Minister Sarang underlined the importance of transparency, honesty, and innovation as foundational principles for reinforcing the cooperative movement. He urged all members of the cooperative sector to commit themselves wholeheartedly to achieving this mission. He was speaking at a state-level cooperative workshop held at Samanvay Bhavan on Wednesday, organized under the banner of International Cooperative Year–2025, focusing on key initiatives of the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India.
Minister Sarang stressed that empowering Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) is crucial to advancing the cooperative sector. He instructed divisional and district-level officials to conduct regular inspections of PACS under their jurisdiction and suggested that even officials from the headquarters be assigned responsibilities at the divisional level to ensure timely resolution of local issues. He noted that PACS have the potential to generate employment and boost economic development.
He also acknowledged Self-Help Groups as exemplary models of cooperation and emphasized that the focus should extend beyond just credit-related activities to broader cooperative functions. Highlighting the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he remarked that the creation of the Ministry of Cooperation is driving transformational change across the sector.
Citing a statement by Union Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah, Shri Sarang said that real happiness for the underprivileged can only be achieved through a robust cooperative framework. He noted that the cooperative system holds immense potential to generate employment at the grassroots level and encouraged efforts to build trust in the movement. He further stated that honest and meaningful work leads to personal and professional satisfaction and a lasting legacy.
Minister Sarang also commended Madhya Pradesh for its outstanding performance in a recent central government review, applauding the efforts of the state team. He highlighted national recognition for the state’s Innovation Wing and the CPPP (Converged Public Procurement Platform) model. Additionally, he pointed out that Madhya Pradesh ranks first in computerisation efforts within the cooperative sector.
He concluded by asserting that commitment is the true benchmark of efficiency and that success depends on teamwork, consistency, and integrity. Introducing himself to officers from across the state at the outset of the program, he also directed that show-cause notices be issued to absent officers who failed to notify their absence in advance.
ACS Shri Ashok Barnwal, speaking on the same occasion, reiterated that the primary goal should be to strengthen PACS. He recommended that each PACS should undertake at least three non-credit activities and tailor business operations to local needs. He instructed officials to review PACS functioning regularly and advised that members of cooperative societies should maintain accounts within the cooperative banking system. He also stressed the importance of ensuring micro ATM access for all members.
Cooperative Commissioner and Registrar Shri Manoj Pushp noted that the sector is experiencing positive change and that officers must acknowledge their vital responsibilities. He urged that cooperative reforms should not remain theoretical but be effectively executed on the ground. He called for active oversight and leadership to transform PACS into dynamic, self-sufficient business entities.
Apex Bank Managing Director Shri Manoj Kumar Gupta, in his welcome speech, outlined the objectives and proceedings of the workshop. Deputy Secretary Shri Manoj Sinha also presented updates on key directives from the central government. The event was attended by senior officials, including Joint and Deputy Commissioners of the Cooperative Department, CEOs of District Cooperative Banks, managers of cooperative committees, and other distinguished guests.