On Monday, representatives from Multi-State Credit Cooperative Societies in Maharashtra and Karnataka submitted a list of problems being faced by them in doing business in the two states to Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar.
Maharashtra Cooperative Minister Subhash Deshmukh accompanied the visiting delegation. The meeting lasted two hours and was held at the Parliament Office of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari who was also present. Central Registrar Abhilaksh Likhi was also present in the meeting.
Talking to Indian Cooperative Correspondent on the phone, Abhinath Shinde, Chairman, Venkatesh Multistate Credit Cooperative Society and one of the participants in the meeting said, “We have discussed several issues related to Multi State Credit Cooperatives and submitted a proposal to them. Ministers present in the meeting listened to us carefully and instructed Likhi to resolve the issues sooner than later”.
The list of demands includes, “When societies were originally formed, there was a regular membership with Rs. 1000, 2000 or 5000. At the time, there was a nominal membership criterion of Rs 50, and 100 so anyone from grass roots level could become a member and avail services of credit societies. But as of today, nominal membership fee is no more. A change in the membership fee about share capital is needed ”, they demanded.
“Now the societies find it difficult to have ordinary people as members as regular membership fee is high & members want services such as gold loan , micro finance, saving account opening, etc with Rs. 10000 or 15000”.
The delegation submitted a proposal demanding a membership fee at Rs 100 so anyone could easily became a member & there will be 100% membership.
Credit Societies are also facing the challenge of expansion. They are working with full dedication to serve the people but they are short on branches.
The societies need to amend their bye-laws in accordance with the changing circumstances
Shinde further added that, “We hope that the Ministry will consider our demands and give necessary directions to the Department of Agriculture for a smooth functioning of multi-state co-operative societies”.
Besides Shinde, Federation of Multistate Cooperative Societies, Pune, Suresh Wable, Shivajirao Kapale, Director, CA Pravin Prajapati Expert director, Adv Gadage, Legal Advisor and others. were present on the occasion.
