Making Impact: KSSFCL inaugurates mobile co-op courts

In an ambitious move Banglore headquartered Karnataka State Souharda Federal Cooperative (KSSFCL) launched mobile cooperative courts at three places-Belagavi, Kalburgi and Mysore to address and resolve disputes related to the Souharda Cooperative Societies of the state. There are 4300 Souharda Cooperatives with about 50 lakhs members.

The courts were inaugurated by Cooperative Minister of the State Ramesh Jarakiholi. Lauding the role of the KSSFCL in deepening the co-op movement the Minister said the State Government will give every support which the Federation needs. Jarakiholi also said mobile courts should deliver justice without bias or partiality.

The minister also disapproved of mixing politics and cooperative movement. “Cooperative sector would be harmed irreversibly by the constant political interference”, he underlined while inaugurating the Souharda mobile court at Belagavi district, Karnataka last week.

Besides Jarkiholi, Rajya Sabha Member Prabhakar Kore, M.L.A Laxman Savadi, MLC Mahantest Kavatigimath, D.T.Patil, President of Urban Cooperative Bank Federation and others were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion B.H.Krishnareddy President of the KSSFCL said “Today is the day of great delight as Souharda divisional mobile court were formally launched at Kalaburgi and Mysuru division by Karnataka Cooperative Minister Ramesh Jarkioli. There are four divisions in Karnataka i.e. Banglore, Mysore, Belgavi and Kalburgi”, he said.

“KSSFCL is having a judicial court which is working in Bangalore and addresses the issues of cooperative societies registered under the Souharda Act. There are more than four thousand Souharda banks in State and these are mostly working in rural areas”, Krishnareddy said while talking to this correspondent on the phone from Banglore.

KSSFCL’s aim is to strengthen the cooperative movement in the State. The Federation organizes review meetings, training programmes, interactive sessions and other activities throughout the State on a regular basis, Krishnareddy added.

Rajyasabha Member Prabhakar Kore termed the mobile courts as a historic move and regretted that a few errant co-ops are bringing bad a name to the entire sector. Kore also assured of his support on the issue of exempting co-op societies from income tax.

Speaking on the occasion Laxman Savadi MLA said a long pending demand has been fulfilled and such courts should also be established under the cooperative Act. He appealed to the government to grant a permanent bench. He requested Minister Ramesh Jarakiholi to ensure there is no governmental interference in the functioning of cooperative institutions and the Act amended to restore freedom to the societies.

MLC Mahanthesh Kavatigimath and Gurunath Janthikar also spoke on the occasion. Rao Saheb Annasaheb Patil a senior co-operator, D T Patil President Urban Cooperative Bank Federation and many other dignitaries were present on this occasion.

The Souharda Cooperative Movement began in the year 2001, Now, there are more than 4300 Souharda Cooperatives with 50 lakhs members, 14000 crores deposits, 11000 crore loanes, 16000 crore working capital with a net profit of 230 crore and generating employment for 50000 people in the state.

The Souharda Co-operatives are doing E- stamping business in 1075 centres throughout Karnataka. Their activities are different from traditional Cooperatives. The Karnataka State Souharda Cooperative Act was amended many times in the past and KSSFCL demanded that previous provisions be made applicable. The Minister assured of looking into the issue.

Jagadeesh Kavatigimatt, Vice President, Karnataka State Souharda Federal Cooperative welcomed dignitaries and delegates.