Srinagar, July 11: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta today took stock of the identification and establishment of Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) across the UT.
During the meeting, Dr Mehta enquired about the current status of the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in J&K and their overall role and functioning in the UT. He asked for completing all the technical requirements for procurement of hardware and software in order to make these Societies fully computerised. He stressed on procuring the hardware with specifications aimed at achieving the desired outcomes.
Regarding the identification of PACS to establish the affordable medical stores under PM Jan AushadiKendras, the Chief Secretary asked for expediting their establishment at the earliest. He asked for accommodating them within the premises of the health care institutions or near them. He also directed looking into the offtake of medicines from different Jan AushadiKendras in order to take informed decisions about the locations for new outlets.
While reviewing the augmentation of grain storage capacity in the UT, the Chief Secretary advised its location at a place which is most beneficial to stakeholders. He told the Cooperative Department to liaise with the concerned District Administration for identifying land that is most suitable for this purpose.
He also emphasised upon holding of regular UT-level and District Level Cooperative Development Committee Meetings. He asked for the completion adoption of model bye-laws for all the PACS if not already completed and intimation to GoI.
The Commissioner Secretary, Cooperatives, Yasha Mudgal informed the meeting that under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme Computerisation of PACS is in progress. She said that a total number of 537 PACS have been recommended for Computerisation in UT for which the Government of India has sanctioned the first instalment of Rs 5.25 Cr for the purpose of Procurement of Computer Hardware.
She further informed the meeting that some 94 PACS in the UT have been identified for the purpose of establishment of Jan Aushadi Kendras and they have been directed to apply online for the same as mandated under the rules governing it.