PORVORIM: Co-operation Minister Subhash Shirodkar on Wednesday assured the Legislative Assembly that he would order for an inquiry into the alleged Goa Dairy scam wherein milk is bought from the neighbouring States at higher rates.
“I’ll inquire into it,” he said, while replying during discussion on demands for grants for the Co-operation department for the current fiscal year.
On multi-State cooperative banks, Shirodkar said, “Personally I am against permission given to multi-State cooperative banks in the State. We will see how restrictions can be put on them,” he added.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai pointed out multi-State cooperative banks cannot be fly-by-night operators.
Pointing out that over Rs 12,000 crore belonging to the people is with the credit societies, the Minister said the government is trying to ensure that audits of the societies are done every year.
He told the House that action was taken against six societies and for the first time 40 board of directors were disqualified. “’They cannot contest elections anymore,” he said, adding that action was also taken against officials of dairy societies. Shirodkar said now the feed plant will be given to the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department.
The Minister claimed that except one bank, none of the co-operative banks showed NPAs during the last one-and-half-year. All the cooperative banks and credit societies will be computerised within a year, he informed.
Shirodkar further informed that administrators have been appointed in 94 institutes. Out of them six societies have been dissolved and inquiry initiated, he added. Later, the House passed the demands for grants after defeating the cut-motions tabled by the opposition.
