Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Dec 10: Karnataka Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (DSS), Udupi division complained that Hiriadka Raithara Sahakari Sangha Bank is discriminating against people of SC/ST community in the bank's businesses.

Addressing a press conference, M Devdas, state convener DSS said, "Raithara Sahakari Sangha Ltd Hiriadka is a very old institution with nearly Rs 180 crore business and covering seven surrounding villages. The bank has violated co-operative norms in the appointment and loan facility. In 2005 when the bank was about to appoint a senior assistant they appointed a person named Prashanth Shetty, having qualification certificates from Bangalore University and Chaudhary Charan University Meerut, which were later proved fake, he was promoted as CEO later on. Violating the co-operative norms Rohith Shetty was appointed for the post of senior assistant, even though he was a relative of one of the board directors. 18 persons are appointed as daily wage workers they were made permanent staff which was against the co-operative laws," he said.

"Two FIR's have been registered by two of the women bank staff, but no action is taken. Even though the bank had its own land, the bank spent Rs 19,53,900 for constructing a bank branch on acquired government land. The bank is demanding RTC and surety from a government employee from SC/ST people while availing loan from the bank. A thorough investigation is needed in this matter," he demanded.

Krishna Baje Kukkehalli, district organizing convener Ramesh Kotyan, district convener Yathish, district organizing convener were present at the press conference.