Delegates coming from various parts of the country to attend the 40th AGM of the apex body of fishery cooperatives Fishcopfed raised many questions ranging from high interest rate of NCDC loan to lack of elections in Fishcopfed to have representation from some of the states.
Delegates from Maharashtra were peeved with the fact that if NCDC is there to strengthen the cooperatives how come NCDC is not sanctioning any loan to the cooperatives of state for the last three years.
The high interest rate charged by NCDC also came up for discussion. One of the delegates from Karnataka, Dr. S Madegowda demanded that NCDC should give loan at a cheaper rate of interest. Citing his fisheries cooperative example Madegowda said, “several years ago our society had taken a loan of Rs 1.15 crore from NCDC and now after adding the interest the amount has become Rs 4.18 crore; it is atrocious”, he added.
However, majority of delegates were happy that the apex body has been able to recover the losses in last FY 2017-18. “Dividends would come in due course”, was the hope.
One of the delegates wondered that when the federation is in loss how it was classified into “A” category by the auditor. On this MD B.K.Mishra clarified that ‘A’ category has been bagged due to transparency in the book of accounts. Auditor found no irregularity, Mishra claimed.
One of the delegates urged the management to hold the fresh election for the seats of Gujarat and Maharashtra. Prakash Lonare supported him but the incumbent Chairman said that there had been not tradition of partial election. However, he agreed to think over the matter.
Scores of delegates urged the management to approach the government decisively for clearing the dues of service charge. It has been pending before the government from last six years, they reminded.