Seeking revision, Gehlot returns cooperative bills

Karnataka governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has returned two cooperative amendment bills to the state government, asking for modifications before they are reconsidered.

- HT Correspondent

BENGALURU:

The governor found the government's clarifications on the Karnataka Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Karnataka Souharda Sahakari (Amendment) Bill, 2024, inadequate.

One of the key concerns raised by Gehlot was the provision in the Co-operative Societies Bill granting voting rights to all nominated members. He argued that this could lead to nominated members taking control of cooperative societies at the cost of elected representatives, undermining democratic principles.

"I am of the opinion that giving voting rights to all the members nominated is not the right course of action. It will allow them to take control of the society. This is not the democratically sound move as the rights of the elected members will be taken away through the backdoor. It is a step to weaken the democracy/autonomy of the co-operative sector. Re-think on this matter," he said.