St. Milagres Co-operative Soceity Ltd.,
St. Milagres Credit Souhardha Co-operative Society Ltd. is a leading co-operative society in Uttara Kannada District, holding a prestigious position within the State of Karnataka. The society was founded by Mr. George Fernandes and Mrs. Rosalina Fernandes, a visionary couple from Manki, Honnavar Taluk, with extensive experience in the co-operative sector. The society was registered under the Karnataka State Co-operative Societies Act on June 9, 2003, with the objective of providing financial assistance to the economically weaker and underprivileged sections of society
The first branch was established at Mallapur in Uttara Kannada district. Mr. George Fernandes became the founder and Managing Director.
St. Milagres Credit Souhardha Co-operative Society Ltd., Karwar, was born out of a vision to bring financial dignity to the poor and needy.
Our journey began with Mr. George Fernandes, Founder & Managing Director, who lived in Mallapur between 1993–2007. In the early 1990s, the Kaiga Nuclear Power Plant and Kadra Power Station brought rapid development to the region. Yet, many villagers remained illiterate and financially vulnerable—exploited by moneylenders charging exorbitant interest.
Determined to change this, Mr. Fernandes laid the foundation of St. Milagres Credit Co-operative Society on 14th September 2003. What began as a humble initiative soon became a people’s movement.
By the encouragement of members, the Board of Director’s of Milagres opened its Branch and Head Office at Karwar on 15th May 2005.The Society opened its Head Office at Karwar, offering not just accumulating Deposits and landing Loans but also Milagres introduced the Value Added Services such as:
E-Stamping (Bond papers)
RTGS/NEFT
Domestic Money Transfer
Mission and Objective:
“Our mission is to foster a spirit of savings, financial discipline, and self-reliance among our members, helping communities rise through responsible finance and cooperative values.”
To instill a saving spirit among the members, accept deposits and empower the financially needy, economically backward and weaker sections, while also encouraging self-employment, trade and industries.
Inspiration:
When Mr. George Fernandes once met Dr. William D’Mello, the first Bishop of Karwar Diocese, the Bishop, though unwell, said emotionally:
“I can hear Milagres—Milagres, Milagres everywhere Milagres!”
These heartfelt words became prophetic, as St. Milagres Co-operative has indeed become a renowned and successful institution across Karnataka.
Mr. Fernandes acknowledges the continued inspiration and encouragement of Dr. Derrick Fernandes, the second Bishop of Karwar Diocese, under whose blessings the Head Office and many branches were inaugurated.
Growth and Expansion:
Our co-operative, which started with its first Branch in Mallapur on 14 September 2003, has expanded its scope across the state with a total of 111 Branches including rural and urban areas of 9 districts of Karnataka and is today recognized as a prestigious institution in the state and has been functioning smoothly. In the state of Karnataka alone, there are more than 6000 friendly cooperatives, out of which St.Milagres Cooperative holds the highest position.
The Head Office is located at “Rosary Dale” in Sonarwada, Keshav Shet Road, Karwar City. The well-organized building is divided into various departments such as Planning Department, Administration Department, Accounting Department, Internal Audit Department, Debt Recovery Department, Loan Department, Deposit Department, Information and Technology Department, Value Added Services Department, Legal Department, Investment Management Department and Insurance Department. It has been functioning smoothly without any hindrance in Branch management and providing services to members.
Digital Transformation Section:
For the last 22 years, the co-operative has maintained complete transparency in providing services to its members. The administrative system has been technologically upgraded, marking a significant step toward digitalization. A dedicated mobile application has been launched to promote cashless transactions in today’s digital era. Pigmy collections are managed through mobile devices, both with and without pigmy machines, and 99% of the operations are computerized.
Financial Status (2024–25):
Operating entirely on its own capital—without any bank financing—the co-operative recorded a working capital of ₹1460 crore in 2024–25 and a deposit base of ₹1437 crore. It provides quick loans to members and registered a net profit of ₹8.05 crore in the last financial year against loans and advances totaling ₹1,152 crore. The membership strength has now reached 3,10,146, making it a model co-operative within a short period.
Various savings schemes, international money transfer systems, insurance plans, and health cards for discounted medical treatment are also offered to members.
