Mysore/Mysuru: Chamundeshwari MLA and  President of Karnataka State Co-operative Federation G.T. Devegowda (GTD) has opined that it is necessary that co-operative organisations must evolve as autonomous organisations to help the poor lead an independent life. He advised the officials of the societies to work in that direction.

He was speaking after inaugurating a two day special workshop for Deputy Registrars and Assistant Registrars about ‘Recent Trends in Administrative Procedures and Co-operative Movement,’ organised by Karnataka Co-operative Federation, District Co-operative Union and Department of Co-operation, at a private hotel in city on Thursday.

“Co-operative sector can help the poor by offering financial assistance to engage in animal husbandry, agriculture, cottage industry, sheep rearing and other activities and help their financial growth. The growth of co-operative societies is synonymous with the growth of its beneficiaries. Help the poor and ensure that co-operatives become autonomous and grow independently,” GTD said and added that learning is a continuous process and asked those who are attending the training programme to make best use of the opportunity though they have already know many things relating to their profession.

Observing that during drought situations earlier, loans were being recovered from farmers in the from taxes and were again given as loans, GTD said that after the introduction of loan waiver scheme, those who are paying their loans promptly are still repaying the loans and the loans of a few defaulters are being waived off. 

“This has caused resentment among those who are promptly repaying loans and they are wondering why they should repay loans. Such thoughts hinder the growth of co-operative societies,”he added.

Recalling his earlier days, GTD said that he was a Secretary in a co-operative society after undergoing training in Mysore District Co-operative Union in 1969-70 and is now the President of the Karnataka State Co-operative Federation  and added that honesty can help grow in any field.

District Co-operative Union President H.V. Rajeev, who also spoke at the function, said that co-operative sector is working towards empowering poor rural people and making them financially independent.

Later, Karnataka State Co-operative Federation advisor gave a lecture. Federation Director B.C. Lokappagowda, Secretary Lakshmipathaiah and others were present.