Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said the central government was drafting a ‘Sahakari Samiti Bill’ with a view to strengthening the co-operative movement in the country. The Minister was addressing the valedictory function of the 5th National conference on Co-operative Reforms organised by Sahakar Bharati in Ahmedabad, as reported in these columns.
Jyotindra Mehta a well-known cooperator from Gujarat was elected President of Sahakar Bharati in this very conference. Mehta was elected unanimously. The election took place during the three-day national conference of Sahakar Bharati which started Friday and concluded Sunday in Ahmadabad.
About 2500 delegates, from all States and Union Territories and all major segments of the cooperative sectors attended the Conference. The conference also passed resolution rejecting the RBI’s proposal of conversion of Urban Co-op Banks.
The minister said on the occasion the government felt the co-operative movement should be made popular among the common people and efforts made to involve women and youth in the cooperative movement, the minister stressed.
According to the minister, there were 5.96 lakh cooperative societies in the country working in both villages and cities.
SMS massage sent to the newly-elected President Jyotindra Mehta drew no response on the Minister’s utterances. Newly elevated Patron of Sahakar Bharati Satish Marathe, however said to Indian Cooperative that he would respond once he reaches Mumbai. He was traveling.
Readers would note that the proposed amendment to MSCS Act 2002 is gathering dust for a long time as the continual disturbance of Parliamentary proceedings have not allowed it to see light of the day.