Amidst a surge in corruption cases within Souharda Cooperatives and the looming threat from the current Cooperative Minister regarding potential coercive closures of these cooperatives, leaders of the Souharda Federation convened in Bengaluru, seeking the attention of the state government to the pressing issues they are confronting.
The assembly took place at Hvyaka Bhavana in Bengaluru on January 9, 2024, under the chairmanship of G Nanjanagowda, the President of KSSFCL. More than 500 delegates from diverse regions of the state participated in this crucial meeting.
In his capacity as the President of KSSFCL, Mr. G Nanjanagowda implored the government to strengthen the existing Souharda Cooperative Act, with a primary focus on addressing the challenges faced by KSSFCL in honoring the deposits made by contributors.
During his address to the assembly, G Nanjanagowda emphasized that there are currently 6000 Souharda cooperatives registered under the existing Act, with 4500 actively operational. This sector has been a significant contributor to employment, engaging over 60,000 youths and playing a pivotal role in the economic upliftment of the common man.
Despite the acclaim received by the Act and the operational framework of KSSFCL in the Karnataka cooperative sector, instances of certain societies deceiving depositors and failing to return deposited amounts have marred the reputation of the entire movement.
In response, Souharda cooperators collectively decided to bring this issue to the forefront, urging the Cooperative Minister and the Karnataka government to amend the Souharda Act in favor of reinforcing it, particularly addressing the challenges faced by KSSFCL.
Prominent figures in the cooperative sector, including former President Gurunath Jantikar, B H Krishna Reddy, former Vice President Jagadish Kavatagimat, H V Rajeev, Present Vice President A R Prassana Kumar, Prathgowda Patil, Ex. MLA, and President of Guru Ramalingeshwara Credit Souharda Sahakari Ni., Maski, expressed their views during the meeting.
A resolution was unanimously adopted to present a memorandum to the Cooperative Minister and the President of the Souharda Act amendment committee. Additionally, the gathering decided to dispatch a delegation from Karnataka State Souharda Federal Cooperative Ltd. to meet the Cooperative Minister and the President of the amendment committee, urging the necessary amendments to the Act.
The proceedings commenced with a warm welcome extended by Sharanagouda G Patil, MD of KSSFCL, to the distinguished guests and delegates. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by KSSFCL director Sridhar.
