OS-CIT IT Proficiency Programme Launched by Union Secretary: 5,000+ PACS Officials from 314 Blocks Join Statewide Digital Initiative
In a significant step towards modernising the cooperative sector, Odisha launches comprehensive IT training for over 5,000 PACS officials across all 314 blocks through the innovative OS-CIT programme.
The State-wide IT Proficiency Enhancement Training through OS-CIT for officials of Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS) and Large Area Multipurpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPCS) was launched on Thursday at the Lokaseva Convention Hall, Bhubaneswar.
More than 5,000 PACS officials from all 314 blocks of Odisha participated in the inaugural programme by assembling at designated OKCL Authorised Learning Centres (ALCs) and joining the event online. The hybrid model enabled simultaneous statewide participation, reflecting strong coordination and digital readiness across districts.
The initiative is being implemented by the Cooperation Department, Government of Odisha, in collaboration with Odisha Knowledge Corporation Limited (OKCL).
Programme Highlights
- Hybrid training model enabling simultaneous statewide participation
- Coverage across all 314 blocks of Odisha
- Collaboration between Cooperation Department and OKCL
- Focus on grassroots digital transformation
- Enhanced transparency and efficiency in cooperative operations
Inaugural Address
Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani (IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, formally inaugurated the programme. In his address, he underlined the importance of digital capacity building in strengthening grassroots cooperative institutions. He observed that PACS play a vital role in agricultural credit delivery and rural financial inclusion, and equipping their officials with IT skills would enhance transparency, efficiency, and service quality.
Distinguished Attendees
Programme Objectives
Shri Rajesh Prabhakar Patil delivered the introductory address, explaining the objectives of the training initiative and emphasising the need to align cooperative institutions with evolving digital governance systems. He noted that strengthening digital competence among PACS officials would improve financial management, record maintenance, and operational accountability.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Dr. Manoranjan Puthal, Managing Director, OKCL, provided an overview of the OS-CIT programme designed specifically for PACS officials. The curriculum includes basic digital literacy, use of e-governance portals, AI awareness, cybersecurity practices, and office productivity tools. The training aims to build confidence among officials in handling digital platforms and managing cooperative operations more effectively.
Training Curriculum Components
- Basic digital literacy fundamentals
- E-governance portals navigation and usage
- Artificial Intelligence awareness
- Cybersecurity best practices
- Office productivity tools mastery
- Financial management systems
- Digital record-keeping protocols
Impact and Vision
The large-scale participation across all blocks demonstrated the State's commitment to technology-driven capacity building in the cooperative sector. By integrating structured IT training into grassroots administration, the initiative is expected to strengthen digital record-keeping, streamline financial processes, and enhance service delivery to farmers and rural beneficiaries.
The programme was smoothly managed by CS Sasmita Panda, Senior General Manager, OKCL.
With this launch, Odisha has taken a decisive step toward embedding digital transformation within its cooperative framework, ensuring that PACS institutions are better equipped to meet the demands of modern governance. This initiative represents a landmark moment in the state's journey toward comprehensive digital empowerment of grassroots institutions.