The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : NGOs urged to make Souharda Cooperative Act popular

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Aug 24, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

NGOs urged to make Souharda Cooperative Act popular

Staff Reporter

`Though the Act provides more autonomy to cooperatives, the response is poor'

BANGALORE: Registrar of Cooperative Societies K.H. Gopalkrishne Gowda on Tuesday called upon non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to organise programmes to create awareness and popularise the Karnataka Souharda Cooperative Act of 1997 among people.

Inaugurating a workshop on "Karnataka Souharda Cooperative Act 1997" organised by Samagra Vikas, Bangalore, and Sahavikasa, Warangal, Mr. Gowda said it is unfortunate that the Act has not been well received by the people.

"Though the Act provides more autonomy to cooperatives, the response is poor. This is because of lack of awareness. NGOs should organise awareness programmes so that people get to know the provisions of the Act," he said.

Minimal interference

Mr. Gowda said the new Act provides for minimal Government interference in the functioning of the cooperatives. "It encourages voluntary form of cooperatives based on self-help and mutual aid. The purpose of the formulating the new Act will be served only if it is popularised," he said.

The Karnataka Souharda Cooperatives Act, 1997 is a liberal law that provides new opportunities to the informal groups that are developing with the initiative and encouragement of voluntary organisations to gain corporate status.

The workshop, which will conclude on Wednesday, is aimed at providing an opportunity to the representatives of voluntary organisations to gain an insight into the content and implications of this new liberal law and explore the possibilities it provides.

Managing Director of the Karnataka State Souharda Federal Cooperative Ltd. Anoop Deshpande, President of Samagra Vikas Ramakrishna Y.B. and Development Officer (Liberal Law Division), Sahavikasa, Warangal, Krishna, were present.

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