The apex body of cooperatives in the country NCUI has begun looking for a suitable candidate for the job soon after the search committee identified the criteria needed in the executive head of the national cooperative body.
The decision to form a search committee was taken in the Governing Council meeting held on April 30th. Sources say the Committee has done its job well within the stipulated time. It is said the list of the required qualifications is comprehensive.
One of the important criteria introduced perhaps for the first time is having an experience in working in the cooperative field for not less than 20 years. Had this been so in the past Dr Dinesh the ex-CE would have had no chance of getting selected.
Another important point is that the applicant should have 4-5 years of experience of heading a co-op organization as MD or CEO- a rank below that of CE of NCUI. These two criteria are being seen as factors that could eliminate non-serious applicants.
While some extol these changes, there are reservations in some quarters. The dissenters point out that several people having no background in cooperatives have done wonders in the cooperative field. They cite the case of Balu Aiyer who is acting as Regional Director of ICA A-P. Balu had been with some NGOs before joining the cooperative movement.
NCUI has, meanwhile, sent a circular listing the eligibility criteria as well as the form to be filled up by the applicants to cooperative organizations across the states. The circular has been sent to 500 organizations altogether, said a source. The interested candidates have a month to respond.
Selection Committee which would be formed later by the GC would make a list of eligible candidates from the list of applicants. Usually not more than 5-6 candidates are short-listed for interview, said a source in the know of things at NCUI.
People are wondering about the fate of the CE In-charge N Satyanarayan who has, meanwhile, endeared himself to employees and GC members by his good work and temperament. Talking to Indian Cooperative Satyanarayan said he is going to apply as well.
According to a rough estimate, the process of selection of the new CE would be completed in the next 3-4 months.
