MARGAO
As beleaguered depositors of Visionaries Cooperative Society stood with candles and black flags outside the office of the Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies on Tuesday evening, Minister for Cooperation Govind Gaude called a delegation of the depositors for discussion before leaving the venue.
After discussing the issue over the return of the hard-earned deposits of the depositors, the minister has fixed a meeting at the Secretariat on November 25 with the management and staff of the Visionaries Societies along with the depositors to find out a solution.
The minister also assured the delegation that he would not keep quiet if the hand of any of his officers and staff is found and have acted against the interest of the depositors.
The delegation of depositors led by Wanda Gomes, Felix Dias and others held discussions with Gaude on a host of issues, as they demanded to know the delay in completing the audit of the Visionaries societies to date.
They pointed out that the promises made by the officers of the Cooperative Societies have not been fulfilled, giving rise to suspicions whether they are hand in gloves with the management.
Reassuring the delegation that he understands the sentiments of the depositors and will not rest till justice is being meted out to them, the minister called for a joint meeting of the management of the Visionaries Cooperative Societies and the depositors at the Secretariat on November 25 to address all pending issues.
“I have put myself in your shoes and have understood your problem. Let me assure you that I will provide you 100 per cent justice. If any officers are involved, they will not be spared,” he said, adding that action will come only after a thorough probe and gathering of evidence.
The Margao police deployed a strong posse of policemen, including lady police constables, outside the Gomant Vidya Niketan building where the office of the Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies is located, after the depositors assembled outside with candles and black flags.
