Cooperative Legislation in Asia- A Study: Cooperative Laws in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand- Part One

Abstract

Cooperative legislation in most countries of Asia was initiated by the colonial rulers who had found in cooperatives a useful agency to provide relief to farmers and workers. Somehow they did not want cooperatives to become a ground of peoples aspirations and possible development of political leadership. They developed the cooperative system in such a way that the cooperative office-bearers remained politically loyal to the government. This was achieved through the agency of the registrar of Cooperative Societies who was usually a senior, efficient bureaucrat and known as friend, philosopher and guide. The government also ensured that the cooperative movement remained dependent on the government for all the needs of credit and distribution of essential items.