J&K sets national benchmark in PACS computerisation on NABARD’s 44th Foundation Day

Srinagar, Jul 17: The 44th Foundation Day of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) was marked with enthusiasm in Srinagar, celebrating a significant milestone for Jammu and Kashmir in cooperative development and digital transformation.

The event brought together stakeholders from the cooperative and banking sectors, reflecting on NABARD’s four-decade journey of empowering rural India. A special presentation highlighted the institution’s achievements and its evolving role in strengthening grassroots financial systems.

Vikas Mittal, General Manager of NABARD, announced that J&K has become the first region in the country to achieve full ePACS status under the centrally sponsored project for computerisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). A total of 537 PACS across the Union Territory have been digitised, enabling real-time day-end operations and ERP-based audits — a first at the national level.

“This achievement is not just about numbers; it’s about transforming governance,” said Mohammed Shafi Chak, Registrar of Cooperative Societies. He noted that audits for the financial year 2023–24 have already been completed on the ePACS platform, while those for 2024–25 are nearing completion, underlining the transparency and efficiency enabled by the reform.

Commissioner and Administrative Secretary Babila Rakwal highlighted the significance of this year’s celebration, which coincides with the International Year of Cooperatives. She said NABARD’s initiatives in Jammu & Kashmir reflect the spirit of the IYC by showing how technology and policy support can empower cooperatives to drive inclusive development and community resilience.

A felicitation ceremony was held to honour the contributions of the Jammu & Kashmir State Cooperative Bank, Anantnag CCB, Baramulla CCB, Jammu CCB, PACS secretaries, and system integrator personnel who played a pivotal role in the success of the computerisation project.

As NABARD marks more than four decades of service, J&K’s digital success story is being seen as a national model — demonstrating the impact of coordinated action, technological innovation, and institutional reform in revitalising rural economies.

Mittal also acknowledged the proactive role of the cooperative department’s officers and administrative teams in achieving key milestones under the PACS computerisation project.