Congress govt’s PACS nomination move raises concerns

The Telangana government’s decision to appoint PACS governing bodies through nominations instead of elections has sparked political debate, with opposition leaders alleging it is aimed at avoiding polls and consolidating control over rural institutions.

Hyderabad: The Congress government‘s decision to appoint governing bodies for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) through nominations instead of elections has triggered a political debate. The move is being criticised as a deliberate attempt to avoid direct polls amid growing public discontent.

On Thursday, the State Cabinet approved the formation of new PACS management bodies for 908 societies whose terms expired in February this year. The Cooperative department has commenced preparations to constitute these bodies through a nomination process, which will include chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, and directors, replacing the existing Persons-in-Charge committees run by officials.

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While the government has justified the move as a step to avoid election expenditure, the opposition and critics have termed it a calculated political decision. The dissolution of elected PACS in February and District Cooperative Central Bank (DCCB) bodies earlier in December last year had already raised concerns. The latest decision to continue with nominations instead of conducting elections has only confirmed those apprehensions.

Political observers pointed out that PACS form the backbone of the rural credit system and are politically significant. Control over these bodies often translates into influence over rural voters. By opting for nominations, the government effectively centralised control over these institutions and limited electoral competition at the village level.

Opposition leaders argued that the move indicated the ruling Congress party’s reluctance to face elections amid rising public discontent. Instead of testing its strength through democratic means, they said the government appears to be choosing administrative appointments, which can be used to accommodate party workers and loyalists.

Former Agriculture Minister and BRS leader S Niranjan Reddy called the Congress government’s decision undemocratic. He reminded that the government skipped Rythu Bharosa financial assistance thrice in the last two and a half years, while implementing the farm loan waiver partially. He pointed out that the Congress failed to fulfil its promises to farmers and pushed farming into crisis again, without ensuring adequate supply of water, power, fertilisers and other support.

“The Congress is fully aware of its defeat in PACS elections. The decision to appoint the bodies through nomination is only to save itself from embarrassment and ensure political employment to its leaders,” he added. He stated that the absence of elections raised questions about accountability and transparency.

Political observers pointed out that this could be part of a broader strategy. There are growing indications that the government may consider scrapping direct elections to Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTCs) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs) as well. If implemented, it would mark a major shift in local governance, reducing direct public participation.