Bharuch, Gujarat – A significant stir has emerged in the cooperative sector of Gujarat following the notice issued to Ghanshyam Patel, the chairman of Bharuch Dudhdhara Dairy. The notice, issued under section 76(B) by the state registrar, claims Patel has not acted in the best interest of the dairy and has been involved in financial mismanagement amounting to crores of rupees.
The notice highlights that Patel, along with other officials, failed to make decisions beneficial to the dairy, allowing fraudulent practices to flourish. It states that Patel has been negligent in his duties, which could disqualify him from holding any position in cooperative institutions for up to six years.
If Patel does not appear before the registrar with relevant evidence by May 25, 2025, the registrar will proceed with action under section 76(B) without considering any representations from him. This warning has sent shockwaves throughout the cooperative dairy community.
Dudhdhara Dairy, known for its commitment to providing fresh and hygienic milk, has grown significantly since its inception. It serves over 59,200 affiliated milk producer members and has procured over 9.5 million liters of milk as of June 2023. The dairy is ISO certified, ensuring its operations meet high-quality standards.
However, the notice has raised concerns about the management of the dairy. Complaints have been made regarding certain milk cooperatives in Narmada district, which allegedly sourced milk from traders outside the state, breaching cooperative regulations. Investigations revealed no equipment was available to collect milk at the mentioned cooperatives, further questioning their operations.
The situation escalated during the 65th annual general meeting of the Dudhdhara Dairy, where internal politics became heated. Ghanshyam Patel was re-elected as chairman for the fourth consecutive time, amidst claims of backdoor dealings and a lack of transparency in the election process. The election saw two panels competing for power, leading to an intense atmosphere among members.
The Bharuch Dudhdhara Dairy has played a crucial role in enhancing the quality of milk distribution in the region since its establishment in 1959. Before its founding, the milk distribution system was inadequate, leading to compromised quality. The introduction of the cooperative model allowed local producers to thrive and provided consumers with better quality milk.
Today, the dairy not only produces milk but also various dairy products like ghee, butter, and paneer using advanced technology. Despite its achievements, the recent allegations against its chairman could tarnish its reputation and impact the cooperative’s future.
As the case unfolds, the cooperative community will be watching closely. The outcome may set a precedent for how financial mismanagement is handled in cooperative organizations across Gujarat. Stakeholders hope for a resolution that preserves the integrity of Dudhdhara Dairy while ensuring accountability among its leaders.
In conclusion, the situation at Bharuch Dudhdhara Dairy serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in cooperative governance. The cooperative’s success relies not only on its operations but also on the integrity of its leadership. The upcoming hearings will be critical in determining the future direction of the dairy and the cooperative sector in Gujarat.
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