Sumul Dairy Faces Calls to Prioritise SC/ST jobs

Surat : In a strong appeal, community leaders and local stakeholders have urged the authorities at Sumul Dairy to prioritise the sons and daughters of cattle herders, poor, and needy families in their recruitment process. Sumul Dairy, operated by the Surat-Tapi District Milk Producers Union Ltd., serves as a lifeline for over two and a half lakh cattle herders in Surat and Tapi districts of South Gujarat. Stakeholders have emphasised that these employment opportunities should first benefit the local families deeply connected with the dairy and farming sectors, particularly those from marginalised communities.

Darshan Naik, co-operative leader said, “The recruitment process at Sumul Dairy, a key cooperative in the region, should give preference to local applicants from farmer members of the society and pastoralist families belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC)”

“ Ensuring that these historically disadvantaged groups receive job opportunities is seen as essential not only for equity but also for sustaining the integrity of the cooperative model that Sumul represents” added Naik.

As Sumul Dairy continues to play a critical role in the local economy, particularly for those in the agriculture and animal husbandry sectors, stakeholders have called for the recruitment process to be conducted under the supervision of an independent institution or agency appointed by the state government. By doing so, they argue, the credibility of the recruitment process would be maintained, ensuring that only qualified and deserving candidates are selected.

For many locals, employment at Sumul Dairy is more than just a job; it is a connection to their livelihood, culture, and the community they belong to. It is argued that those who come from farming or herding backgrounds have an inherent sense of loyalty and honesty towards the organisation. Ensuring that these individuals receive preference in recruitment will uphold the cooperative spirit and ensure that Sumul Dairy remains a beacon of opportunity for the local population.

Beyond the recruitment issue, concerns have also been raised regarding the governance and administration of Sumul Dairy. Notably, Mansinh Patel, the current president of Sumul Dairy, had previously written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, exposing an alleged Rs 1,000 crore corruption scandal within the organisation. The controversy implicated the former president of Sumul Dairy, who now serves as the vice president alongside Patel. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, no inquiry has been ordered, leading to widespread calls for a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter.

The members of Sumul Dairy have demanded that the government intervene to ensure that the accusations are properly investigated, bringing transparency and accountability to the cooperative. Patel’s letter to the Prime Minister had shed light on issues of mismanagement and financial irregularities, yet these concerns remain unresolved, causing unrest among the cooperative’s members.

Additionally, there are growing concerns about the procurement process at Sumul Dairy, with questions being raised about the sourcing of nearly 4 lakh litres of milk from other states. Critics have questioned the price at which the milk is purchased, the commissions paid, and the transparency of the auditing process. These concerns are compounded by what many describe as a lack of transparency on the part of the current administration, despite Sumul Dairy receiving grants from both the central and state governments.

The involvement of the District Registrar of Co-operative Societies in these matters has also been called into question, as requests for information and documentation have reportedly gone unanswered. Local leaders have voiced frustration over the lack of access to government records and administrative complaints, urging the authorities to rectify the situation.