The Ministry of Cooperation has taken steps to strengthen the cooperative movement in the country, in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar se Samridhi.” As part of this initiative, the office of the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies is being computerized to promote ease of doing business in the cooperative sector. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah will launch the digital portal of the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS) office in Pune on August 6, 2023.
Objectives of Computerization
The computerization of the Central Registrar’s Office (CRCS) aims to achieve the following objectives:
1. Completely paperless application and processing;
2. Automatic compliance with the Multi State Co-operative Societies Act (MSCS Act) and Rules through software;
3. Enhancing the ease of doing business;
4. Digital communication;
5. Transparent processing; and
6. Improved Analytics and MIS (Management Information Systems).
Modules Included in the CRCS Portal
The new digital portal of the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS) will feature the following modules:
1. Registration;
2. Amendment of Bye Laws;
3. Annual Return Filing;
4. Appeal;
5. Audit;
6. Inspection;
7. Inquiry;
8. Arbitration;
9. Winding Up & Liquidation;
10. Ombudsman; and
11. Election.
The portal will also incorporate the recently passed amendments to the MSCS Act, 2002. It will process applications and service requests in a time-bound manner through electronic workflows. The portal will also include provisions for OTP-based user registration, compliance checks with the MSCS Act and Rules, video conference hearings, and issuance of registration certificates through electronic communication. The computerization project aims to facilitate the registration and functioning of new multi-state cooperative societies.
Youth Participation and Feedback
To ensure the development of an effective digital portal, a ‘Hackathon’ competition was organized to invite youth participation and ideas. Additionally, suggestions and feedback from all National Cooperative Societies and Multi-State Cooperative Societies were sought for the new Central Registrar Office portal.
Conclusion
The launch of the CRCS digital portal marks a significant step in promoting ease of doing business in the cooperative sector. The computerization project aims to streamline processes, enhance transparency and improve the functioning of multi-state cooperative societies. With over 1550 registered Multi-State Cooperative Societies in the country, the computerization of the Central Registrar’s Office will create a digital ecosystem and support the registration of new societies.