Karnataka State Souharda Federal Cooperative Ltd. (KSSFCL) conducted a two-day training and progress review meeting for its officers on September 26 and 27, 2025, at Souharda Sahakari Soudha, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru.
The programme was inaugurated by Nagambika Devi, IAS (Retd), Election Commissioner of the Karnataka State Cooperative Election Authority, who lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the formal opening.
In her address, she underscored the importance of reducing excessive government involvement in the cooperative sector, arguing that cooperatives must have greater autonomy to effectively serve rural communities and promote employment at the grassroots.
She said Karnataka’s rich natural resources must be harnessed to improve production capacities and drive prosperity, and cooperatives should emerge as the torchbearers of the state’s economic development.
Emphasising democratic functioning, she said that free, fair and transparent elections are essential, and officers should serve as model administrators while prioritising the protection of members’ rights.
Vice President A R Prasannakumar, who presided over the inaugural session, urged officers to be well-versed in Souharda cooperative principles and adopt corporate-style governance.
He highlighted the importance of communication, public engagement, timely reporting and swift implementation of board decisions. He said officers must positively address departmental challenges and align themselves with current systems and expectations.
Earlier, AGM Rajashekar H extended the welcome, while Managing Director Sharanagouda G Patil noted that KSSFCL is currently guiding more than 6,500 Souharda cooperatives across Karnataka. He said the Souharda movement has completed 25 years and silver jubilee celebrations have begun. He urged officers to be proactive ambassadors and said the training aimed to review past performance and prepare for upcoming programmes.
Training Officer Babu Pathan delivered the vote of thanks. Executives and Additional Registrar of Cooperative Societies Nanjunde Gowda addressed participants, stressing that elections in cooperatives must strictly follow legal frameworks under the 97th Constitutional Amendment.
He explained that the Election Authority is responsible for ensuring a free and fair electoral environment and elaborated on procedures under the Souharda Cooperative Act while detailing the crucial role of executive authorities.
Directors and senior leaders also engaged officers in thematic sessions. Director Jagadish Kavatagimath said cooperative development officers must act as friends, guides and philosophers to Souharda institutions.
He called on them to conduct field visits, review functioning, audits and investments, prevent NPAs, and provide training to chief executives. He urged them to remain fearless yet approachable, free from biases and fully informed about the cooperatives in their jurisdiction.
Prasannakumar, in another session, said discipline is not determined by formal education. Citing the example of farmers and national icons like Mahatma Gandhi and M. Visvesvaraya, he stressed cleanliness, punctuality, transparency and self-discipline in professional and personal conduct. He said officers should set examples through their behaviour, attire and work ethic while upholding financial discipline.
Former president B.H. Krishna Reddy reflected on the challenges faced by Souharda officers and urged them to build resilience through continuous skill development. He criticised recent amendments to the Souharda Cooperative Act as discouraging and called on officers to motivate cooperatives to stay engaged.
He also spoke about the role of cooperatives in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, saying 10 to 12 of the 17 goals are being implemented through the cooperative sector. He emphasised the need for transparency, moral lending, social upliftment and environmental responsibility to strengthen the movement.
