Kurukshetra Magazine July 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

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Kurukshetra	Magazine	July	2025
Page 2


Kurukshetra	Magazine	July	2025
  2 
   
CHAPTER 1- RISING IN UNISON: REALIZING SAHKAR SE SAMRIDDHI
Cooperation, based on ‘Sah’ (together) and ‘Karya’ (action), holds transformative potential for community-
led growth. As India targets a $5 trillion economy, cooperatives must be repositioned as democratic, multi-
sectoral business entities. The vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” demands unified, time-bound efforts for 
inclusive socio-economic development.
Philosophical Roots and Historical Evolution
• India’s ancient texts—Rigveda, Manusmriti, and Arthashastra—emphasize collective trusteeship. 
The Rigveda advocates unity: “May we be of one mind…”. Arthashastra mandates shared responsibility 
in cooperatives.
• The Cooperative Credit Societies Act, 1904 formalized grassroots economic cooperation. Mahatma 
Gandhi called Charkha the “greatest voluntary cooperation,” linking it to self-reliance and rural 
empowerment.
Cooperative Values and Principles
Indian cooperatives function on 7 global principles—voluntary membership, democratic control, economic 
participation, autonomy, education, inter-cooperation, and community focus. These foster people-centric 
development.
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Kurukshetra	Magazine	July	2025
  2 
   
CHAPTER 1- RISING IN UNISON: REALIZING SAHKAR SE SAMRIDDHI
Cooperation, based on ‘Sah’ (together) and ‘Karya’ (action), holds transformative potential for community-
led growth. As India targets a $5 trillion economy, cooperatives must be repositioned as democratic, multi-
sectoral business entities. The vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” demands unified, time-bound efforts for 
inclusive socio-economic development.
Philosophical Roots and Historical Evolution
• India’s ancient texts—Rigveda, Manusmriti, and Arthashastra—emphasize collective trusteeship. 
The Rigveda advocates unity: “May we be of one mind…”. Arthashastra mandates shared responsibility 
in cooperatives.
• The Cooperative Credit Societies Act, 1904 formalized grassroots economic cooperation. Mahatma 
Gandhi called Charkha the “greatest voluntary cooperation,” linking it to self-reliance and rural 
empowerment.
Cooperative Values and Principles
Indian cooperatives function on 7 global principles—voluntary membership, democratic control, economic 
participation, autonomy, education, inter-cooperation, and community focus. These foster people-centric 
development.
  3 
   
Status of the Cooperative Movement
• India has 814,575 cooperatives with 29 crore members, covering 98% of villages. Over 810,000 are 
Primary Cooperatives, and 19 are national-level federations, making this a critical pillar of India’s 
economy.
PACS: Strengthening Rural Cooperatives
Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in 32 States/UTs can now conduct 25+ business activities, 
including: Fisheries, Dairy, Warehousing, Banking, Insurance, Legal Services, Renewable Energy 
Initiatives, PM Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs), Common Service Centres (42,080 PACS, 
300+ e-services) and Fertilizer & Panchayat-level Maintenance Services
Additional Initiatives: As part of the ongoing cooperative sector reforms, 7.43 lakh RuPay Kisan Credit 
Cards (KCCs) have been distributed under the Gujarat pilot, 716 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies 
(PACS) are now functioning as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs), 36,193 PACS 
have been converted into Kisan Samriddhi Kendras, and 286 PACS have applied for Oil/LPG dealership, 
further strengthening rural service delivery and financial inclusion.
Cooperatives Driving Atmanirbhar Bharat
To reduce pulse and maize imports, GoI launched:
• e-Samyukti portal (NCCF): 12.64 lakh farmer registrations
• e-Samridhi portal (NAFED): 6.75 lakh registrations
• These portals ensure MSP procurement, boost income security, and promote ethanol production under 
the Ethanol Blending Programme.
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Kurukshetra	Magazine	July	2025
  2 
   
CHAPTER 1- RISING IN UNISON: REALIZING SAHKAR SE SAMRIDDHI
Cooperation, based on ‘Sah’ (together) and ‘Karya’ (action), holds transformative potential for community-
led growth. As India targets a $5 trillion economy, cooperatives must be repositioned as democratic, multi-
sectoral business entities. The vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” demands unified, time-bound efforts for 
inclusive socio-economic development.
Philosophical Roots and Historical Evolution
• India’s ancient texts—Rigveda, Manusmriti, and Arthashastra—emphasize collective trusteeship. 
The Rigveda advocates unity: “May we be of one mind…”. Arthashastra mandates shared responsibility 
in cooperatives.
• The Cooperative Credit Societies Act, 1904 formalized grassroots economic cooperation. Mahatma 
Gandhi called Charkha the “greatest voluntary cooperation,” linking it to self-reliance and rural 
empowerment.
Cooperative Values and Principles
Indian cooperatives function on 7 global principles—voluntary membership, democratic control, economic 
participation, autonomy, education, inter-cooperation, and community focus. These foster people-centric 
development.
  3 
   
