Imphal, January 19: Terming the question of I Chandrasekhar whether the EA can file case against the bank's management as irrational, Tikensana quoted the EA's bye-laws, "to further the cause of its members in a dispute or disputes between them and their employer and to seek redress of their grievances by all peaceful, democratic and lawful means" and also, "to endeavour for improvement in the functioning and growth of the bank".

Alleging that Chandrasekhar's question goes contrary to the changing banking scenario of the new century, Tikensana noted that it's not time to hurl allegations and counter-allegations in the media after the law court has passed the truthful judgement.

Such verbal duel would only prove detrimental to the credibility of the bank.

Nevertheless, the EA is open for settlement of all the existing differences and misunderstandings, he said.

Clarifying that none of the incumbent office bearers of the EA are involved in any forgery case, the general secretary dared I Chandrasekhar if he can produce documents and evidences to prove his allegation.

Acknowledging that members are the owners of the bank in one sense, Tikensana alleged that due to discrepancies and mismanagement by the management board, more than 200 cooperative banks are facing closure every year.

In Manipur too, except for the Imphal Urban Cooperative Bank, the Manipur State Cooperative Bank and the Manipur Women's Cooperative Bank, all other cooperative banks have closed down, he added.

Taking serious note of Chandrasekhar's statement which appeared to be putting the EA on the side of Lukhoi in connection with the controversy surrounding Lukhoi's date of birth, Tikensana alleged that a hidden agenda exists behind Chandrasekhar's assertive move aimed at taking control of the bank's administration.

The move was also necessitated to save themselves from the scandal about the forgery case of 2003-04 involving Rs 6.70 lakhs in the bank's main branch and also the BOD's faulty recommendation for purchasing two ATMs when Chandrasekhar's relative AGM (B) N Nimai was the manager of the branch, alleged Tikensana.

Even as N Nimai deserves punishment under the bank's staff regulation and general financial discipline rules, he took anticipatory bail and got promoted against the FRSR.

On the other hand, some of his subordinate staff were suspended.

The EA general secretary also asked Chandrasekhar as to why he remained silent when the BOD in its meeting decided to sanction Rs 15.18 lakhs for purchasing two ATMs without prior permission of the RBI and neglecting the UCB's eligibility norms for ATM installation.

In the previous meeting in which the question of purchasing ATM was discussed, EA president L Suranjoy also attended though not in the one when the unconstitutional and faulty decision was adopted.

In the meeting where he attended, Suranjoy maintained that ATMs should be installed after computerisation of all the branches of the bank and after taking due consideration of the bank's financial position, conveyed Tikensana.

But the EA president's objection was flatly dismissed and the ATMs were purchased only to keep them unused till date.

All these irregular activities proved a major obstacle to the efforts to get the bank grade I status by March 31 this year, noted Tikensana.

In the meantime, the 7th State Conference of the All Manipur Cooperative Bank Employees Federation resolved to constitute Task Force on Cooperative Urban Banks with the objective to strengthen urban cooperative banks under an MoU between the State Government and the RBI.

As per the MoU, professional and qualified directors would be inducted into the BOD in accordance to RBI directives and guidelines, Tikensana said.

To realise the MoU and the envisaged improvements, a representation was also submitted to the Cooperation Minister.

In a step to restore democratic management in the bank, a tentative programme has been formulated on January 15 this year.

Subsequently, necessary process to hold an election for delegates and BOD in June/July has already been initiated, claimed Tikensana.

Stating that the IUCB belongs to shareholders, the EA president sought cooperation from all concerned to elect qualified, professional and dedicated members to the board.

The current impasse in the bank is a result of the Government order inducting some vested interest directors in the BOD.

Tikensana further appealed to all the members and the public to help in the efforts to resolve the prevailing impasse in the bank.

He further asked the defaulter loanees to pay back due loan amounts and to help the IUCB get grade I status.

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