Kathmandu. The Department of Cooperatives has shown interest in the upcoming election of the National Cooperative Bank.

The Department of Cooperatives has said that its serious attention has been drawn to the fact that the election to the board of directors of the bank was contested on the basis of the faith of the political parties.

The Department has said that such activities against the basic norms, values and principles of cooperatives would adversely affect the objectives of the Cooperative Act 2074 BS and the legal provisions. According to the department, competition on the basis of parties will increase unhealthy competition among the cooperative members and have a negative impact on maintaining good governance in the cooperative sector.

The Department has pointed out the need to discourage such activities to create an environment conducive for the operation of the cooperative as per the spirit of cooperatives and to maintain good governance in the cooperative sector. It also urged all sides concerned to cooperate to work in accordance with the spirit and principle of cooperatives.