Question

Consider the following statements about the 97th Constitutional Amendment:

I. The Prime Minister at the time it came into force was Manmohan Singh.

II. It received Presidential assent on 12 January 2012 from Pratibha Patil.

III. Annual general body meetings must be convened within six months of the financial year's end.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• A. I only
• B. II and III only
• C. I and III only
• D. I, II, and III

Answer 1

Answer:

D. I, II, and III

97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011

• Objective: This amendment aimed to strengthen cooperative societies in India, recognizing their importance in economic development and democratic participation.

• Statement I: The Prime Minister of India when the 97th Constitutional Amendment Act came into effect was Manmohan Singh. He led the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

• Statement II: The bill received the assent of the President of India, Pratibha Patil, on 12 January 2012. This date marks the official enactment of the amendment.

• Statement III: The amendment introduced significant changes to the cooperative sector. One of the key provisions mandates that annual general body meetings of cooperative societies must be convened within six months from the closing date of the financial year. This ensures timely accountability and democratic functioning.

• Key Provisions:

  • Inserted Part IXB of the Constitution, titled "The Co-operative Societies".

  • Granted constitutional status to cooperative societies.

  • Provided for the incorporation, dissolution, and other aspects of cooperative societies.

  • Reduced the autonomy of the government in matters related to cooperative societies.

  • Mandated a minimum of one-third of the total number of directors to be elected by the members who are themselves directors.

• Context: The amendment was a response to the need for a more robust legal framework to support the cooperative movement in India, which plays a crucial role in sectors like agriculture, dairy, and credit.