Human Resources:
A total of 1510 staff members are employed across the Head Office and 111 branches, including trained pigmy collectors. The co-operative is divided into 11 divisions, each managed by a Development Manager responsible for branch development within their jurisdiction.
To ensure efficient functioning, monthly review meetings are held with branch managers, and regular visits, training, and guidance are provided by senior officers. For debt recovery, government-recognized Sales Officers and Debt Recovery Officers are appointed with specific targets reviewed quarterly. Internal auditors ensure accurate branch accounts, and legal advisors provide expert guidance on disputes. Recruitment and loan approvals are carried out with complete transparency.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive insurance coverage for movable and immovable assets and cash at all Branches.
- 16 Internal Auditors conduct audits of each Branch every 3 months and submit reports to the Head Office.
- Staff Facilities: Provident Fund (PF), Endowment, Bonus, Insurance, and Loans at concessional interest rates.
- 16 Sales Officers and 18 Loan Recovery Officers recognized by the government for debt recovery.
- 13 Bolero vehicles are assigned to divisions for continuous field visits related to loan recovery and property sales.
- Most Branches are located on the ground floor for the convenience of senior citizens.
- The co-operative owns a training hall with a 150-person capacity, 2 Branch buildings in business centers, and staff accommodation for about 45 employees.
- More than 10 co-operative organizations from within and outside Karnataka have visited St. Milagres Co-operative for study purposes.
St Milagres Credit Souhardha Co-Op Society Ltd., Karwar
“Great institutions are not built overnight – they are nurtured by visionaries who dedicate their lives to the service of society.”
OUR LADY OF MILAGRES
Mary conceived her Son Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. She is acclaimed as the mother of God and the mother of whole humanity. She is mother to everyone who believes in her Son Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the redeemer of mankind. Mary is called the mother of the needy because of her willingness to partake in the difficulties of her cousin Elizabeth in spite of her own. When Mary conceived in her womb Jesus her cousin Elizabeth too had conceived in her womb a son. Knowing this Mary arose and went to the hill country, to a city of Judah to be with her cousin Elizabeth and to help her. She is referred to as the mother of the family because of her sensitivity to help the family of Cana during the wedding feast. When the wine ran short it is Mary who requested her Son Jesus to do something. At the request of His mother Jesus performs a miracle by turning water into wine.
Mary is also known as the solace of the afflicted. After the crucifixion of Jesus it was Mary who filled the heart of the disciples with courage and hope. Hence Mother Mary is our Patron. We have chosen her name so that we too get a chance to serve the needy to the best of our ability.
Mary conceived her Son Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. She is acclaimed as the mother of God and the mother of whole humanity. She is mother to everyone who believes in her Son Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the redeemer of mankind. Mary is called the mother of the needy because of her willingness to partake in the difficulties of her cousin Elizabeth in spite of her own. When Mary conceived in her womb Jesus her cousin Elizabeth too had conceived in her womb a son. Knowing this Mary arose and went to the hill country, to a city of Judah to be with her cousin Elizabeth and to help her. She is referred to as the mother of the family because of her sensitivity to help the family of Cana during the wedding feast. When the wine ran short it is Mary who requested her Son Jesus to do something. At the request of His mother Jesus performs a miracle by turning water into wine.
Mary is also known as the solace of the afflicted. After the crucifixion of Jesus it was Mary who filled the heart of the disciples with courage and hope. Hence Mother Mary is our Patron. We have chosen her name so that we too get a chance to serve the needy to the best of our ability.
St. JOHN PAUL II
Pope St. John Paul II was born on 18th May 1920 in Poland.
His baptismal name is Karol Jozef Woltyla. He was Pope of the Catholic Church from 16th October 1978 until his death on 2nd April 2005. During his life time he was called the living saint. One of the incidents which took place on the Vatican Square will uphold our stand on him as the living saint. On 13th May 1981, John Paul II was shot and critically wounded by Mehmet Ali Agca. The assassin was sentenced to life imprisonment. Sometimes later Pope John Paul II visited Mehmet in prison and spoke to him.
As he came out John Paul II said, “What we talked about will have to remain a secret between him and me. I spoke to him as a brother whom I have pardoned and who has my complete trust. This is the greatness of this man. Today the whole world recognizes him as the father of forgiveness. During his long period of Papacy he has done innumerable good deeds to the whole of humanity. He is loved by all sections of people. On 1st May 2011 the Vatican declared him as a “Saint”.
