Question

Which of the following statements is/are correct about the 97th Constitutional Amendment?

(i) The 97th Amendment introduced Part IX-B, which includes Articles 243 ZH to 243 ZT, to regulate cooperative societies.

(ii) The board of a cooperative society can be superseded for a maximum period of six months if it commits acts prejudicial to the interests of its members.

(iii) Co-opted members of a cooperative society’s board have the right to vote in elections of office bearers.

• A. Only (i) and (ii)
• B. Only (i) and (iii)
• C. Only (ii) and (iii)
• D. All the above (i, ii, iii)

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Only (i) and (ii)

97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011:

• Focus on Cooperative Societies: This amendment significantly aimed to strengthen and protect cooperative societies, recognizing their importance in the Indian economy.

• Insertion of Part IX-B: The Act introduced Part IX-B, titled 'The Cooperative Societies,' which comprises Articles 243ZH to 243ZT. This new part provides a constitutional framework for the governance and regulation of cooperative societies.

• Regulation of Cooperative Societies: The primary objective of Part IX-B was to enable states to make laws with respect to the incorporation, regulation, and winding up of cooperative societies, subject to certain principles laid down in the Constitution.

• Board Supersession: A key provision allows for the supersession of the board of a cooperative society. Statement (ii) is correct as it specifies that this supersession can occur for a maximum period of six months if the board engages in activities detrimental to the interests of its members. This is a safeguard against mismanagement and exploitation.

• Co-opted Members' Voting Rights: Regarding statement (iii), it is important to note that co-opted members of a cooperative society's board generally do not have the right to vote in the elections of office bearers. Their role is typically advisory or to bring in specific expertise, not to participate in core decision-making like electing office bearers.

• Significance for Competitive Exams: Understanding constitutional amendments like the 97th is crucial for exams like UPSC Civil Services, State PSCs, and other competitive examinations that frequently test knowledge on Indian Polity and governance.