The Karnataka State Souharda Federal Cooperative Ltd. (KSSFCL), Bengaluru, conducted the second batch of its two-day Training Programme on ‘Managerial Excellence and Business Development for Directors of Souharda Cooperatives’ on July 13 and 14 at Souharda Sahakari Soudha, Malleswaram, Bengaluru.
The programme brought together 96 representatives from 62 Souharda Cooperative institutions across Karnataka, reflecting KSSFCL’s continued focus on strengthening governance, leadership and business capabilities within the Souharda cooperative movement.
The training programme was inaugurated by Shakeeb Ahmed, State Head of the Common Service Centre (CSC), Bengaluru, who highlighted the growing role of Common Service Centres in expanding the reach of Souharda Cooperative institutions. He noted that several cooperatives across the State have successfully established CSCs, enabling them to deliver a wide range of Central and State Government services under one roof.
Stressing the need for comprehensive staff training, he said CSCs not only improve access to citizen-centric services but also create an important additional source of revenue for cooperative institutions while enhancing public convenience.
Presiding over the programme, KSSFCL President G. Nanjana Gowda said the Federation has been consistently organizing capacity-building initiatives to improve the managerial and business competencies of Souharda Cooperatives.
He urged cooperative institutions to formulate business strategies based on the specific needs of their respective regions, provide transparent and efficient services to farmers and economically weaker sections, and pursue sustainable growth through well-planned development initiatives.
Chief Guest B.H. Krishna Reddy, Director of KSSFCL, emphasized that adoption of modern technologies has become essential for cooperatives to remain competitive. He encouraged directors to familiarize themselves with emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), and undergo specialized training on Common Service Centres to diversify services and strengthen the Souharda Cooperative Movement.
In his introductory address, Managing Director Sharangouda G. Patil underscored the significant responsibilities entrusted to directors of Souharda Cooperative institutions. He said effective leadership requires close coordination with employees, strong relationships with members and customers, a thorough understanding of institutional operations and the ability to introduce innovative ideas and strategic plans for long-term growth.
The programme featured a series of technical sessions led by experienced academicians and cooperative experts covering financial discipline, cooperative leadership, business development, prevention of technology misuse, and management of internal relations and human values.
An interactive session with chairpersons and chief executive officers of successful Souharda Cooperative institutions enabled participants to exchange practical experiences, innovative initiatives and best practices for institutional development.
Among those present were KSSFCL Vice President A.R. Prasannakumar, Director B.S. Gundurao, CSC Officer Ranjith, retired Additional Registrar of Cooperative Societies H.S. Nagarajayya and several other experts and resource persons. The programme concluded with a renewed emphasis on technology adoption, sound governance, financial discipline and region-specific business development as key pillars for strengthening Karnataka’s Souharda cooperative sector.
