Preparation to revive the cooperative sector, know what is special in the Cooperative Amendment Bill 2022?

In the month of July 2021, Union Home Minister Amit Shah was given the charge of the Cooperative Ministry. After handing over the charge of this sector to him, now the first step has been taken towards strengthening the cooperatives and infusing life in this sector.

In fact, on Wednesday, December 7, the Central Government introduced the ‘Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022’ in the Lok Sabha amid opposition from opposition members. The purpose of this bill is to amend the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002.

It was introduced in the Lok Sabha by the Union Minister of State for Cooperatives BL Verma. At the same time, members of most of the opposition parties including Congress, Trinamool Congress and DMK were opposing it and were demanding to send it to the Standing Committee. Opposition parties allege that the bill is against the federal principle of the Constitution and is an attempt by the Center to usurp the rights of the states.

On the other hand, rejecting the objections of the opposition members, Minister of State for Cooperation BL Verma said that this bill is within the legislative competence of the House and does not attack the rights of the states in any way. He said that there is no attack on the authority of the states and the provision to include the state society in the multi-state society is ahead. In such a situation, let us know what is the Cooperative Law Amendment Bill 2022 and how it can bring reforms in cooperatives.

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Why this bill was brought

The Multi-State Co-operative Societies Amendment Bill, 2022 has been brought to amend the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002. Many new provisions have been added in this bill which will help in strengthening the cooperative movement in the country. Apart from this, this amendment will strive to enhance ease of doing business, greater transparency and governance. These amendments have been brought to improve the electoral process, strengthen the monitoring system and increase accountability.

Talking about this bill, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said, ‘Election authority will be constituted to ensure free, fair and timely elections. Seats will be reserved for women, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. He said that this will increase ease of doing business. Apart from this, through this amendment, equality and inclusive environment will be provided to the Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes.

What is special in Cooperative Law Amendment Bill 2022?

In the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (MSCS) Amendment Bill, 2022, many mis-management of the old bill have been rectified. Apart from this, provisions like Cooperative Information Officer, Cooperative Election Authority, Cooperative Ombudsman have been added in the new bill.

The Election Authority will take special care that the elections are fair, free and time-bound. At the same time, the Government Ombudsman will provide the grievance redressal process for the committee members. Cooperative Information Officer will increase transparency.

What is Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act- 2002

The Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act was enacted in the year 2002 with the objective of providing all necessary support, encouragement, assistance and overall development to the co-operative societies at present. The purpose of this bill was to ensure that cooperatives can function as independent, self-sustaining and democratically managed institutions.

Through the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, initiatives were taken to reform cooperatives operating in more than one state. The MSCS Act 2002 was passed to govern the Multi-State Cooperative Societies.

Which leader said what in protest

Earlier, Congress leader in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary, opposed the introduction of the bill, saying, “Co-operative society is a state subject…It is a clear indication that the central government is trying to interfere in the jurisdiction of the states.” Has been The central government talks about cooperative federalism, so it should have talked to the states and the concerned parties before preparing this bill.

He said, “With this bill, the entire power related to cooperative institutions can come to the Center. This bill should be sent to the Standing Committee for examination.

Saugata Roy of Trinamool Congress said that this bill is undemocratic and unconstitutional and against the federal structure. He said that it should be sent to the Standing Committee. DMK’s TR Baalu ​​said that the bill should be sent to the standing committee for study. AM Arif of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) also opposed the bill.

On the demand of the opposition members to send the bill to the Standing Committee, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that he will discuss with everyone in this context.

Approval was given on 12 October

The Union Cabinet had approved amendments to the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act on 12 October last. The objective of this initiative is to increase accountability in the region and improve the election process. At present there are more than 1,500 multi-state cooperative societies across the country. These societies promote the economic and social betterment of their members based on the principles of self-help and mutual aid.

Status of Cooperative Societies in India

At present there are about 8.5 lakh cooperative societies in our country and about 29 crore members. These societies are spread all over the country and are active in a variety of activities including agro-processing, dairy, fisheries, housing, weaving, credit and marketing.