St. MOTHER TERESA
Mother Teresa was born on 27th August 1910 in Skopje Macedonia formerly the part of Albania.
Her original name was Agnes Gonxha Bojxhiu. At the age of 12, she decided to be a missionary and spread the love of Christ. She joined the Sisters of Loreto, an Irish community of nuns with missions in India. She came to Calcutta of India on 6th January 1929. Vatican originally labeled the order as the Diocesan Congregation of the Calcutta Diocese, and it later came to known as the “Missionaries of Charity”. The primary task of the Missionaries of Charity was to take care of those persons who were abandoned.
She visited families, nursed the sores of some children, cared for an old lying sick on the road and nursed a women dying of hunger. She started each day in communion with Jesus in the Eucharist and then went out, rosary in her hand, to find and serve Him in “the unwanted, the unloved, the uncared for.” After some months, she was joined, one by one, by her former students.
By the early 1960s, Mother Teresa began to send her Sisters to other parts of India. Her service towards unwanted and unloved was recognized by Indian government as well as by the world community. She received the Noble peace prize in 1979, Bharata Ratna award in1980, Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1985 and Order of Australia in 1982. She died on September 5, 1997. Mother Teresa was canonized as a saint on september 4, 2016. Hence Mother Teresa is our source of inspiration to reach to the aggrieved and help them give solace.She is considered as our patron.
LATE BISHOP WILLIAM LEONARD D’MELLO
Late Bishop William Leonard D’Mello was born on 24th March 1931 and was ordained and installed as the first Bishop of Karwar on 29th April 1976. During his 30 years of tenure as Bishop he led a good shepherd’s life and strived for all-round development giving importance to spiritual, social, educational and economic needs of the people. His concern and service extended to all people without consideration of caste and creed.
After serving with dedication and love for 30 years he relinquished his office as the Bishop of Karwar on 24th February 2007.
During our visit on the occasion of one of his Birthdays, his Lordship couldn’t speak much but blessed us with the magical words “Milagres, Milagres everywhere Milagres”. Thereafter our Milagres is growing by leaps and bounds. He passed away on 19th July 2011. We have a strong belief that one day he will be announced as “Saint”.
Founder and President – Mr. George Fernandes
A Visionary Co-operative Leader with 48 Years of Experience
After completing his studies, George Fernandes began his career as an assistant in a co-operative society at Manki village with a salary of ₹75 per month. He later completed a Diploma in Co-operation (GDC) in Dharwad.
He worked for 15 years in the same society, rising to the post of Chief Secretary.
Later, he joined Co-operative Sector., Karwar, serving for 12 years in various capacities — from Chief Promoter to Assistant General Manager, and eventually as In-charge General Manager.
Social and Professional Achievements
George Fernandes was involved in social service work. He contested as an independent candidate in the Manki Mandal Panchayat and was elected unopposed as a member and engaged in public service for 5 years. He was instrumental in bringing together officials and dignitaries in Manki village and forming a civil service committee. He served as the secretary of the Sarvodaya Yuvaka Mandal. He was also a member of the Rotary Club of Honnavar. He established the YOUTH CLUB in church inquiry centers and became its president. He served as the president of the Catholic Association of Manki.
- He was the President of Karwar Rotary Club in 2008-09, and the State Secretary of All India Catholic Union.
- He served as the Assistant Governor of Rotary District 3170 in 2010-11.
- He is serving as the District Secretary of Rotary District 3170 in 2013-14, as the Revenue District President (Adult Literacy) and (Partnership with OAU’s) for Rotary.
- He is a major factor in the establishment of a medical college in Karwar.
- He fought for the construction of the Hubli-Ankola railway line as the Coordinator of the Railway Users’ Welfare Committee and is currently serving as the President of the Uttara Kannada District Railway Users’ Welfare Committee.
- He has founded the Karwar Taluk Social Service Association-Organization Office Bearers' Union for public service.
- He has become an employer for more than 1500 unemployed young talents, regardless of caste, creed or religion.
- He is serving as the Uttara Kannada District Honorary Secretary of the Kannada Sahitya Parishad.
