Chhattisgarh seeks Rs 470 cr for strengthening cooperative institutions
The state also requires Rs 40 cr for starting integrated development projects in eight districts
"Like other states, cooperative management institution was required in Chhattisgarh and the Centre should provide a fund of Rs 100 crore for the same," state's cooperative minister Punnulal Mohile said. He was addressing the National conference on strengthening of cooperative education and training.
The minister demanded that the state-run Chhattisgarh cooperative union should be given recognition as a unit of National Cooperative Union of India. The state unit had been imparting training to the cooperative societies in the state. Mohile also sought an interest-free loan and grant of Rs 50 crore for reviving and renovation of rice mills in the state.
The state also requires Rs 40 crore for starting integrated development projects in eight districts, Mohile said, adding that a sum of Rs 40 crore was also required for the computerisation of Primary Agricultural Co-op. Society (PACS) and Large Adivasi Multipurpose Cooperative Society (LAMPS).
"To strengthen the institution, the small scale industries should be included in the cooperative societies," Mohile said. The development would help a large number of farmers associated with the small scale industries.
The Centre should provide a financial assistance of Rs 250 crore for associating small scale industries with the cooperative societies for at least five years, the minister said.
He also suggested exempting the cooperative institutions from the ambit of income tax. "This would strengthen the cooperative institutions and improve the financial condition of those that were economically weak," Mohile added.