Integrated Cooperative Development Project Aims to Strengthen Bihar’s Rural Economy

Honorable Minister of Cooperative Department Dr. Prem Kumar reviewed the progress of Integrated Cooperative Development Project ICDP in various districts while observing the physical and financial achievements of various districts in the departmental review, construction of godown in PACS Vyaparmandal, establishment of Rice Mill Composite Unit and other projects.

During the review, the Honorable Minister said that this project is an important effort to strengthen rural development through cooperation. Its successful implementation will help in strengthening the rural economy and increasing community unity. The main objective of this project is to develop infrastructure in cooperative societies, empower them and increase their capacity.

In the review, the physical and financial progress of the works under the said scheme in West Champaran and Darbhanga districts was not found satisfactory. The Honorable Minister directed that progress should be brought in all the operating districts by continuously monitoring the works in the remaining period of the project. During the field visit by the Hon'ble Minister in the districts, the development works done under this project will also be inspected, tested and reviewed.

At present, the Integrated Cooperative Development Project is being operated in a total of 6 districts of the state, Motihari, Aurangabad, Begusarai, Darbhanga, West Champaran and Purnia, at a total cost of Rs 33970 lakh and till now the financial achievement in this is about 60%. The extended period of this project is 31.03.2025. Earlier, the project has been implemented and completed years ago in 16 districts of Bihar, Sasaram, Buxar, Gopalganj, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Gaya, Siwan, Saran, Bhojpur, Kaimur, Khagaria, Shivhar, Nalanda, Vaishali, Jehanabad and Araria, at a total cost of Rs 24496.57 lakh.

Under this project, work of human resource development is being done in the selected districts through infrastructure construction, warehouse-cum-office, business development and training in cooperative sector in different types of cooperative societies, especially PACS and Vyapar Mandals.

Under the Integrated Cooperative Development Project, funds have been made available to the state government in the form of loan and grant from National Cooperative Development Corporation, New Delhi. For the implementation of the scheme, for the establishment etc. expenses, the ratio of the corporation and the state government in the amount of grant provided is 50:50.