🧾 Gujarat Adopts New Audit Model to Boost Transparency in Dairy Cooperatives

Vadodara | May 2025 — In a move aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the dairy sector, the Gujarat government has rolled out a new administrative and financial audit model for all dairy cooperatives, including the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) and its member unions. This significant reform replaces the decades-old audit system and is expected to offer clearer insights into the financial and governance practices of cooperative institutions.

🧭 A Modern Framework After Four Decades

Announced during the 41st meeting of the Inspection and Investigation Committee, Cooperation Minister Jagdish Vishwakarma confirmed that the new audit template was finalised under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The updated model follows 42 years of adherence to the outdated 1983 audit manual.

“With the substantial growth in turnover and operations of GCMMF and its affiliated unions, it became imperative to adopt a more structured and comprehensive audit process,” said Vishwakarma.

The revised model has been shaped through consultations with retired department officials and professional accountancy firms, ensuring that it meets current financial standards and operational realities.

🐄 What the New Audit Model Includes

The new audit framework goes far beyond traditional financial checks. It will now cover:

• 📊 Membership Details: Total number of cooperative members, registered societies, milk collection centres, and board electoral records
• 🧑‍💼 Governance Metrics: Annual general meeting summaries, board resolutions, recruitments, and auditor details
• 🏢 Asset & Inventory Tracking: Buildings, machinery, vehicles, goods inventory, and cash insurance
• 🥛 Milk Economics: Income from milk, receipt reconciliation, production volumes, product sales, and deficit analysis

🌟 Benefits for Dairy Farmers and Cooperatives

The reform is seen as a farmer-centric measure, improving the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of cooperative management. With detailed data on operations and finance now accessible, dairy farmers—many of whom are shareholders in cooperative unions—can expect greater clarity on returns, performance, and decision-making.

“This model will ultimately empower dairy farmers by making cooperative functioning more transparent and data-driven,” added Vishwakarma.