Coop societies staff to stage protest

BANGALORE:  Members of Karnataka Rajya Prathamika Krishi Pattina Sahakara Sangha, Bank Kshemabhivrudhi Mahamandala and Nowkarara Mahamandala are staging one-day token strike at Freedom Park in the city on December 12 in support of their demands.Addressing a news conference here on Thursday, K Mahantappa, State President of the Mahamandala, said a special package worked out by both the State and Union governments as per the recommendations of the Prof A J Vaidyanathan Committee had revived over 4,500 societies in Karnataka.Subsequently, the government delayed implementation of this scheme hindering progress of the societies. Since the amount was released after a gap of six years, a majority of societies continued to suffer heavy losses thus defeating the very purpose of the special package. The  problems had been brought to the notice of all ministers, chief ministers and legislators, but no efforts were taken to improve the condition, Mahantappa alleged.He said the need of the hour was the revival of societies which are in problems. “We are demanding the government to set right the injustice being meted out to societies. As part of our continued struggle, the members of Mahamandala will be staging one-day dharna near the Freedom Park to highlight their problems. The members from all over the State are participating in this agitation,” he added.