Year of Cooperatives	Strengthen cooperative framework in 2025
PACS Expansion	Establish PACS in every panchayat by 2029
Cooperation Amongst Cooperatives	Promote coordination among cooperative institutions

Strengthening PACS Nationwide

 

The Modi government aims to establish 2 lakh new PACS and dairies across every panchayat by 2029. The Tribhuvan Sahakari University will provide education on cooperative principles at the national level. A forthcoming policy will address the settlement of liquidated PACS and facilitate the creation of new PACS, integrating 22 activities to enhance their functionality. 

Future of Cooperatives

 

Shri Shah underscored that IYC 2025 is an opportunity to raise public awareness, promote transparency, and drive recruitments in the cooperative sector. The 57 initiatives by the Ministry of Cooperation aim to ensure that the cooperative movement becomes a cornerstone of Viksit Bharat, empowering farmers and strengthening rural economies. 

Key Highlights of the Event

• Mega Sammelan on May 18, 2025, in Ahmedabad focused on cooperation for Viksit Bharat.
• 2025 declared International Year of Cooperatives to strengthen cooperative framework.
• Modi government to establish 2 lakh PACS in every panchayat by 2029.
• Promoted Cooperation Amongst Cooperatives and transparency through 57 initiatives.
• Tribhuvan Sahakari University to provide cooperative education nationwide.