In reacting to a piece on the amendments in multi state cooperative societies act,2010, Ashok Davas, Member Governing Council, NCUI has given a rather longish comment. Discussion and debates being hallmark of democratic institutions, we publish his piece without editing –Editor
Cooperatives are ideally autonomous bodies which are member driven, managed and owned by the members. Govt. control is neither required nor desirable.
The proposed Bill is a retrograde step and would only harm the Cooperatives and the proposed legislation if enacted, is bound to be exploited by the jealous officers and the corrupt politicians.
If the Govt. can not support the Cooperatives then it must leave the Cooperatives to chalk-out their own destiny.
History is witness to the fact that where ever the Govt. has supported the Cooperatives by way of conducive policy support, the Cooperatives have thrived and have served the community in a most be-fitting manner.
In the post-independence era the Democratic Governments have used the Cooperatives as Growth Engines to eradicate poverty ; remove economic and social inequality.
Thereafter different State Governments enforced different Legislations which resulted in diverse results. The coope movement thrived because of supportive Legislation in the States like Gujarat, Maharashtra and to some extent in Punjab, Haryana ; UP.
Where ever the Legislation was stringent and was more of a controlling type the movement has suffered. There is no end to the greed of govt control.
Instead of controlling, supportive legislations must be enforced for cooperatives to continue their objects to remove social and economic inequality. There is need to be sensitive than be stringent. Care is the need, not the Control. Nurse Cooperatives, don’t ruin it.
It would be a wise if the Govt. withdraws the proposed Bill.
ASHOK DABAS, Member Governing Council, NCUI