Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to launch the state’s mega cooperative membership drive ‘Sambandha’ on September 25, aimed at expanding the cooperative movement to rural households across the state.
The Cooperation Department has set a target of enrolling at least one member from every rural household under the campaign. A mobile application will also be launched to facilitate digital membership registration and improve transparency in the enrolment process.
The Chief Minister will also launch the State Sector Scheme on ‘Promotion of Sugarcane Production’, focusing on increasing sugarcane cultivation in the catchment areas of cooperative sugar industries and supporting farmers.
As part of the initial phase, emphasis will be placed on reviving and operationalising the Badamba Cooperative Sugar Mill and strengthening the Asika Cooperative Sugar Mill.
In a first for Odisha’s cooperative sector, farmer-members of Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and Large Area Multipurpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPCS) will be paid dividends.
New milk collection centres at PACS will also be inaugurated virtually to strengthen the rural economy and support dairy farmers. Krushi Seva Kendras, consumer centres and Jan Seva Kendras will also be inaugurated.
To enhance transparency and efficiency in PACS operations, the state will initiate the integration of PACS with the National Level PACS Computerisation Software (NLPS) on September 25.
The programme will further feature the laying of foundation stones for Model Mandis and the ‘World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan’, as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen agricultural infrastructure.
The Chief Minister will also distribute appointment letters to newly selected Cooperative Inspectors and candidates selected for the Odisha State Warehousing Corporation (OSWC).
