Mangalore Diocese can Take the Lead in Producers' Society Movement: Moily
Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (PS)
Mangalore, Mar 4: "The Mangalore diocese can take the lead for bringing about producers' society movement which could later be spread across the nation in order to give a fillip to the agricultural sector. The bill regarding producers' society movement falls under the purview of corporate affairs ministry, which is ready to provide any assistance to the diocese on this," said union minister for corporate affairs Dr M Veerappa Moily.
He was here to inaugurate the mega convention of 700 self-help groups sponsored by Canara Organization of Development and Peace (CODP), Mangalore, at Milagres School Ground to mark the golden jubilee of Caritas India, New Delhi on Sunday March 4.
"Producers' society will bring a lot of mobility in farmers' condition and the concept is a part of Company's Act, hence the new bill will be brought forth for discussion in a meeting with the President of India," he said.
"Unorganized farmers with small holdings can add value to their crops by forming producers' society. The proposal is much simpler than that of Co-operative Society Act," he told reporters on the sidelines of the programme.
Dr Moily lauded the bishop of Mangalore Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza for his foresight and vision, and said that in his 15 years as Bishop of Mangalore he has established 90 new educational institutions which is a record in this nation. He stressed the need for prosperity of all people irrespective of caste, creed and religion.
Moily said that after the Land Tribunal Act was passed by Indira Gandhi, Naxalism was completely wiped out, but the increase in socio-economic differences paved the way for the re-entry of Naxalism. Moily said the union government committed to rooting out Naxal terror.
Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza in his presidential address said that the CODP is an institution aimed at helping the fishermen community, farmers, and even those caught in prostitution net. The Bishop said that inspired by the ideals of Mother Theresa, CODP has done a lot for the development of Mangalore in the field of education, health among others. As many as 700 self-help groups with 10,000 members managed to have savings of Rs 2.68 crore, and Rs 7 crore loan was distributed for setting up self-employment for as many as 4790 people, besides several de-addiction camps organized by CODP, he said.
Fredrick D'Souza, director, Caritas India, New Delhi, the chief guest said that Caritas India is functioning on the basis of religious and ethical grounds for the betterment of society.
Jimmy Mathew, Caritas India, Bangalore, Fr Onil D'Souza, Rita Noronha, among others were present.
Later, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the programme, Dr Moily said that it is too early to predict the results of the UP election. "We will wait and see," he said and added that the recent political chaos in Karnataka, like rave party and porngate issues, has wiped out the face of BJP.
"The argument that Udupi-Chikmagalur is CM Sadananda Gowda previous Lok Sabha constituency does not work, hence, Congress will win the election. The central government has released funds to Karnataka for various projects, but it is not utilized," he pointed out.
On lawyers' attack on media representatives in Bangalore, Moily condemned the act and said the apathy of the state government in handling the issue is indeed sad.