- He has been the President of the Karwar Diocese of the Catholic Association in 2006-2008 and currently (2024-26) (2nd time)and is loved by the Catholic Christian community.
- Honorary President – Pahare Vedike (R) - Swachhata Abhiyan Karya
- State President – samvidhana arivu rajya sanchara, Uttara Kannada They are in harmony with all members of society and are always at the forefront of social work.
Honors and Awards:-
- "National Nirman Ratna Award” from New Delhi in 2007
- “Best Assistant Governor” award in the District Governor Appreciation Award of Rotary District-3170, Karwar in 2011.
- “Mandalika Charitable and Welfare Trust” award for achievement in banking profession in 2012 from Karwar.
- “Best Co-operative” award from The Bhatkal Urban Co-operative Bank in 2014.
- “Samaja Seva Award” from Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, Karwar and Karavali Konkani Sangha in 2015.
- “Sadhana Gaurav” award from Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy (Karnataka Government) in Bhatkal in 2016.
- “Dr. T.M.T. Pai Arogya Sevak Award” from Kasturba Manipal Hospital in 2018.
- Honorary Award from Cricketer Rahul Dravid at Manipal Health Card Mangalore in 2019.
- “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award from Konkani Catholic Association Bangalore (FKCA) in 2019.
- “Sahakara Ratna” Award from Kallur Education Trust, Karwar in 2019.
- Honorary Award and Award from Life Insurance Corporation of India, Head Office Mumbai in 2022 as the “No. 1 Corporate Agent” in the country in terms of policy sales in Bangalore.
- “Konkani Crown” award from Konkani Kala Kutam(R) Honnavar in 2024.
- “Satyagraha award” from Bardoli ‘Ankola Utsav’ Committee, Karnataka in 2024.
- Honored with the Best Cooperative and Social Service Award from All India Catholic (Christian) Union in 2025
Along with the duties of the co-operative, even in his spare time, George Fernandes participates in social struggles, cultural programs, sports-related programs, book release ceremonies and many other programs, which has earned him a high position in the eyes of society. He has inspired the youth community with his encouraging words that everyone should develop the right goals, discipline and dedication in life and work with determination.
President’s Message:
“Together, Let’s Build a Future of Trust and Prosperity.”
“St. Milagres Co-operative, a model institution in the co-operative sector, is moving steadily on the path of progress toward its Silver Jubilee.
Our co-operative has earned recognition for its social commitment, innovative savings schemes, value-added services, and modern financial facilities. All achievements are the result of the trust and support of our esteemed members, the guidance of our Board of Directors, and the dedicated service of our staff.
We look forward to continued cooperation and support from all members and customers in the years ahead.”
“Every member’s growth is our cooperative’s success.” – George Fernandes
MRS. ROSLINE FERNANDES (CO-FOUNDER & FORMER PRESIDENT)
Mrs. Rosline Fernandes is the Co-founder and the Former President of Milagres since the inception of the society.
“Inspired by Dr. Verghese Kurien’s White Revolution, my dream is to create a Co-operative Revolution — providing innovative financial services and leading the way in the co-operative movement.”
Profile Highlights:
- M.Com, Higher Diploma in Co-operative Studies
- Assisted in writing: “The Role of Pattana Sahakari Banks in Karnataka”
- Accounts Officer in multiple institutions
- Former President – Inner Wheel Club of Karwar (2012-13)
- Strong advocate for women empowerment & co-operative revolution
Vision & Mission (Linked with Founders’ Philosophy)
Vision
“To empower communities through sustainable financial services, built on trust, transparency, and innovation.”
Mission
- To serve the financially weaker sections with dignity & respect
- To provide affordable, customer-friendly financial solutions
- To expand co-operative values across Karnataka & beyond
- To innovate services that enrich people’s lives
“Great institutions are not built overnight – they are nurtured by visionaries who dedicate their lives to the service of society.”
“Together, Let’s Build a Future of Trust and Prosperity.”
“St. Milagres Co-operative, a model institution in the co-operative sector, is moving steadily on the path of progress toward its Silver Jubilee.
Our co-operative has earned recognition for its social commitment, innovative savings schemes, value-added services, and modern financial facilities. All achievements are the result of the trust and support of our esteemed members, the guidance of our Board of Directors, and the dedicated service of our staff.
