RCS orders suspension of GM Milk Union Ludhiana and DGM HR with immediate effect for gross negligence

Ludhiana: Under the instructions of the Cooperation Minister S. Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, the Registrar Cooperative Societies Vikas Garg has directed the MD Milkfed Kamaldeep Singh Sangha to suspend GM Milk Union Ludhiana and DGM (HR) with immediate effect for gross negligence in the performance of duties.

Disclosing the background of the matter, a spokesperson said that the contract for running the Verka Milk Bar cum Fast Food Joint in the premises of Milk Union, Ludhiana was awarded to M/s Divjot Enterprises, New Delhi excluding taxes for a period of 3 years from 1.4.2015 to 31.3.2018. After the completion of above term, a fresh tender was floated which was allotted to M/s The Upper House Ludhiana at the rate of Rs. 5,20,000 per month excluding taxes.

But M/s Divjot Enterprises refused to vacate the premises and filed a case in the District Court Ludhiana which was decided by the Additional District Judge, Ludhiana on 28.8.2018. The court in its order said that the petitioner i.e. M/s Divjot Enterprises to deposit the amount of Rs. 5,20,000 per month along with taxes per month to the respondent Milk Union, Ludhiana for the period he remains in possession after 31.3.2018 and final decision with regard to compensating the respondent would be made by the arbitrator and this amount would be adjusted towards that amount.

The petitions of M/s Divjot Enterprises made at the levels of Additional Registrar Cooperative Societies (I) and thereafter RCS, were dismissed after which the M/s Divjot Enterprises involved the Milk Union in further litigation in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

According to the spokesperson, M/s Divjot Enterprises in the late hours of 14.09.2020 without intimating or permission of Milkfed or Milk Plant, lifted out the aircraft HULL 320 from the premises of the Milk plant and also in the process damaged the entrance gate besides not paying Rs.1,51,22,828 to Milk Plant, Ludhiana as dues arising from orders dated 28.08.2018 passed by the Additional District Judge Ludhiana and not paying the electricity charges to the PSPCL too.

Pointing out further, the spokesperson said that neither did the GM brought the incident to the notice of the higher police authorities despite having ample time nor did the security guards reputed at the Milk plant took any instant action which is a clear indication of GM not performing his duties in a professional manner. Also, the letter dated 15.9.2020 written by the GM to the M/s Divjot Enterprises, copy of which was also marked to the DGM (HR) Milkfed Chandigarh, mentioning the entire incident merited action at the level of Head Office for it was the duty of DGM (HR) to bring the matter to the notice of higher authorities or even the Government as it involved financial issues worth Crores of Rupees.

Divulging further, the spokesperson said that the behaviour on the part of GM Verka Plant and DGM (HR) is totally uncalled for. Hence, the MD Milkfed is directed to take disciplinary action for major penalties against the officers concerned besides action against the M/s Divjot Enterprises for recovering the entire amount failing which the surcharge proceedings should be initiated against the GM Milk Plant, Ludhiana for recovering the amount.