Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The Opposition, led by Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar, opposed the Madhya Pradesh Cooperative Amendment Bill, alleging that it would ruin the cooperative movement and open the backdoor for private players like Adani and Ambani.
They claimed that these private entities would overpower cooperative institutions, leaving farmers in distress.
Earlier, in his reply, Cooperative Minister Vishvas Sarang rejected the Opposition’s concerns and stated that the amendment aims to strengthen the cooperative movement. He also assured the assembly that the government is committed to conducting elections in cooperative societies. He explained that the amendment is intended to financially empower cooperative societies.
Congress MLA Bhawar Singh Shekhawat said that the amendment would be a major setback for the cooperative movement in the state. He urged the house not to pass the bill in the larger interest of farmers.
Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar insisted that the bill should be referred to the select committee of the assembly and reiterated his opposition to it.
Opposition members pointed out that elections in cooperative societies have been pending for 15 to 20 years. They demanded that the government clarify when these elections would be conducted. They also argued that the amendment seeks to extend the tenure of administrators in cooperative institutions indefinitely, which goes against the provisions of the Cooperative Act.