Status of the Cooperative Movement
• India has 814,575 cooperatives with 29 crore members, covering 98% of villages. Over 810,000 are 
Primary Cooperatives, and 19 are national-level federations, making this a critical pillar of India’s 
economy.
PACS: Strengthening Rural Cooperatives
Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in 32 States/UTs can now conduct 25+ business activities, 
including: Fisheries, Dairy, Warehousing, Banking, Insurance, Legal Services, Renewable Energy 
Initiatives, PM Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs), Common Service Centres (42,080 PACS, 
300+ e-services) and Fertilizer & Panchayat-level Maintenance Services
Additional Initiatives: As part of the ongoing cooperative sector reforms, 7.43 lakh RuPay Kisan Credit 
Cards (KCCs) have been distributed under the Gujarat pilot, 716 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies 
(PACS) are now functioning as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs), 36,193 PACS 
have been converted into Kisan Samriddhi Kendras, and 286 PACS have applied for Oil/LPG dealership, 
further strengthening rural service delivery and financial inclusion.
Cooperatives Driving Atmanirbhar Bharat
To reduce pulse and maize imports, GoI launched:
• e-Samyukti portal (NCCF): 12.64 lakh farmer registrations
• e-Samridhi portal (NAFED): 6.75 lakh registrations
• These portals ensure MSP procurement, boost income security, and promote ethanol production under 
the Ethanol Blending Programme.
  4 
   
Promoting Cooperative FPOs and FFPOs
Strategic integration of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Fishery Farmers Producer 
Organizations (FFPOs) within the cooperative framework has enhanced income diversification and rural 
entrepreneurial capacities. The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) has successfully 
formed:
• 730 cooperative FPOs
• 70 FFPOs (initial phase)
Expansion into Oil and Energy Sector
PACS are now eligible for:
• Retail Petrol/Diesel and LPG Dealerships
• Participation in MNRE renewable energy schemes
• Promotion of solar pumps and PV modules on farms
Strengthening the Cooperative Credit Structure
With 13 crore farmers linked to PACS, GoI is modernizing the 3-tier credit system:
• StCB ? DCCB ? PACS
• Focus on computerizing ARDBs, SCARDBs, and PCARDBs
• Strengthening DCCBs (middle tier) to ensure credit efficiency
Cooperative Education and Skill Building
• The establishment of Tribhuvan Sahkari University institutionalizes cooperative learning, promoting 
leadership, professionalism, and sustainability in the sector.
Conclusion
As India moves toward Viksit Bharat@2047, the cooperative movement is key to achieving inclusive and 
equitable development. The vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” is a national call-to-action for grassroots 
entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and social equity.
Strengthening cooperative institutions, enabling multi-sectoral participation, and aligning them with national 
missions can turn cooperatives into engines of prosperity—ensuring that growth reaches the last mile 
through the spirit of collective action.
Page 5


Kurukshetra	Magazine	July	2025
  2 
   
CHAPTER 1- RISING IN UNISON: REALIZING SAHKAR SE SAMRIDDHI
Cooperation, based on ‘Sah’ (together) and ‘Karya’ (action), holds transformative potential for community-
led growth. As India targets a $5 trillion economy, cooperatives must be repositioned as democratic, multi-
sectoral business entities. The vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” demands unified, time-bound efforts for 
inclusive socio-economic development.
Philosophical Roots and Historical Evolution
• India’s ancient texts—Rigveda, Manusmriti, and Arthashastra—emphasize collective trusteeship. 
The Rigveda advocates unity: “May we be of one mind…”. Arthashastra mandates shared responsibility 
in cooperatives.
• The Cooperative Credit Societies Act, 1904 formalized grassroots economic cooperation. Mahatma 
Gandhi called Charkha the “greatest voluntary cooperation,” linking it to self-reliance and rural 
empowerment.
Cooperative Values and Principles
Indian cooperatives function on 7 global principles—voluntary membership, democratic control, economic 
participation, autonomy, education, inter-cooperation, and community focus. These foster people-centric 
development.
  3 
   
