COFFEE SOCIETY UNDER LOSS, SEEKS HELP;

One of Asias biggest coffee growers co-operative society in Kodagu has incurred huge loss of rupees 13.44 crores and is reeling under debt.

The society owes more than rupees six crores to KDCC bank at Madikeri and to its members. Though it has 8,809 members as shareholders, the society began to crumble after 1990, after the coffee rate fell in International market.

Newly elected president of the Society, Mr.M.B.Devaiah told in a press conference yesterday that the society will seek rupees twenty crores as help from the government. Addressing the scribes he said that the board is looking at other possibilities of selling extra properties and renting out godowns at Hunsur.

NEW DC TO TAKE CHARGE;

The post of Deputy Commissioner, which was vacant since two months, seems to be filled after names were making rounds.

The official sources disclosed that the CEO of Bangalore rural Zilla Panchayath, Mr.D.K.Ranga Swamy is posted, as DC and he will take charge in the next week.

SP ASKS PEOPLE TO APPOINT PRIVATE SECURITY;

Superintendent of police Mr.Devajyothi Ray has called upon the people to assist with the police department to curb crime.

Addressing a Contact programme here, the SP suggested that shops and houses can appoint security guards by sharing small amounts and police will train such persons in using weapons and safeguarding.He said on guard per ten houses or shops could be appointed. His suggestion came as mention of continues thefts are being reported in the district.

MLA Mr.K.G.Bopaiah stated that the police department can work without political interference in the district and officials should not consider it as a weakness and shirk away from responsibilities.

KODAVA SAMAJ TROPHY;

While the Kodava family hockey is being regularly organised in the district, the Kodava Samajas have organised a three day sports event between Samajas.

President of the Virajpet Kodava Sam,aj, Mr.Nayada Vasu nanjappa told scribes here that the tournament would be held between 23 and 25 of this month at Cauvery College grounds, Virajpet. He opined that while only hockey and cricket are being organised by the families, he wanted to encourage other events too.

ASTRO TURF;

Central Minister Mr.Sunil Dutt in a letter to MP, Mr.Sadananda Gowda has stated that Astro Turf to Kodagu is sanctioned.

The ministers letter came after Mr.Gowda enquired about the long-standing assurance by the past governments and Sports Authority of India.

The Astro Turf would be installed at Madikeri.