Telangana Cooperative Societies Act: Complete Guide
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The Telangana Cooperative Societies Act, 1964, is a legal framework that governs functioning of cooperative societies in Telangana. It guides people in forming, managing and dissolving cooperative societies. This Act involves several aspects, such as membership, finances, and operations, of these societies. It applies to the entire state of Telangana.
Key Objectives of Telangana Cooperative Societies Act
- The Telangana Cooperative Societies Act, 1964 aims to boost growth of cooperative societies.
- It provides proper guidelines for registration of societies.
- The Telangana Cooperative Societies Act, 1964 and the Telangana Apartment Ownership Act govern entirely different areas. The Cooperative Societies Act regulates cooperative societies, while the Apartment Ownership Act deals with apartment ownership and management.
- This set of rules ensures equal participation of all members. It instils democratic principles in the whole process.
Key Features of Telangana Cooperative Societies Act
- The Telangana Cooperative Societies Act, 1964 focuses on managing every affair democratically.
- Any eligible individual can apply for membership. Rejection of any application is based on valid reasons.
- The Act enables cooperative societies to empower everyone so that they can address their needs.
- People can join cooperative societies according to their will. They can withdraw their membership without any obstacle.
Benefits of Telangana Cooperative Societies Act
- Like the Telangana Apartment Ownership Act, this Act empowers individuals to contribute to society’s growth.
- The Telangana Cooperative Societies Act, 1964 promotes social inclusion by admitting members of every walk of life.
Registration of The Societies as per Telangana Cooperative Societies Act
- The Telangana Cooperative Societies Act, 1964 states that appointment of a Registrar of Cooperative Societies is important.
- Societies that aim to promote the economic interests of their members according to cooperative principles can be registered.
- Societies that are registered under this Act must function according to directions of the Registrar.
- The name of a registered society must have the word ‘Co-operative’ in it. However, organisations having limited liability must use the suffix ‘Limited’ in their names.
Documents Needed For The Registration as per Telangana Cooperative Societies Act
Application for registration must be sent to the Registrar. It must accompany:
- Original and copy of proposed bye-laws of society
- Identity proof
- Residence proof
- Original copy of minutes of meeting in which bye-laws were adopted.
Along with these some additional documents might also be required.
Rights and Liabilities of the Members as per Telangana Cooperative Societies Act
- The Telangana Cooperative Societies Act, 1964 says that anyone who is qualified according to bye-laws can be a member.
- A person can be a member of more than one cooperative society, as long as they meet the conditions of the bye-laws.
- Minors applying for membership may face some limitations or restrictions.
- The Managing Committee cannot refuse membership to a qualified individual without any valid reason.
- Society records must contain details of every member.
- Every member must receive a photo identity card from society.
- Associate members will not have any share in society’s profit.
Disqualification or Non-Eligibility of Membership as per Telangana Cooperative Societies Act
- Like the Telangana Apartment Ownership Act, this Act too does not provide membership to people who are convicted.
- The eligibility of paid employees for membership depends on the bye-laws of the respective cooperative society.
- The Telangana Cooperative Societies Act, 1964 states that an individual facing expulsion from the society cannot apply.
- A person can face disqualification if he does not attend two consecutive annual general body meetings without any reason.
- It does not provide membership to a legal practitioner who represents the society or stands against it.
- State or Central Government employees or a Village Administration Officer are not allowed to apply for membership.
- Persons misusing society funds will face immediate disqualification from the committee.
Details About The General Body as per Telangana Cooperative Societies Act
- According to the Telangana Cooperative Societies Act, 1964, the general body has the ultimate authority.
- It can hold elections and remove members from the committee.
- The general body must submit an annual report to the Registrar.
- It must dispose of the net profits.
- This body has the power to make amendments to the bye-laws.
- It can approve the annual budget.
- This body ensures the election of delegates to the financing bank.
- The general body must constitute a supervisory council to ensure proper management as they have the supreme authority and needs to ensure compliance.
What are the Responsibilities of the President as per Telangana Cooperative Societies Act?
- The Telangana Cooperative Societies Act, 1964 states that the President shall be the delegate to the Financing Bank. He can do so till a delegate is elected as he will not be a delegate automatically and it will be based on the management committee decision.
- The President ensures smooth functioning of the society.
- He presides over meetings of the committee.
- It is one of his responsibilities to help execute decisions made by the managing committee.
- The President takes care of the financial affairs of the society.
- He plays a key role in solving disputes between members.
Conclusion
The Telangana Cooperative Societies Act, 1964 is a legal framework that governs the formation and management of cooperative societies in Telangana. It clarifies responsibilities of the President, Managing Committee and General Body. This is a democratic management and aims to add democratic values to the whole process. The Act aims to empower the cooperative movement in the state.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Telangana Cooperative Societies Act, 1964?
The Telangana Cooperative Societies Act, 1964 is a legal framework that guides the functioning and maintenance of cooperative societies in Telangana.
2. What is the definition of a cooperative society?
A cooperative society is a group of qualified individuals coming together to meet their economic and cultural needs.
3. Who can set up a cooperative society?
The Telangana Cooperative Societies Act, 1964 clarifies that any group of people can form a cooperative society. They must have a common goal and meet the objectives of the Act.