'Hike in quota for women in co-ops likely'

The State government is contemplating to increase reservation for SC/ST and women in co-operative societies, said Co-operation Minister B J Puttaswamy.

Speaking at the 59th All India Co-operative Week here on Sunday, he said the Centre has brought in the 97th amendment to the Co-operative Societies Act. It has directed the State to implement it after necessary amendment.

“In the winter session of Parliament, the reservation for SC/ST and women in co-operative societies will be increased from nine to 15 per cent,” he said. The amendment allows stringent action against co-operatives for misusing its name and for not conducting general body meetings regularly, Puttaswamy added.