Chamba’s coop panel to manage rural schemes

The 5th meeting of the Chamba District Cooperative Development Committee was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal, where significant decisions were discussed to expand the role of Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS). These included empowering PACS to manage rural drinking water schemes as water committees, linking self-help groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) with cooperatives and exploring their involvement in LPG distribution, fuel sales and Jan Aushadhi Kendras for generic medicines.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC said Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) are now eligible to function as water committees for the operation and maintenance of rural drinking water schemes. A detailed decision in this regard will be taken after consultations with the Panchayati Raj and Jal Shakti departments. He said involving PACS as water committees would lead to qualitative improvements in the management of rural drinking water schemes while also creating new employment opportunities.

Repaswal also directed the Cooperative Department to link SHGs and FPOs with PACS to strengthen rural cooperative structures. Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Surjit Singh, shared detailed information on the committee’s agenda.