The Cooperative Election Authority on Monday held a consultative meeting with representatives of multi state cooperative societies of railway employees to facilitate alignment of their bye laws with the provisions of the Multi State Cooperative Societies Amendment Act 2023 and to strengthen the conduct of democratic elections within these institutions.
The meeting was attended by representatives of 16 multi state cooperative societies of railway employees, with participation from over 40 office bearers including chairpersons and chief executives. The discussion focused on ensuring statutory compliance, improving transparency and enabling timely conduct of elections under the amended legal framework.
Addressing the gathering, the chairperson of the Cooperative Election Authority outlined the mandate of the authority, which was established following the 2023 amendment to the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act. He said the authority has been entrusted with preparing electoral rolls and conducting free, fair and transparent elections in multi state cooperative societies across the country. He informed that the authority has successfully conducted 220 elections so far, while 70 elections are currently underway.
There are about 18 multi state cooperative societies of railway employees, collectively comprising an estimated 8 to 10 lakh railway employees as members. These societies primarily accept deposits and provide loans to members at concessional rates, with the total volume of deposits and loans estimated at around ten thousand crore rupees. Four of these societies also hold banking licences.
Since its inception, the Cooperative Election Authority has conducted elections for five railway employees cooperative societies, including societies based in Mumbai, Kolkata, Gorakhpur and Bikaner. The experience gained from these elections has informed the authority’s evolving approach to strengthening electoral processes in cooperative institutions.
The meeting deliberated on alignment of bye laws with the amended Act, constitution of representative general bodies, election of delegates, timely submission of proposals for elections at least six months before completion of board tenure, and the need for maintaining functional websites to enhance transparency and member access to information.
To reinforce institutional capacity, the authority has introduced several measures, including manuals for returning officers, guidelines for prior approval of boards and office bearers, a handbook on preparation of voters lists, a model code of conduct and norms for submission of election expenditure returns by candidates. Insights from elections already conducted were shared with participants.
A detailed presentation was also made on challenges faced in conducting elections and the steps taken to ensure impartiality, procedural clarity and transparency. Senior officials emphasised the urgent need for societies to amend their bye laws in conformity with the amended Act to avoid delays and ensure smooth electoral processes.
Officials from the ministries of cooperation and railways attended the meeting, reflecting inter ministerial coordination in strengthening governance of cooperative institutions. Participants welcomed the proactive approach of the Cooperative Election Authority and suggested that such consultative engagements be held regularly to deepen democratic practices and institutional accountability in the cooperative sector.
