In a significant move to bolster the cooperative movement and enhance its outreach, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has announced the implementation of a comprehensive plan. Under Government Order No.: 571-JK(GAD) of 2023, Union territory Level Cooperative Development Committee (UTLCDC) and District Level Cooperative Development Committee(s) (DLCDCs) will be constituted to drive the execution of this visionary strategy.
The UTLCDC, spearheading this transformative initiative, will be led by Chief Secretary, J&K, as Chairman, and will comprise esteemed members including Administrative Secretaries from various departments such as Agriculture Production, Finance, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative, and Revenue. The Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Chief General Manager of NABARD, and representatives from national-level bodies such as NCDC, NDDB, and NFDB will also be part of the committee. Additionally, Chairpersons/Managing Directors of State Cooperative Bank, State Federation of Dairy Cooperative Societies, and State Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Societies will contribute their expertise. Furthermore, the committee has provision for co-opted members who will bring diverse perspectives to the table.
The UTLCDC’s Terms of Reference include ensuring comprehensive coverage of all Panchayats/Villages in the Union territory with multipurpose PACS or primary dairy/fishery cooperative societies, preparing district-wise action plans for establishing new societies, and extending support for the creation and maintenance of a National Cooperative Database. It will also facilitate the setup of UT/District level federations where required, establish linkages with financial institutions, and promote the convergence of various Government of India schemes at the cooperative society level. Additionally, the committee will provide policy support for infrastructure development and lend assistance to the District Cooperative Development Committees (DCDCs) in implementing the plan at the grassroots level.
The DCDCs, to be headed by the Deputy Commissioner, will function at the district level and comprise representatives from departments such as Panchayat, Revenue, and Cooperative, along with officers from Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Fisheries, and NABARD. Representatives from national bodies like NDDB and NFDB, as well as the J&K Dairy/Fisheries Cooperative Federation, will also contribute their expertise to these committees.
The DCDCs will focus on regular updates of the National Cooperative Database, preparation of district-specific plans for the establishment of new societies, and ensuring comprehensive coverage of all Panchayats/Villages within their jurisdiction. They will also facilitate linkages between existing and new cooperative societies with DCCBs/StCBs and District/Block level Federations, where applicable. Setting up District level federations, facilitating the registration of new societies, and coordinating the integration of Government of India schemes will be key priorities. Additionally, the DCDCs will provide necessary support and infrastructure at the Panchayat/village level, including land allotment.
The Cooperative Department has been designated as the Nodal Department responsible for coordinating the overall implementation of this plan, ensuring seamless collaboration among all stakeholders.
The Chenab Times News Desk