Nafed is passing through a bad phase. And so is the entire cooperative movement. It may be Nafed today,do not gloat, it may be you tomorrow. Unless, of course you break this movement free from the cluches of mafias.
It is not only finance alone which is bogging nafed down. A much bigger challenge which threatens to change Nafed’s cooperative character is looming large before it.
Government is ready to bail nafed out but not without asking it to change its cooperative character. The government wants nafed to transfer its 51% stake to it and also wants the power to appoint and remove top officials like the MD and CFO, among others.
Worst still, the govt wants Nafed to dance to its tune by changing its by-laws according to government wishes.
The government is ready to give the bail-out package of Rs 2,000 crore only if nafed brings about these changes.
According to sources agri cooperative Nafed is yet to accept these conditions, which would give the government far greater control of the organisation. If the proposals are accepted, the government would also ensure that Nafed is not allowed to indulge in any non-core activities, especially of the nature of reckless tie-up businesses.
Topping the list of governmental conditions is the transfer of 51% equity in favour of the government till the loan is repaid to the agriculture ministry for proper supervision and financial discipline.
Other conditions include changes in the by-laws of Nafed so that it restricts itself to the core agri activities.
The government had not intervened in the affairs of Nafed even when the cooperative’s board arbitrarily sacked CV Anand Bose from the post of managing director.
However, keeping the interest of the common people in mind, the government had advised Nafed to rescind the decision to relieve Bose. Meanwhile, the agriculture ministry has appointed Sanjiv Chopra, an IAS officer, as the new MD of Nafed, as Bose has been promoted as a secretary in the government of India.
Cooperative movement as an idea of cooperation is yet to emerge at national level. This is high time all the cooperatives should unite together and give a fight to the Government. Soul-searching is required among cooperative leaders. Don’t forget that you represent people of the country in more forceful manner than the government. Let us unite to make this movement larger than the government.
