UPSC CSE Current Affairs — 25 April 2026

Jaipur hosted the first regional workshop under the National Cooperative Reform Drive, implementing PM Modi's 'Sahkar se Samriddhi' vision. The workshop focused on decentralized grain storage, PACS expansion, dairy and fisheries cooperatives strengthening, and enhanced cooperation among cooperatives. State-wise action plans were discussed to modernize India's cooperative sector. This initiative aims to transform cooperatives into economically viable entities supporting rural livelihoods and agricultural growth through systematic reforms and technology integration.

The National Cooperative Reform Drive represents a strategic shift from traditional cooperative functioning to modern, technology-enabled entities. 'Sahkar se Samriddhi' (Prosperity through Cooperation) envisions cooperatives as engines of rural economic growth, addressing critical gaps in agricultural value chains. The Jaipur workshop's focus on decentralized grain storage tackles India's massive post-harvest losses, estimated at ₹92,000 crores annually. PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies) expansion aims to strengthen last-mile financial inclusion, while dairy and fisheries cooperative development targets protein security. The emphasis on 'cooperation among cooperatives' promotes horizontal linkages, creating economies of scale. This reform is crucial given that India has over 8.5 lakh cooperatives serving 290 million members, making it the world's largest cooperative network. However, many remain financially weak and technologically backward. The workshop's state-wise planning approach recognizes regional variations in cooperative development needs, from Tamil Nadu's successful dairy cooperatives to Rajasthan's emerging agri-business models. Success requires overcoming challenges like political interference, poor governance, and limited professional management in cooperative societies.