PONDA: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant emphasized the need to grant voting rights to milk producers associated with Goa Dairy, allowing them to directly elect the Board of Directors (BoDs) and ultimately determine the Chairman of the Goa State Milk Producers Union.
Speaking at the Krishi Mahotsav 2023 held at the Sports Complex in Curti Ponda, Sawant directed the Administrator of Goa Dairy to formulate new rules and promptly conduct elections for the BoD. Currently, the prevailing law dictates that the BoDs of Goa Dairy are elected by the chairpersons of the 170 milk-supplying societies affiliated with the organization, excluding the dairy farmers’ direct involvement in the selection process. Sawant expressed concerns about non-farmers supplying milk through others’ names to societies, subsequently becoming chairpersons, and influencing the election of Goa Dairy’s BoDs and Chairman for their personal gain. He emphasized the urgency to curb this practice and safeguard the interests of Goa Dairy. The proposed law would grant farmers the right to elect directors who can effectively protect the organization’s welfare.
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Addressing pending incentives for farmers, Sawant assured that the government is working diligently to disburse payments within fifteen days directly to their bank accounts . He reiterated that Goa Dairy belongs to the farmers and will remain under their control. The Chief Minister refuted the allegations made by certain farmers the previous day, asserting that the government has no intention of assuming control over Goa Dairy. He clarified that the appointment of an administrator was necessary after the dissolution of the Goa Dairy Board by the court.
Former Goa Dairy Chairman Anup Desai responded to the CM’s statement, acknowledging the concept as positive but highlighting the need for due process. Desai emphasized that any changes in the rules governing Goa Dairy must be discussed and decided upon during the Annual General Meeting (AGM)
