As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a celebration marking 75 years of India’s independence, the Government of India is ushering in a new era of inclusive rural development through the Ministry of Cooperation. One of the landmark steps in this direction is the comprehensive plan approved on 15th February 2023 to strengthen the cooperative movement at the grassroots level. This initiative aims to deepen the reach of cooperatives across the country by establishing 2 lakh new multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (M-PACS), Dairy, and Fishery Cooperative Societies in every Panchayat or village over five years.
This visionary plan aligns with the spirit of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav by promoting self-reliance, economic democracy, and community-led development. The convergence of various government schemes—including the Dairy Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF), National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)—is being leveraged to implement this initiative effectively. The plan is supported by key national institutions like NABARD, NDDB, NFDB, and respective State Governments, ensuring a collaborative and well-structured approach.
As of 30th June 2025, the National Cooperative Database reports the registration of 22,606 new cooperative societies (PACS, Dairy, and Fishery) across the country. This rapid progress underscores the commitment to transforming rural livelihoods through cooperative frameworks that ensure better access to credit, infrastructure, markets, and value addition.