PANAJI
Amidst matter pending before the High Court of Bombay at Goa, former chairman of Goa Dairy and three cooperative milk producers’ representatives last week approached the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, questioning the proposed transfer of the dairy’s management to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
The applicants argued the decision did not comply with the amended Goa Cooperative Societies Rules.
In a letter dated September 11, former Goa Dairy chairman Anup Desai, among others, urged the Registrar not to proceed with the handover until the High Court decides the matter.
The complainants questioned the basis of a resolution passed at the Goa State Cooperative Milk Producers Union's Annual General Body Meeting (AGM). According to the letter, the resolution on September 29, 2024, proposed handing over the management of Goa Dairy to NDDB while contending the subject was not specifically placed for confirmation at a subsequent general body meeting.
“The act of transfer of the management or operation or functioning of Goa Dairy is totally illegal,” the complainants stated, referring to the amended provision and asserting that the resolution was not maintainable.
They further alleged that the Committee of Administrators appointed by the State Government and officials associated with NDDB were proceeding with the proposed handover without disclosing the amendment to Rule 46. These are allegations made in the representation and have not been independently established in the document.
Calling for action by the Registrar, the complainants said the matter concerned the interests of the State’s dairy farmers and sought intervention by the Registrar, the State government and NDDB.
“The authorities should also examine the fraudulent act and take appropriate action against those responsible, including registration of an FIR for alleged criminal breach of trust and fraud,” it said.
During the hearing on Wednesday, the High Court sought a complete record of the transfer of management of Goa Dairy to the NDDB, directing the Registrar of Cooperative Societies to place all government orders, agreements and related decisions before it.
