Guwahati: NABARD, Assam Regional Office, organised a State-Level Workshop on Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (MPACS) Development for Resource Support Agencies (RSAs) and Resource Persons (RPs) on January 28 at its Guwahati office. The workshop aimed to strengthen the institutional and entrepreneurial capacities of newly formed MPACS and enhance field-level coordination across districts.
The programme began with a welcome address by Loken Das, Chief General Manager, NABARD Assam RO, followed by a keynote address from Narayan Konwar, IAS, Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS), Government of Assam. Shri Konwar emphasised that promoting entrepreneurship through cooperatives is crucial for transforming MPACS into vibrant, community-based institutions capable of driving rural economic growth.
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The workshop featured thematic technical sessions chaired by Qamar Javed, General Manager, NABARD. Officials from RCS, Assam outlined expectations for RPs, RSAs, and MPACS in governance, member mobilisation, operational readiness, and timely affiliation. NABARD officials highlighted operational gaps, including delays in affiliation with ACAB, challenges in preparing Business Development Plans (BDPs), and clarity in initiating credit and non-credit activities.
The Director of the Institute of Cooperative Management (ICM), Guwahati, shared practical guidance on preparing scientific BDPs, covering area profiling, member need assessment, and financial planning. Officials from Assam Co-operative Apex Bank Ltd. (ACAB) explained procedures for commencing credit operations and preparing Credit Limit Statements (CLS), underscoring the importance of sound documentation and credit discipline at the PACS level.
Participants appreciated the sessions for their practical relevance. NABARD Assam RO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the cooperative sector through financial, capacity-building, and institutional initiatives, stressing that empowered MPACS are central to Assam’s rural economic development.
