Page 179 - Muzaffargarh Gazzetteer

Chapter 39

COOPERATIVES DEPARTMENT

The Cooperatives Department aims to facilitate the formation and working of
cooperative societies for the promotion of thrift, self-help and mutual aid.
The affairs of the cooperative societies are regulated under the Cooperative
Societies Act, 1925 and Cooperative Societies Rules, 1927.
Cooperative movement in the Muzaffargarh District goes as far back as 1915
when 2 Cooperative Societies were transferred from Mianwali District along
with the transfer of villages of Mianwali and Rang Shah. However, the first
Cooperative Society in the district was registered in Thatha Gurmani. In
February 1916, a temporary Sub-Inspector was appointed. Later, in the same
year, 16 Societies and the Central Cooperative Bank were registered. By
1921, total number of societies registered with the department had reached
153. The number of societies kept growing, and rose to 483 in 1946 and 734
in 1962, including 433 cooperative credit societies. In addition, there were
46 service societies in the district. There were five Cooperative Banks; one
each at Muzaffargarh, Alipur, Kot Addu, Layyah, and Karor which met the
Financial requirements of these societies.

The Assistant Registrar of the Cooperative used to head the Cooperative
Department at district level till 1979. At present the Department is headed
by a Circle Registrar (BPS-18) at district level. Moreover, there are 3 Assistant
Registrars (BPS-17) posted as tehsil heads at Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu and
Alipur. The post for Jatoi is yet to be created. In addition, there are 12
Inspectors (BPS-14) at markaz level and 33 Sub-inspectors (BPS-11) at Sub-
Circle level. The total sanctioned strength of the staff is 92.
PUNJAB PROVINCIAL COOPERATIVE BANK
It was established in 1924 as an apex bank to meet the funding requirements
of the cooperative societies, and gained the status of scheduled bank in 1955.
It has 4 branches in the district: 1 each at Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Chowk
Sarwar Shaheed, and Jatoi.

The Cooperatives Department plays an important role in supporting the
agricultural community. In this regard, advance extended in Rabi and Kharif
seasons in Financial Year 2018-19 has been tabulated as under:

Advance Rabi 375.16 million
Advance Kharif 372.69 million

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