Maintain internal unity to keep MNCs at bay: Kurien to GCMMF leaders

Ahmedabad, Mar 23 (UNI) Former Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) chairman Verghese Kurien today appealed to the faction-ridden constituents and his successor to maintain the cohesive nature of the Amul pattern of integrated co-operative system.

Dr Kurien, who has tendered resignation after holding the post for 24 years since its inception in 1973, wished luck to the new chairman in advance but at the same time appealed to all concerned to thwart any takeover move by multi-nationals, private sector or vested interests.

In a signed appeal, he said, ''GCMMF has over the years emerged as a strong and cohesive organisation which could be weakened only by internal disunity and discord, rather than any external threat.'' Even as an intense tug-o-war has begun among the electors for the coveted post of the country's largest liquid milk and milk products marketing organisation, Dr Kurien said the integrated Anand or Amul pattern of cooperative was created solely to maximise the benfits of dairy farmers through their empowerment.

Intensive lobbying has begun for the chairmanship of the Rs 3,600 crore organisation, to be elected from among the 12 board members representing different GCMMF-affiliated district cooperative milk producers' unions in Gujarat by the end of this month.

Since Dr Kurien has resigned, the 10 out of 12 board members, who had earlier threatened to move a no-confidence motion against him in the next board meeting slated for tomorrow, would now formally discuss and accept the resignation paving the way for election.

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