VSSN societies to be formed in every Gram Panchayats across state: Coop minister

NT Correspondent

Mysuru: State Co-operation minister K N Rajanna on Sunday said that his government has decided to form VSSN (Vyavasaya Sahakara Sangha Niayamitha) cooperative societies in every Gram Panchayat to facilitate cooperative related banking activities across the state.

He was speaking after unveiling the plaque at the centenary celebrations of Graduates Cooperative Bank Limited held in the city.

He said that the intention behind the formation of these societies is to bring people of all communities irrespective of economic and social background under the cooperative banking sector so that they can avail facilities provided by the bank.

Shareholders of the VSSN Societies can enjoy all facilities like interest free loan upto Rs five lakh.

The government also distributes seeds, chemicals and fertilizers, rations and can undertake other activities under these societies. The minister said that he has already given directions to his department officials to complete the process of opening VSSN societies at the GP level.

Though there are more than 5991 Gram Panchayats, many of the GPs do not have such societies. His department is also planning to introduce reservation to nominate members from disadvantaged communities to cooperative bodies.

He said that he has already held one round of discussion with retired justice Nagamohan Das regarding a draft to provide reservation for such communities.

He suggested the Graduates Cooperative Bank should utilize its huge Rs 18 crore welfare fund for the welfare of shareholders.

Earlier, speaking after inaugurating the programme, State social welfare and district in charge minister Dr H C Mahadevappa wanted cooperative bodies to come up with inclusive initiatives by involving all communities to enjoy facilities.

In his speech, MLC H Vishwanath appealed to the government to resume the distribution of “Sahakara Ratna awards” he had introduced when he was the cooperation minister in the state.