Gujarat cooperative registrar in soup over Sumul dairy mismanagement

Surat : A complaint has been filed against the registrar of cooperative societies, Gujarat State, for alleged negligence and irresponsibility in addressing mismanagement at Sumul Dairy in Surat. The complaint was lodged by social activist Darshan Naik with Dr. Anju Sharma, additional chief secretary, cooperatives, fisheries, and animal husbandry, urging immediate action.

The issues revolve around financial irregularities and procedural violations at the Surat-Tapi District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Association (Sumul Dairy). A representation had been made to the registrar on December 28, 2024, highlighting concerns over the e-tendering process and irregularities under Sections 76(B), 86, and 93 of the Gujarat Cooperative Act. Specifically, the complaint points to the unauthorized purchase of molasses from Mahuva Sugar Factory without board approval.

An audit conducted by the Special Milk Auditor, Surat, for the 2021-22 fiscal year uncovered several deficiencies in Sumul Dairy’s operations. The audit recommended immediate investigations under Section 86 of the Gujarat Cooperative Act to address these serious issues.

One of the focal points of the complaint is the arbitrary removal of 22 tribal women from their supervisory posts in Sumul Dairy. The Managing Director in-charge allegedly dismissed these employees without obtaining board approval or providing prior notice. Naik has accused the administration of misusing their authority and bypassing proper procedures, leaving the affected women without recourse.

Former Member of Parliament, Mansinhi Patel, had also flagged corruption within Sumul Dairy, alleging the misappropriation of Rs. 1,000 crores in a letter addressed to the Prime Minister on June 9, 2020. Patel’s letter pointed out irregularities in loan approvals and misuse of organizational savings by the dairy’s management. Despite these allegations, no substantive action has been taken, according to Naik.

Additionally, a representation was submitted on January 28, 2023, highlighting mismanagement and financial discrepancies in Sumul Dairy. However, the registrar reportedly failed to act on these complaints, with Naik alleging that the inaction indicates tacit consent to the ongoing irregularities.

Naik’s recent complaint also questions the effectiveness of the registrar’s oversight role. He has demanded an immediate and thorough investigation into the financial and operational irregularities, as well as accountability for the administrators of Sumul Dairy.