SRINAGAR: Commissioner Secretary, Cooperative Department, Yasha Mudgal, today chaired the 10th meeting of the Union Territory Level Implementation and Monitoring Committee (UTLIMC) at Civil Secretariat, here.
The meeting focused on reviewing and advancing the implementation of the Centrally Sponsored Project for Computerisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Yasha Mudgal was informed about the implementation strategy for Phase-II of the Centrally Sponsored Computerisation of PACS project. She was also apprised of the inclusion of newly identified Multi-Purpose Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (M-PACS) recommended by the District Level Implementation and Monitoring Committees (DLIMCs) across various districts in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Committee was further informed that against the approved target of 171 PACS for Phase-II, the DLIMCs have recommended 176 PACS for computerization. The Committee reviewed the district-wise recommendations and assessed the overall requirement for extending digital infrastructure to these societies to strengthen rural credit delivery and improve governance mechanisms.
Financial and technical requirements formed a major part of the agenda, with the Committee discussing the proposed budgetary allocations for procuring essential computer hardware and engaging specialized System Integrator (SI) services.
Addressing these requirements, the Commissioner Secretary directed that all hardware procurement must strictly align with the revised scheme guidelines recently issued under the centrally sponsored project.
Detailed deliberations were held regarding the fresh empanelment and selection of vendors for hardware procurement and the appointment of System Integrators for handholding and implementation support.
The Commissioner Secretary stressed the need for adopting a transparent and efficient mechanism to ensure the selection of technically competent vendors for timely execution of the project.
She reviewed the guidelines issued by the National Level Monitoring and Implementation Committee (NLMIC), Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, pertaining to operational approvals and vendor payment procedures. She directed that the operational matters, including vendor payments, shall be processed at the level of the Registrar Cooperative Societies as per NLMIC decisions.
Yasha Mudgal emphasized the critical importance of digitization and modernization of PACS in strengthening the cooperative movement. She highlighted that the initiative will significantly enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency in delivery of services to farmers and rural members. She directed the concerned officers to ensure timely implementation of the project in close coordination with NABARD and other stakeholders. The meeting was attended by Chief General Manager NABARD, J&K State Cooperative Bank and other senior officers of the Cooperative Department.
