the goan I network
PANAJI
In 2001 the co-operative rules were formed in the State but not implemented till 2008. But later new rules were framed and sent to Law department which were kept on hold. The then minister for co-operation had announced that there was a suggestion to amend the Goa Co-operative Societies Act, 2001 and that the government had decided to amend the Act for an effective and positive change in the co-operative sector. A bill seeking amendment to the Goa Co-operative Societies Act, 2001, was soon to be introduced in the next assembly session and would be aimed at an effective co-operative sector expansion. There were all together 2471 different class of functional co-operative societies having around of 8,89,018 members under their fold as on 2013.
Apart from the above, some non-functional co-operative societies have been taken into liquidation for one or another reasons mainly due to lack of interest by the general members, decrease in business turnover as far as service and consumer societies are concerned and failure of the management to check/control, misdeeds and instances of fraud.
However, the government of Goa is making all efforts to flourish the co-operative movement in the State by providing financial assistance in various ways and form. The government has floated different types of schemes for providing financial assistance by way of contribution of share capital. Loan cum subsidy for purchase / construction building, godown, purchase of furniture, etc is provided. This has offered a strong financial base for some of the financially weaker societies. On account of financial assistance from the government, the societies could divert their own funds for expansion of business, which has attained a sound financial health.
The members of the managing committee of the societies play a major role in framing policies and decisions for the smooth working of the societies and therefore the responsibility of the members of the managing committee is equally important. It is the responsibility of the managing committee to keep a strict vigil on the day to day working of the societies and also to devise a strategic plan for the improvement in the functioning of the society.
In order to facilitate the public to redress its grievances, the Goa government has nominated the Registrar of Co-operative Societies to function as the Public Grievances Officer at the State level. So also the Dy Registrar of Co-operative Societies, Headquarters, Panaji and the Assistant Registrar of Co-operative Societies, South Zone, Margao are nominated as the Public Grievances Officer at District level (North and South District respectively).