MANAGING DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
“At St. Milagres Credit Souhardha Co-Operative Society Ltd., our vision has always been to serve society with integrity, transparency, and dedication. Since the establishment of our Head Office in 2005, we have strived to create a strong foundation for sustainable growth, ensuring that every branch works in harmony to deliver reliable financial services to our members.
Our focus is not merely on expanding our presence, but on enhancing the quality of service and building trust with our members. The establishment of specialized sections such as Accounts, Loans, Deposits, Insurance, HR and IT reflects our commitment to professionalism, innovation, and efficiency.
As Managing Director, I take immense pride in our team’s collective effort in upholding the co-operative values of unity and service. Moving forward, we remain dedicated to strengthening our digital capabilities, diversifying our services, and ensuring that St. Milagres Credit Souhardha Co-Operative Society Ltd. continues to be a trusted partner in the financial well-being of our community.
I sincerely thank our members, staff, and stakeholders for their continuous support and confidence in our mission.
Demi Fernandes
Managing Director
GENERAL MANGER MESSAGE
ನಮ್ಮ ಧ್ಯೇಯವು ನೈತಿಕತೆ, ಪಾರದರ್ಶಕತೆ ಮತ್ತು ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠ ಸೇವೆಯ ಮೂಲಕ ಸಮಾಜದ ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಂದು ವರ್ಗಕ್ಕೂ ನಂಬಿಕೆಯ ಸಹಕಾರವನ್ನು ಒದಗಿಸುವುದು. ನಮ್ಮ ಶಾಖೆಗಳ ನಡುವೆ ಸುವ್ಯವಸ್ಥಿತ ಸಂಯೋಜನೆ, ಆಧುನಿಕ ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನ ಉಪಯೋಗ ಮತ್ತು ಉತ್ತಮ ಆಡಳಿತ ವಿಧಾನಗಳ ಮೂಲಕ ನಾವು ಭವಿಷ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಇನ್ನಷ್ಟು ಸುದೃಢ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯಾಗಿ ಬೆಳೆಯುವ ನಂಬಿಕೆ ಹೊಂದಿದ್ದೇವೆ.
ನಮ್ಮ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಕಚೇರಿ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಶಾಖೆಗಳ ಸರಳ, ಸಧ್ರುಢ ಮತ್ತು ಸಮರ್ಪಕ ನಿರ್ವಹಣೆಗೆ ಕೇಂದ್ರಬಿಂದುವಾಗಿ ಕಾರ್ಯನಿರ್ವಹಿಸುತ್ತದೆ. ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿ, ಸದಸ್ಯರು ಹಾಗೂ ಗ್ರಾಹಕರ ತೃಪ್ತಿ ನಮ್ಮ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಆದ್ಯತೆ. ಪ್ರತಿ ವಿಭಾಗವು ತನ್ನ ಗುರಿಗಳನ್ನು ಸಾಧಿಸಲು ಶಿಸ್ತಿನೊಂದಿಗೆ ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದು, ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಗೆ ಮಹತ್ವದ ಕೊಡುಗೆಯನ್ನು ನೀಡುತ್ತಿದೆ. It gives me immense pride to lead the Head Office, which acts as the central hub ensuring smooth functioning of all our 111 branches.
ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಸದಸ್ಯರ ಸಹಕಾರ ಮತ್ತು ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಗಳ ನಿಷ್ಠಾವಂತ ಶ್ರಮದೊಂದಿಗೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಸಹಕಾರಿ ಸಮಾಜವು ಇನ್ನಷ್ಟು ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠ ಸಾಧನೆಗಳತ್ತ ಹೆಜ್ಜೆ ಹಾಕಲಿದೆ.
I assure you that under the visionary leadership of our Managing Director and Management Committee, the Society will continue to grow stronger, embrace technology, and serve society better.”
“ಸಮಾಜದ ಬೆಳವಣಿಗೆ – ನಮ್ಮ ಬದ್ಧತೆ | Growth with Trust, Service with Integrity
Rajeshwari Raikar
General Manager
Our Senior Mentors
Mr. Vitoba Pawar
Senior Administrative Officer
He supports managers in day-to-day activities and ensures inspection reports are properly reviewed. He follows up on rectification of branch-level issues. He critically checks audit and inspection observations for timely action. He tracks manager performance and conducts monthly review meetings. His role ensures strict administration and smooth functioning of all branches.
