In a proactive move aimed at strengthening governance and electoral transparency within the cooperative sector, the Cooperative Election Authority (CEA) has initiated a series of high-level meetings with Multi-State Cooperative Societies listed under Schedule-II of the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act.
During March 2025, the CEA engaged in detailed discussions with five major national-level cooperative institutions: the All India Handloom Fabrics Marketing Cooperative Society Ltd., the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd. (TRIFED), the National Cooperative Housing Federation Ltd., the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Ltd., and the National Cooperative Union of India Ltd.
These interactions were part of a larger effort to ensure that the bye-laws of these societies are fully aligned with the amendments introduced in the MSCS Act, 2002, as revised in 2023. The amended Act brings with it significant changes aimed at improving transparency, internal governance, and democratic functioning within multi-state cooperative societies.
One of the key points of clarification issued by the CEA relates to the role of nominated members in the electoral process. Referring to Section 49(2)(aa) of the amended MSCS Act, the Authority clarified that nominated members are eligible to vote in the election of office bearers, provided the nominating government holds shares in the concerned society. This interpretation was officially applied during the recent election process of BISCOMAUN (Bihar State Cooperative Marketing Union), setting an important precedent for future elections.
In a further effort to enhance transparency, the CEA has also introduced key electoral reforms by incorporating specific rules regarding election expenses into the election programmes of multi-state cooperative societies. The rules—namely Rule 19U (accounts of election expenses), Rule 19V (disqualification for failure to lodge expense accounts), and Rule 19W (particulars of expenses)—are now integral to the electoral process.
Returning Officers have been instructed to provide printed copies of these rules to all contesting candidates, ensuring they are fully informed of their obligations regarding financial disclosures during elections. This step is expected to significantly improve accountability and reduce the scope for electoral malpractice.
Through these measures, the CEA is actively reinforcing its commitment to uphold democratic values and good governance practices across India’s cooperative ecosystem. The ongoing engagement with major cooperative bodies signals a broader push towards reform and modernization in line with the amended legislative framework.
