'Provide autonomy to Co-operative Societies'

Addressing a press meet on Thursday, he urged all the state government to enact an autonomous Co-operative Act to give level playing field and operation freedom to Co-operative Societies which are basically economic enterprise. Co-operatives would be able to discharge its social responsibility only if they are successful in their core activities.
He said that Co-operative Acts and Registrar of Co-operatives have become controllers and regulators of co-operative societies, rather than promoting co-operative sector.

Marathe said Sahakara Bharathi will promote induction of technology across the entire co-operative sector to make them cost effective, competitive and profitable. He urged the Central and State governments to give grants for the computerisation and networking of the sector. This will help in the flow of information.

He further stated that Milk Co-operatives are upset over the Karnataka government’s directive not to increase the milk procurement rates which is presently Rs 13 per litre. The farmers who have taken up dairy activities to supplement their income have been severely affected as continuing the dairy activities has become a loss making proposition.

He said “if this situation continues, then a situation will arise wherein we may face shortage of milk in the country.”  Marathe said another area of concern is that inspite of assurance, both the Centre and state governments have failed to provide its share to the state co-operative banks and district co-operative banks. Under debt waiver scheme, central government had to pay Rs 55 crore to state co-operative banks, under loan waiver scheme, state government has to pay Rs 48 crore to co-operative banks in the state.