Mr. B. V. Nayak
Senior Recovery Officer
He guides all branches in loan recovery and ensures timely follow-up with defaulters. He monitors DCB reports, arbitration cases, and auction procedures. He ensures recovery vehicles are used only for official purposes. Monthly meetings with recovery and sales officers are conducted under his supervision. His focus is on achieving maximum loan recovery across all branches.
Mr. Arvind Nayak
Senior Loan Officer
He oversees loan disbursements and ensures branches follow policy guidelines. He helps staff in advancing secured loans and achieving profitability targets. He motivates branch teams to reach their loan advancement goals. He reviews reports and assessments from legal and valuation experts. His main role is to support branches in balanced loan growth.
Mr. Francis Fernandes
Senior LIC Officer
He coordinates with LIC officials and shares updates on products and policies with all branches. He monitors policy performance, renewals, and claims across branches. He organizes training sessions to improve staff knowledge of LIC services. He ensures all LIC-related documents are processed on time. He supports staff in examinations, customer claims, and target achievements.
Mr. Velerian G. Fernandes
Administrative Advisor
He provides guidance to staff for smooth branch operations. He reviews financial reports, encourages deposit growth, and ensures profitable investments. He visits branches to check compliance and motivate staff. He leads recovery reviews and assists with legal documentation. He ensures timely action on audit observations and overall branch profitability.
Our Departments
Accounts Section
Head: Mr. Naveen Vernekar
Designation: AGM
The Accounts Section safeguards the Society’s assets and ensures compliance with Souhardha Federation requirements. This section is like a central processing unit which handles monitors and controls the funds inflow by an effective tool of fund management. It also performs periodical and audits and inspection to ensure smooth functioning of the branches.
Establishment Section/HR Section
Head: Mrs. Pushpa Achar &
Designation:HR-Senior
Head:Mr.Ashishkumar Shetti
Designation:HR-Senior
This section manages all staff-related functions, including recruitment, interviews, training, and welfare. It ensures smooth HR administration and maintains strong employee relations.Establishment section also ensures of employee welfare with positive relation to the Head Office and Management.
Internal Audit Section
Head: Mr. Amar Gurav
Designation: Audit Manager
The Internal Audit Section ensures transparency, accountability, and compliance within the co-operative. It conducts periodic checks and inspections across all branches to monitor financial integrity, adherence to regulatory norms, and the effectiveness of internal controls. By identifying risks, irregularities, and improvement areas, this section plays a key role in strengthening trust and reliability in the institution’s operations.
Loan Section
Head: Mr.Vaibhav Betalkar
Designation:Loan Advancing Manager
Responsible for loan operations, this section manages loan approvals, applicant evaluations, and financial analysis. It coordinates closely with branch staff to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and timely services is one of the most important duties. Also analyzing applicant’s financial status and property evaluations to determine feasibility of granting loans.
Share Section
Head: Ms. Roopali Baadkar
Designation:Senior Assistant
Every customer becomes a potential shareholder by holding shares valued at ₹100 each. This section manages the issue, records, and distribution of shares and dividends.
Key Highlights:
- All depositors are eligible to become shareholders.
- Minimum 1 share is mandatory for savings account holders.
- Dividends are calculated and distributed annually.
- Loan customers must invest a small percentage in shares. The customer’s data’s are gathered from Branches and are assigned a unique share account number against the share.
Insurance Section
Head: Mr. Vishwanth Sukand
Designation:VAS OFFICER
We are proudly associated with Oriental Insurance and LIC of India.General Insurance: Processing claims, guiding policyholders, and ensuring fair settlements. Apart from provide advice on marketing a claim, this section also dose the processing of new insurance claims notification, collecting accurate information and documents, analyzing a claim, guiding policy holder on how to processed with the claim, contacting people from a network of approved professionals and arranging for them to make repairs of the policy holder, monitoring policy of the claim are few responsible insurance section to be mentioned ,ensuring fair settlement of a valid claim.
