MAPUSA
The elections to the Board of Directors of the Bardez Bazaar Consumer Cooperative Society for the 2025“30 term will be held on October 5, but the sharp hike in nomination fees and introduction of a security deposit has sparked resentment among shareholders and aspiring candidates.
For the first time, a ₹10,000 deposit has been made mandatory, while the nomination form fee has been raised to ₹2,000.
In the previous election, the fee was just ₹100 and no deposit was required.
The revised schedule was notified by Rameshwar Dabholkar, Assistant Registrar of North Goa Cooperatives and Election Officer.
Voting will take place between 8 am and 5 pm on October 5.
Shareholders have argued that the hike will discourage ordinary members from contesting elections, undermining the cooperative sector’s core purpose of serving the common man.
Former president Nikhilchandra Khalap expressed shock at the steep increase, saying, “The cooperative sector should remain affordable and open to everyone. This hike is unjustified.”
Former vice-president Narayan Ratwadd echoed the sentiment, pointing out that contesting the elections now requires a minimum of ₹12,000.
“Such costs will prevent common shareholders from participating,” he said.
The issue has triggered widespread discontent, with many demanding that the fee structure be revised to ensure inclusivity in the cooperative movement.
