Shah visits Souharda Fed; Cooperators seek his help in IT matters

Union Minister Amit Shah visited the office of Karnataka State Souharda Federation (KSSFCL) and interacted with cooperators on various co-op issues. Shah, among others, was accompanied by Basavaraj Bommai CM and S.T. Someshekhar, Minister for Cooperation.

Speaking on the occasion, Shah informed that the union cooperation ministry is working on a broad framework of forming PACS in every panchayat in the country.

“The PACS should be able to cater to all the needs of farmers. A common by-law and a universal computer software for the PACS are being worked out”, said Shah adding the multipurpose PACS will do many things including supplying gas cylinders, potable water, fertilizer, seed as well as loans, among others.

He appealed to Souaharda co-operators to work hard with a broad outlook for the development of the cooperative movement. Prahlad Joshi, parliamentary affairs minister, Government of India was also present on the occasion.

Those from the state of Karnataka, who were present on the occasion included Dr C.N Ashwathnarayana, Minister for Higher Education and IT-BT Development, Araga Jnanendra, Home Minister, senior Souharda co-operators.

D.V. Sadananda Gowda, Ex-Union Minister, Nalin Kumar Kateel MP, Murgesh Nirani, Minister of Large and Medium Industries, Uma Shankar IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Cooperation, Captain Dr. Rajendra IAS, Registrar of Cooperative Societies were also present.

All the presidents of Souharda Sahakari Okkutas of all districts and all directors of KSSFCL were present including several senior officers of the cooperative department.

G. Nanjangowda president KSSFCL welcomed the guests and made introductory speech. Sharanagouda G. Patil explained the growth of the Souharda cooperative movement, a unique co-op model, in Karnataka.

Souharda leaders also requested the Union Minister Amit Shah to look into issues of taxation in co-ops. “We have requested the Hon Minister to help resolve the Income Tax Problems of Credit Cooperative Sector”, said a press release adding Co-operative Institutions are working on the concept of mutuality having the membership of farmer community, middle and lower-class people of the Society.

More than 8 Lakhs Cooperative Institutions are working in India and more than 30 Crores people are engaged in the Co-operative movement of the Nation. Co-operative Societies are working with service motive and social commitment, based entirely on the Co-operative principles, reads the release.

“Cooperative Ministry” with a pronouncement of “Development through Cooperative” (Sahakara Se Samruddhi) has created new hope for cooperative movement. Its great pride for cooperatives that a separate ministry with a powerful minister having vast experience in the cooperative field will certainly give a new dimension to the cooperative movement, says the release.

The letter says “Your good self is well aware that, cooperative movement is facing challenges in the issue of Income tax. We have approached your good self & CBDT Chairman to resolve the issues faced. However, till to date the cooperatives got some temporary solutions, the cooperatives require permanent solutions for the issues.”