Odisha is set to begin a new chapter in its cooperative sector with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi scheduled to launch the mega membership campaign ‘Sambandha’ on September 1.

The initiative aims to expand the cooperative network across rural Odisha by enrolling at least one member from every rural household. A new mobile application will also be launched to facilitate seamless and transparent digital membership registration.

The Cooperation Department said the campaign is aimed at taking cooperative services to every doorstep and strengthening rural livelihoods.

PACS, LAMPS to Distribute Dividends

For the first time in Odisha’s cooperative history, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and Large-sized Adivasi Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPS) will distribute dividends among farmer members.

In the first phase, more than 3 lakh beneficiaries across 180 PACS and LAMPS will receive a total dividend of ₹14 crore. The State Government, as a shareholder, will receive ₹4.22 crore, which will be reinvested in the development of the cooperative sector.

New Rural Services to Be Launched

The Chief Minister will virtually inaugurate 21 new milk collection centres, taking the total number of operational centres to 97. These facilities are expected to support dairy farmers and strengthen the rural economy.

Besides, 50 Agro-Service Centres will be launched to provide small and marginal farmers access to modern agricultural equipment on a rental basis.

A total of 46 consumer centres will also be inaugurated to provide essential commodities at affordable prices, while 200 Common Service Centres (CSCs) will extend various government and non-government services to rural communities.

200 PACS to Join National Software

To improve transparency and operational efficiency, 200 PACS will be integrated into the National Level PACS Software (NLPS) on September 1. The remaining PACS are expected to be onboarded by the end of the financial year.

The government will also lay foundation stones for the first four modern model mandis under its plan to establish 100 model mandis across all districts. Of these, two will be in Cuttack, one in Khordha and one in Puri.

Under the World’s Largest Grain Storage Scheme, foundation stones will also be laid for three of the 19 warehouses planned in the first phase.

In addition, the Chief Minister will distribute appointment letters to 30 candidates selected for the Odisha State Warehousing Corporation (OSWC).

The government said the initiatives are aimed at empowering farmers, strengthening rural cooperative infrastructure and giving Odisha’s cooperative movement a stronger identity at the national level.