Krishnagiri Witnesses Rally by Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Societies' Employees

The demonstrators claimed that the Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Societies were pressed to reach targets and coerced to give credits by loosening guidelines, and that the employees of the societies were afterwards blamed for the government move.

"During general elections, officials offer oral instructions to issue more credit to members, and the guidelines are lowered orally."

"But, once the government is changed, action is taken against the workers for breaking the rules. Action is frequently begun against cooperative society secretaries and workers," the association claimed. It stated that such actions taken against secretaries and staff must be dropped consistently across societies.

Because of the loan waivers, the societies' balance sheets are in deficit. Crop loans, gem loans, SHG loans, and interest foregone should be reimbursed to reduce the societies' financial burden. According to the association, the default in gem loans and the loss experienced via the auctioning of the jewels are being sought to be reimbursed from the secretaries' retirement accounts for no fault of their own.

The financial audit of the societies' accounts is complicated by a "corrupt" external audit system. Financial auditing must be integrated into the cooperatives section. Similarly, employees are transferred to distant districts without a hearing, causing them significant distress. According to the group, this is especially painful for female employees.

Similarly, PAC godowns selling agricultural inputs are being set up for multi-departmental inspections and political influence. The group demanded that a high-powered committee be formed to address these problems and streamline the working environment for the employees. A wage commission was also on the 12-point agenda that was at the heart of the protests.