Budget 2026–27 Strengthens Cooperative Sector and Rural Growth: Anurag Singh Thakur
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Himachal Pradesh, Feb 17: Former Union Minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Singh Thakur said the Union Budget 2026–27 reinforces the government’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi,” describing it as a result-oriented roadmap aimed at strengthening India’s cooperative sector and expanding rural economic opportunities. He said the budget goes beyond symbolic announcements by focusing on digitisation, market access, value addition and transparent financial systems for cooperative institutions across the country.
Highlighting key provisions, Thakur noted that the Ministry of Cooperation has been allocated ₹1,744.74 crore, reflecting the Centre’s commitment to cooperative-led development. A major thrust has been placed on the computerisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), with ₹364 crore earmarked for digital transformation. He said digitisation will help thousands of societies integrate with core banking systems, direct benefit transfer platforms and agricultural marketing portals, reducing transaction costs and improving access to institutional finance for farmers.
The MP added that Himachal Pradesh stands to gain significantly from these initiatives due to its strong network of PACS, dairy cooperatives and horticulture societies. Investments in cold storage, grading, packaging and processing infrastructure through National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) support will help stabilise farmer incomes, reduce post-harvest losses and generate local employment in districts such as Shimla, Mandi, Kangra and Hamirpur. He also highlighted the ₹450 crore allocation for the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), which is expected to create export opportunities for apples, organic produce and niche agricultural products from the hill state.
Thakur said the cooperative ecosystem in Himachal Pradesh has expanded rapidly, with thousands of societies contributing to rural credit, dairy production and agricultural marketing. Digitisation and improved market linkages will encourage youth and women participation, strengthen financial transparency and enhance the viability of cooperative enterprises. He added that broader fiscal transfers and finance commission grants aimed at rural development and disaster resilience will indirectly support cooperative infrastructure in the state’s difficult terrain.
Emphasising the long-term impact of the budget, he said cooperative-led reforms, digital governance and export-oriented strategies will strengthen rural livelihoods, promote self-reliance and help build a resilient grassroots economy aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
