Union Home Minister Amit Shah has lauded the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for its exceptional role in combating Naxalism and restoring peace in the Northeastern states and Jammu and Kashmir. Shah highlighted the CRPF’s vital contribution to internal security and nation-building during his visit to the CRPF headquarters on Wednesday.
During the visit, the Home Minister held discussions with senior officials, including CRPF Director General Anish Dayal Singh. He also reviewed the operational and administrative efficiency of the world’s largest paramilitary force.
“The CRPF has done a commendable job in tackling Naxalism and restoring peace and stability in the Northeastern States and Jammu and Kashmir,” Shah said, according to an official statement. The CRPF’s welfare initiatives for the families of martyred personnel, such as compassionate appointments, were also reviewed.
Health and Unity Initiatives
Shah emphasized the importance of promoting Hindi in the CRPF’s daily operations to strengthen linguistic unity. Additionally, he encouraged the use of ‘Shri Ann’ (millets) for improved health among soldiers, and advocated for integrating Ayurveda and participating in the ‘Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan’ for personalized health insights.
The visit underscores the Government’s acknowledgment of the CRPF’s dedication to national security and its multifaceted role in strengthening the nation.
Government Launches 10,000 New PACS
In a separate event, Amit Shah launched 10,000 multi-purpose Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) as part of the Government’s ambitious plan to establish 2 lakh PACS within five years. Shah expressed confidence that the target would be achieved ahead of schedule.
Phased Implementation Plan
The initiative will be rolled out in two phases. In the first phase:
- NABARD will establish 32,750 new multi-purpose PACS.
- NDDB will set up 56,500 dairy cooperatives.
- NFDB will form 6,000 fishery cooperatives.
In the second phase:
- NABARD will create 45,000 PACS.
- NDDB will establish 46,000 dairy cooperatives.
- NFDB will set up 5,500 fishery cooperatives.
- State Governments will form approximately 25,000 cooperatives.
Digital Transformation and Training
Highlighting the significance of digitalisation, Shah noted that existing PACS have been computerised and integrated with 32 different initiatives. However, he stressed the need for skilled manpower, urging cooperatives to adopt new training modules for effective functioning.
“We have computerised, given software, and launched various schemes. However, cooperatives cannot operate effectively without trained manpower,” Shah said.
SOPs for Defunct PACS
Shah released Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for liquidating defunct PACS, facilitating the establishment of new societies in 15,000 villages. Under current norms, a second PACS cannot be created in villages where one already exists unless the existing one is declared defunct.
Remembering Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Legacy
The Minister paid tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 100th birth anniversary, recalling his contribution to the cooperative sector. He noted that the 97th Constitutional Amendment, introduced during Vajpayee’s regime, gave a significant boost to cooperatives.
Prominent Attendees
The event was attended by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar, and senior Government officials. Shah distributed registration certificates, micro ATMs, and RuPay Kisan Credit Cards to the newly established cooperative societies.
The launch of these initiatives highlights the Government’s commitment to fostering prosperity through grassroots-level cooperatives.
