Political prevalence in the field of cooperation

Some remarks made by the division bench of the High Court in connection with the election to the Board of Directors of the Thodupuzha Primary Co-operative Agricultural Rural Development Bank reveal the present condition of the cooperative banks in the state. According to the court, the majority of co-operatives in the state are victims of politics. There are many societies where the intervention of politicians destroys even the concept of cooperation. This excessive politicization is leading to massive corruption and irregularities. There was political interference behind all the recent big cooperative bank scams. It is the politicians who are conspiring to cover up the irregularities and embezzlement and to save those involved in these crimes.

The co-operative movement was born and flourished in the state at a time when politics was not penetrating. Our co-operatives and institutions have been able to make a name for themselves as the most trusted co-operatives in the country. However, the picture changed as politicians slowly began to enter the cooperative sector as well.

The High Court opined that the government should try to promote democracy in cooperatives. But it was the various governments that instilled politics in the cooperative sector and fostered animosity among the members in such a way as to discredit the cooperative movement itself. War-like situations often arise in many parts of the state in connection with cooperative elections. There is a situation where elections cannot be held anywhere without police protection. The lack of professional management makes accounting and systematic governance impossible in many societies. The functioning of several co-operatives has come to a standstill due to planned money embezzlement. Many people, including board members and officials, are facing legal action over it.

Those who lead the cooperative movement should not forget the fact that it exists with a solid foundation due to the trust of the people. Co-operatives that are supposed to stand and work for the needs of the common man will be abandoned by the people if they deviate from their objectives.

It no longer seems possible to free co-operatives from the prevalence of political forces. At the same time, politicians should try to come up with ways to guide the cooperatives efficiently and honestly. Enthusiastic people who can guide the cooperatives efficiently should be elected to the Board. Those who try to infiltrate the governing body with ulterior motives should be kept away. No one should be allowed to subvert elections and seize power through violence. Despite the court order, violence erupted during the election of the board of directors of the Thodupuzha Agricultural Society. This issue led to the present intervention of the High Court. The court also sharply criticized the police for not intervening to prevent violence.