The Cooperation Department is a unique governmental department, distinct from other departments of the State Government, which functions as the regulatory authority for cooperative societies in the state. The primary objective of the department is to promote and expand the cooperative movement within the state. This movement aims to ensure the social and economic upliftment of farmers, artisans, weavers, forest-produce collectors, fishermen, and milk producers (livestock owners) living in rural areas—especially those belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, women, and other weaker sections. It also strives to meet the economic needs of urban residents and improve their standard of living.

Under the Chhattisgarh Cooperative Societies Act, 1960, the Cooperation Department, as the regulatory authority, is responsible for the registration of cooperative societies, auditing of accounts, inspection, investigation, liquidation, and cancellation of registration. It also coordinates with the State Cooperative Election Commission for conducting elections to the boards, office-bearers, and other positions in cooperative societies. In situations where an elected board does not exist, the department is responsible for making necessary interim arrangements to ensure the smooth functioning of such cooperative societies until elections are conducted. Thus, alongside its role as a regulatory authority, the Cooperation Department also serves as a friend, philosopher, and guide to cooperative societies.

The Cooperation Department also acts as a civil court to resolve disputes arising among members, office-bearers, officers, employees, and other stakeholders associated with cooperative societies. After conducting proper judicial hearings, the department issues lawful orders to deliver justice to the concerned parties. It passes orders both as a trial court and an appellate court for the disposal of judicial cases.

At present, the State Government, through the Cooperation Department, provides interest subsidies to farmers. Through the short-term agricultural credit cooperative structure, farmers receive interest-free short-term agricultural loans. Primary Agricultural Credit Cooperative Societies in the state perform the crucial task of procuring paddy at the support price. Cooperative societies operating in rural areas distribute fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs to farmers in addition to providing agricultural loans. Many cooperative societies also distribute food grains under the Public Distribution System (PDS). Currently, various cooperative societies in the state contribute significantly in areas such as credit, consumer services, housing, fisheries, dairy, weaving, minerals, forest produce, and sugarcane/sugar production. These activities not only generate employment opportunities in rural areas but also pave the way for the holistic development of economically weaker and marginalized sections of society.

Under the Government of India’s concept of “Prosperity through Cooperation,” various schemes and programs have been implemented in the state’s cooperative societies. In this direction, the adoption of model bylaws for PACS has transformed them into multipurpose PACS. PACS computerization has integrated information technology into the functioning of societies, enabling them to provide services similar to Common Service Centers. Likewise, through the operation of Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras, cooperative societies are able to provide affordable medicines even in remote rural areas. All these initiatives create additional opportunities for increasing the income of cooperative societies.