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Bhubaneswar: The Cooperation department has introduced new guidelines to check prevailing corruption in the department due to alleged misuse of position by some senior level officials. The department has agreed on the lapses in supervision, monitoring and inspection of cooperative societies and non detection of financial irregularities.
The Rs 4.35 crore loan fraud of Large Area Multipurpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPCS) in Kalimela of Malkangiri district, Rs 29 crore loan fraud in the Rourkela branch of Odisha State Cooperative Bank (OSCB) and Rs 24 crore fraud for purchase of equipment to facilitate paddy procurement are few such instances of corruption which are being probed either by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch or by Vigilance.
The Cooperation department has agreed there is hand of some senior officials behind the alleged corruption.
The Registrar of Cooperative Societies has written a letter to secretaries of all Central Cooperative Banks, Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies and Circle Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies in this regard.
The irregularities are going undetected for years together due to lack of monitoring and supervision of cooperative institutions, read the letter.
In case where fraudulent activities are detected prompt action is not being earmarked upon. The dues of the cooperative societies are also not being fetched from the perpetrators due to which there is deterioration of the financial assets of the societies, it added.
“The irregularities are increasing day by day as they don’t look after these things. Who else other than them will be held responsible for their actions, it has happened due to their negligence. Therefore this letter has been written,” said Cooperation Minister Surya Narayan Patro.
As per the new guidelines the annual cash and stock verification or annual inspection and audit of the cooperative societies will be held per schedule in presence of the officials. If any financial irregularity is detected prompt disciplinary action will be taken and the erring person will have to bear the financial loss.
It has been instructed that appropriate action should be taken against errant official or management committee to convey a strong message against corruption and for convenience of farmers.
The EOW and Vigilance is investigating the financial irregularities in various cooperative societies since years and it has taken action against few perpetrators. It remains to be seen what happens after the implementation of the new guidelines.
Also read: Govt To Take Action Against Coop Societies Selling Urea At Higher Rates
