Under Phase-1 of the PACS Computerisation Project, five PACS each from Leh and Kargil have been approved for computerisation. The UT administration has also proposed 23 more PACS for Phase-2 of the project

Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said Ladakh has achieved notable progress in strengthening its cooperative sector, with the Centre approving the computerisation of 10 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) so far.

Replying in the Rajya Sabha, Shah said the Union Territory, with a total population of 2,74,289 as per the 2011 Census, including 2,12,280 in rural areas, is covered by 169 PACS, of which 129 are currently functional. “Ladakh has made significant progress in strengthening its cooperative landscape, despite being a sparsely populated region; every panchayat in Ladakh has an operational PACS,” he added.

Under Phase-1 of the PACS Computerisation Project, five PACS each from Leh and Kargil have been approved for computerisation. The UT administration has also proposed 23 more PACS for Phase-2 of the project.

Aligned with the national vision of ‘Sahakar se Samriddhi’, Ladakh has adopted Model Bye-Laws for PACS, allowing them to undertake over 25 diversified business activities while enhancing transparency, governance, and accountability. PACS can now function as PM-Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PMKSKs), Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs), and Common Service Centres (CSCs).

Currently, 10 PACS have applied to open PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras, while seven PACS are already providing CSC services in Ladakh, Shah said, highlighting the region’s growing cooperative infrastructure and service outreach.