Status of the Cooperative Movement
• India has 814,575 cooperatives with 29 crore members, covering 98% of villages. Over 810,000 are 
Primary Cooperatives, and 19 are national-level federations, making this a critical pillar of India’s 
economy.
PACS: Strengthening Rural Cooperatives
Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in 32 States/UTs can now conduct 25+ business activities, 
including: Fisheries, Dairy, Warehousing, Banking, Insurance, Legal Services, Renewable Energy 
Initiatives, PM Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs), Common Service Centres (42,080 PACS, 
300+ e-services) and Fertilizer & Panchayat-level Maintenance Services
Additional Initiatives: As part of the ongoing cooperative sector reforms, 7.43 lakh RuPay Kisan Credit 
Cards (KCCs) have been distributed under the Gujarat pilot, 716 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies 
(PACS) are now functioning as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs), 36,193 PACS 
have been converted into Kisan Samriddhi Kendras, and 286 PACS have applied for Oil/LPG dealership, 
further strengthening rural service delivery and financial inclusion.
Cooperatives Driving Atmanirbhar Bharat
To reduce pulse and maize imports, GoI launched:
• e-Samyukti portal (NCCF): 12.64 lakh farmer registrations
• e-Samridhi portal (NAFED): 6.75 lakh registrations
• These portals ensure MSP procurement, boost income security, and promote ethanol production under 
the Ethanol Blending Programme.
  4 
   
Promoting Cooperative FPOs and FFPOs
Strategic integration of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Fishery Farmers Producer 
Organizations (FFPOs) within the cooperative framework has enhanced income diversification and rural 
entrepreneurial capacities. The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) has successfully 
formed:
• 730 cooperative FPOs
• 70 FFPOs (initial phase)
Expansion into Oil and Energy Sector
PACS are now eligible for:
• Retail Petrol/Diesel and LPG Dealerships
• Participation in MNRE renewable energy schemes
• Promotion of solar pumps and PV modules on farms
Strengthening the Cooperative Credit Structure
With 13 crore farmers linked to PACS, GoI is modernizing the 3-tier credit system:
• StCB ? DCCB ? PACS
• Focus on computerizing ARDBs, SCARDBs, and PCARDBs
• Strengthening DCCBs (middle tier) to ensure credit efficiency
Cooperative Education and Skill Building
• The establishment of Tribhuvan Sahkari University institutionalizes cooperative learning, promoting 
leadership, professionalism, and sustainability in the sector.
Conclusion
As India moves toward Viksit Bharat@2047, the cooperative movement is key to achieving inclusive and 
equitable development. The vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” is a national call-to-action for grassroots 
entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and social equity.
Strengthening cooperative institutions, enabling multi-sectoral participation, and aligning them with national 
missions can turn cooperatives into engines of prosperity—ensuring that growth reaches the last mile 
through the spirit of collective action.
  5 
   
CHAPTER 2- PACS AS COMMON SERVICE CENTERS (CSCS)
Rural India has long relied on Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) as the backbone of its 
agricultural credit system. With over 1 lakh PACS spread across the country and catering to more than 13 
crore farmer members, these institutions form one of the largest cooperative networks globally. 
• Traditionally, their role has been limited to providing short-term and medium-term credit to farmers. 
However, the evolving needs of rural India—spanning digital inclusion, e-governance, financial 
literacy, and access to basic services—necessitate a broader institutional transformation. 
• In this context, the integration of PACS into the Common Service Centers (CSC) framework 
represents a pivotal policy shift toward inclusive, digitally-enabled rural development.
What are PACS? 
• Definition: PACS are the lowest tier in the short-term cooperative credit structure (comprising PACS 
at the village level, District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs), and State Cooperative Banks (StCBs)).
• Role: They offer agricultural credit, fertilizers, seeds, and procurement services.
• Structure: Registered under respective State Cooperative Societies Acts, PACS operate as member-
driven institutions, democratically governed and financially supported by cooperative banks and 
NABARD.
• Challenges: Manual record-keeping, limited diversification, lack of digitization, and poor governance 
hampered their efficiency.
PACS-CSC Integration: A Policy Shift
Recognizing their deep rural penetration, the Government signed an MoU on 2nd February 2023 between 
the Ministry of Cooperation, Ministry of Electronics & IT, NABARD, and CSC e-Governance Services 
India Ltd to integrate PACS into the Digital Seva Portal of CSCs.