Mysuru: “The elections for 3029 co-operative societies will be done based on the new module of reservation where the board size will be increased from 9 to 11 to facilitate the new reservation module,” said minister for co-operatives H S Mahadev Prasad.

Addressing  media persons here on Sunday he said, “Out of 8790 co-operative societies, 4837 societies elections have been concluded according to the co-operatives act 2011 where reservation for women and scheduled caste/ tribe and minorities are allocated. But later in July, 32 amendments were implemented, which will bifurcate the reservation of minorities as A and B category. Keeping a 20 year cycle, with 4 elections in mind, a roster system will be adopted to hold elections. It will facilitate the minorities and SC/STs equally.”

Responding to the allegations made by MLC Puttaswamy, who had alleged that the minister had not allocated reservation in  co-operative sector elections, Mahadev Prasad said, “the allegations are made without understanding what the co-operative sector is. Puttaswamy has to understand about it before alleging against me or the ministry.”

In the present financial year, we have aimed to facilitate Rs 10 thousand crore loans to over 25 lakh farmers through co-operative societies. Previous year Rs 6 thousand crore was allocated to over 16 lakh farmers.

“The reservation is only implemented in those co-operative sectors where government has its share. In non-government co-operative societies, government doesn’t have right to do it,” he said.

Speaking about the Yashaswini card he said, “ if any hospital affiliated to the Yashaswini card, refuses to provide treatment, stern action will be taken by the government.”