Life Insurance: Facilitating LIC policies through all branches with sub-agent codes for quick processing. St. Milagres cooperative is a corporate agent and we can get a customer’s life insurance policy done through all our branches. Our branch’s have been provide with sub agent code which facilitates easy login and quick processing of paper work for customers.
IT/ Advertisement Section
Head: Mr. Royan Fernandes
Designation: IT/ADV. Manager
The IT team manages servers, systems, troubleshooting, programming, and IT projects. It ensures technological efficiency and supports smooth digital operations across branches. System admin are usually charged with installing, supporting, and maintaining servers or other computer systems. Other duties may include scripting or light programming, project management for systems-related projects.
Also, this section promotes Society’s services through pamphlets, handbills, and digital updates. It plays a vital role in public awareness, brand growth, and updating members about new schemes and initiatives. Updating the website with all the latest happenings in the co-operative too is the important role that this section performs.
Value-Added Services Section
Head: Mrs.Ramya Prabhu
Designation: VAS-Senior
Our Head Office provides a range of public services under one roof, including:
- E-Stamping Bonds
- Domestic & International Money Transfer
- PAN Card Services
- Health Card Services
- Website updates with news, schemes, and announcements
Major Community-Oriented Initiatives:
Distribution of essential items for Independence Day: For the past nine years, Independence Day has been celebrated meaningfully through a scheme to distribute daily essential items (Solapur chadar, bedsheet, bath towels) and snacks to specially-abled children and the disabled, orphanages, and old age homes through all the Branches of the co-operative on the occasion of Independence Day. So far, a total of 22,920 essential items kits have been distributed.
Participation in Social Campaigns: The co-operative actively supports cultural, social, and public awareness programs, including cleanliness drives, health initiatives, and campaigns for multi-specialty hospitals.
Corona Awareness Campaign: Corona awareness campaign through loudspeakers and distribution of 7 lakh pamphlets across Karwar, Udupi-Mangalore district, Sirsi, Malenadu region, Shivamogga district and a cheque of Rs. 5 lakh has been given to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Relief for flood victims: A cheque of Rs. 5 lakh has been handed over to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for relief work for flood victims. Essential items were distributed to the victims of the Uluvare village during the Shirur landslide in 2024.
Free book distribution program for student youth: In collaboration with Samvidhana Samrakshana Karyapade, Eddelu Karnataka, and Sanagathi Rangabhoomi (R) Ankola, a Constitution Awareness Program was held with the distribution of 1,280 copies of “Samvidhana Odhu” authored by Hon. Justice Dr. H.N. Nagamohanadasa (Retd.).
“Great institutions are not built overnight – they are nurtured by visionaries who dedicate their lives to the service of society.”
Honors and Awards:-
- “National Nirman Ratna Award” from New Delhi in 2007
- “Best Assistant Governor” award in the District Governor Appreciation Award of Rotary District-3170, Karwar in 2011.
- “Best Co-operative” award from The Bhatkal Urban Co-operative Bank in 2014.
- “Samaja Seva Award” from Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, Karwar and Karavali Konkani Sangha in 2015.
- “Sadhana Gaurav” award from Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy (Karnataka Government) in Bhatkal in 2016.
- “Dr. T.M.T. Pai Arogya Sevak Award” from Kasturba Manipal Hospital in 2018.
- Honorary Award from Cricketer Rahul Dravid at Manipal Health Card Mangalore in 2019.
- “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award from Konkani Catholic Association Bangalore (FKCA) in 2019.
- “Sahakara Ratna” Award from Kallur Education Trust, Karwar in 2019.
- Honorary Award and Award from Life Insurance Corporation of India, Head Office Mumbai in 2022 as the “No. 1 Corporate Agent” in the country in terms of policy sales in Bangalore.
- “Konkani Crown” award from Konkani Kala Kutam(R) Honnavar in 2024.
- “Satyagraha award” from Bardoli ‘Ankola Utsav’ Committee, Karnataka in 2024.
- Honored with the Best Cooperative and Social Service Award from All India Catholic (Christian) Union in 2025
Along with the duties of the co-operative, even in his spare time, George Fernandes participates in social struggles, cultural programs, sports-related programs, book release ceremonies and many other programs, which has earned him a high position in the eyes of society. He has inspired the youth community with his encouraging words that everyone should develop the right goals, discipline and dedication in life and work with determination.
