NABARD Grade A Current Affairs — 23 April 2026

Rajasthan government formed a panel to study NABARD's HR policy for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). The committee will examine NABARD's human resource management framework, recruitment processes, and organizational structure specifically for PACS operations. This initiative aims to strengthen cooperative credit delivery at grassroots level. PACS serve as the foundation of India's three-tier cooperative credit structure, providing agricultural loans to farmers. The study will inform policy reforms for better financial inclusion in rural areas.

Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) form the base of India's cooperative credit structure, directly serving farmers with agricultural loans and other financial services. NABARD oversees and supports PACS operations through policy guidance, refinancing, and capacity building. Rajasthan's decision to study NABARD's HR policy for PACS reflects growing recognition that human resource management is critical for cooperative effectiveness. PACS often struggle with inadequate staffing, lack of professional management, and limited technical expertise. By examining NABARD's HR framework, Rajasthan aims to identify best practices for PACS governance, staff recruitment, training protocols, and performance management. This study is significant because PACS handle approximately 40% of India's agricultural credit disbursement, making them crucial for financial inclusion. Effective HR policies can improve PACS viability, reduce non-performing assets, and enhance service delivery to smallholder farmers. The initiative aligns with government efforts to strengthen cooperative institutions and achieve the target of doubling farmers' income through improved credit access.

NABARD organized SHG training programs in Mokokchung district, Nagaland, focusing on financial literacy and access to formal banking services. The initiative targets women's self-help groups under the SHG-Bank Linkage Programme, addressing credit flow challenges in northeastern states. Training modules covered digital banking, loan procedures, and financial record-keeping. Mokokchung, with significant tribal population, represents NABARD's push for financial inclusion in remote areas. The program aligns with government targets of strengthening 10 million SHGs nationwide by 2024-25.

The Mokokchung SHG training exemplifies NABARD's northeastern strategy where financial inclusion faces unique challenges due to geographical isolation, limited banking infrastructure, and cultural barriers. SHGs in this region often struggle with credit linkage rates below national averages—northeastern states typically achieve 40-50% bank linkage compared to 80%+ in states like Tamil Nadu or Andhra Pradesh. These training programs address critical gaps: digital literacy (essential for JAM trinity implementation), formal credit access (reducing dependence on moneylenders), and entrepreneurship development. Mokokchung's tribal communities particularly benefit as traditional collective decision-making aligns with SHG principles. NABARD's focus here reflects the Doubling Farmers' Income mission, where SHGs serve as conduits for agricultural credit and livelihood diversification. The training modules typically cover MUDRA loan procedures, PM-KISAN linkages, and climate-resilient farming practices. Success metrics include increased per-SHG credit absorption (target: ₹3-5 lakh annually) and graduation to higher-value economic activities. This localized approach recognizes that financial inclusion isn't just about account opening but creating sustainable credit-to-livelihood pipelines in marginalized communities.