Monday, March 20 2006 15:56 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Anand (Gujarat): Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd founder-Chairman Verghese Kurien today (Mar 20 2006) announced his resignation, apparently pre-empting a proposed move by the dairy federation's Board members to oust him.

"I have been the Chairman of GCMMF board since its inception in 1973. Do I deserve this kind of treatment?" Kurien, celebrated as the father of India's 'white revolution', said reacting to reports that Board members would meet on March 24 to pass a non-confidence motion against him.

"I am anguished and pained by the recent move of GCMMF Board against me. Having served the cooperative dairy sector for over five decades with complete dedication and commitment, do I deserve this kind of treatment from the board members," he asked.

Such acts pain me and the same time have raised my concerns about the future of GCMMF, Kurien, who is also the chairman of Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) said.

"My decision is in deference to the recent order of the High Court of Gujarat on the issue of cooption of members on the management committee of the cooperative bodies in Gujarat.

I have taken the decision as a person firmly believing in the rule of law and principles of cooperatives," he added.