Maharashtra chief minister has underscored the need for having an independent election body for conducting elections in the cooperative sector in the state. He expressed this view while addressing a cooperative meet in Pune.
Feeling on the same lines, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar set up an Election Authority in the state which conducted one of memorable free elections in the history of cooperatives in the year 2008. The resulting network of Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies(PACS) have proved partners to the government in all developmental activities.
It needs no reiteration that the cooperative sector forms a substantial component of the economy of the state. There are more than two lakh cooperative organizations in Maharashtra. There are more than 50 million voters in the cooperative sector and holding the elections calls for a massive organizational structure.
According to chief minister Chavan, an organization modelled on the election commission of India is what can adequately meet the requirement in the state.
Several important political leaders including the opposition leader in the state assembly present on the occasion expressed their agreement with the chief minister and said the cooperative sector needed a solid dose of democracy as it was losing credibility with the common people in the state.
June 23rd, 2012 at 14:07
Effective option could be the Election Commission of India assumes the responsiblity of ensuring fair and free elections in the entire Co-operative Sector in the Country.This could be (i) quick, (ii) economical and (iii) credible too. Every State need not incur huge expenses.
June 25th, 2012 at 17:54
In a broader sense it can be accepted. However, under present scenario it is inconsistent with the Constitutional prescription. It is the individual States to ensure timely election of the cooperative societies. As such, States may have separate election commission/ authority for cooperatives. If so required, the better option is to shift the subject of cooperatives from State list to Union list.