Question

Choose the correct statement(s) regarding the 97th Amendment and cooperative societies.

i. Part IX-B of the Constitution, added by the 97th Amendment, includes Articles 243 ZH to 243 ZT.

ii. The annual general body meeting of cooperative societies must be held within three months of the financial year’s end.

iii. The State Legislature may provide for cooperative education and training for members.

iv. A cooperative society’s board can be superseded for up to one year in case of persistent default.

• A. Only i and iii are correct
• B. Only i and ii are correct
• C. Only iii and iv are correct
• D. Only i, iii, and iv are correct

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Only i and iii are correct

The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011

• The 97th Amendment Act of 2011 is a significant legislative action that brought about substantial changes related to cooperative societies in India.

• It aimed to encourage the formation and functioning of cooperative societies, recognizing their importance in economic development and rural prosperity.

Key Provisions and Their Impact

• Part IX-B of the Constitution: This part, consisting of Articles 243ZH to 243ZT, was specifically inserted by the 97th Amendment. It lays down the framework for the governance and regulation of cooperative societies.

• Annual General Body Meetings: While cooperative societies are expected to hold general body meetings, the constitution does not mandate that they must be held within three months of the financial year’s end. This timeline is typically determined by the respective cooperative society acts of states or union territories and the bylaws of the society itself.

• Cooperative Education and Training: The State Legislature has the authority to make provisions for cooperative education and training for the members of cooperative societies. This is crucial for enhancing the skills and knowledge of members, leading to better management and efficiency of cooperatives.

• Supersession of Board: The constitution limits the period for which the board of a cooperative society can be superseded (removed and replaced by an administrator) due to persistent default or mismanagement. Generally, supersession is intended to be a temporary measure, and the amendment restricts this period to a maximum of one year, with provisions for extension under specific circumstances as laid down by law.