Thiruvananthapuram: The UDF has voiced its objection to the proposed amendments that seek to allow two terms for members of the administrative body in cooperative societies in Kerala.

In a select committee meeting held on Monday to discuss amendments to the Kerala Cooperative Societies Act, the UDF was unhappy of incorporating provisions that could bring Cooperative Societies under government control. 

However, the committee has unanimously decided to introduce a reservation for members of the administrative body who are under the age of 40. The bills, including recommendations from the select committee, will be introduced in the ninth session of the Kerala Legislative Assembly.

Meanwhile, the bill stresses the importance of appropriate action and strengthening inspections to prevent fraud and irregularities in Cooperative societies. In addition, a panel appointed by the Registrar will examine the security deposited for loans. Meanwhile, the bill retains a clause that requires all appointments above the grade of Clerk to be conducted through the Recruitment Board. 

However, UDF is concerned that establishing two terms for administrative body members may disrupt the operation of societies. 

The draft bill empowers the government to re-constitute societies and initiate investigations using any probe agency on public interest grounds, which UDF views as an effort to strip societies of their autonomy and bring them under state control. The UDF also opposed a provision that allowed any government employee to be appointed as a registrar in a society.