This matter was long overdue as the existing bodies were running on about a year’s extension
Hyderabad: The number of primary agricultural credit societies (TSPACS) may increase by at least 1,000 as the government begins the process of reorganising societies for the benefit of farmers.
According to sources, following the dissolution of the managing committees of PACs — including chairmen and directors — and the removal of the boards of district central cooperative banks (DCCBs) in nine districts, the government is likely to fill the posts of bank chairpersons through nomination within the next fortnight. If the nomination method is adopted, it may either follow the Andhra Pradesh practice of representation by a single person or appoint a board composed of a few individuals.
“This matter was long overdue as the existing bodies were running on about a year’s extension. It is most likely that the government will opt for nomination and complete the process by the first week of January,” said a former chairman of a composite district in northern Telangana, expressing optimism that he would secure the position again.
Currently, there are 906 PACs functioning under nine DCCBs, with the maximum in Nizamabad (140), followed by Karimnagar (138). PACs are elected by farmers at the grassroots level. Until now, each PAC had close to a dozen directors besides the chairman. With speculation rife that a nominated mechanism will be adopted, the number of representatives is expected to drastically reduce.
“Besides the CEO (ex-officio), there may be only one person if AP’s practice of nomination is followed. Alternatively, if the ruling party decides to provide political accommodation, there could be three to five directors headed by a chairman,” said another former chairman, recalling how they had once represented former CM K. Chandrashekar Rao to double the number of PACs to help farmers.
On December 19, the agriculture and cooperation department issued a government order (Rt. 596) for the dissolution of PACs and DCCBs. It also authorised the commissioner for cooperation and registrar of cooperative societies to appoint an official person-in-charge committee for each society until elections are conducted. The government has handed over the management of DCCBs to the respective district collectors and district magistrates, who will function as persons-in-charge committees.
