Odisha Expands Cooperative Network with PACS and LAMPS

Odisha has significantly strengthened its cooperative sector, with 3,554 Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and 787 Large Area Multipurpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPS) established across the state.

According to the Cooperation Minister, 4,222 of these societies are currently functional, while 87 remain dormant, 23 are moribund, and 9 have been liquidated.

To modernise operations, PACS and LAMPS are being integrated into the National Level Project for computerisation, and Registrar of Cooperative Societies offices are undergoing digitisation.

This initiative aims to streamline record‑keeping and improve transparency.

The government has also adopted Model Bye‑Laws to diversify cooperative activities.

Beyond traditional roles such as crop loans, public distribution system (PDS), and seed and fertiliser supply, societies are now empowered to provide services like Common Service Centres (CSC), LPG distributorships, and other non‑credit services.

These measures are expected to enhance income opportunities and strengthen rural economic infrastructure.