Member’s Right : Inspection of Books and Records

In earlier article “Rights and Duties of Member’s of Co-operative Society” we discussed about rights of members in cooperative society.

This article further details about members right related to inspection of books and records

Under Sec 33 of Gujarat Co operative society Act, every members of co operative society has a right to inspect below documents  at society office during the office hours or any time as fixed by society.

• A Copy of The Gujarat Co-Operative Societies Act, 1961
• A Copy of The Gujarat Co-Operative Societies Rules, 1965
• Bye-Laws of the society
• Last Audited Annual Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Account
• List of Members of the Committee
• Register of Members
• Minutes of General Meeting
• Those portions of the books and records in which member’s transactions with society have been recorded.

2. A Society shall furnish to a member, on request in writing and on payment of such fees as may be prescribed therefore, a copy of any of the documents mentioned in sub-section (1)

3. A society shall authorise any officer or officers as it deems fit, for the purpose of discharging the functions as provided under sub-section (1) and (2)

Rule 20: The Gujarat Co-operative Society Rules, 1965

1. A society shall furnish on an application by a member, a certified copy of any of the documents mentioned in sub-section (1) of Section 33 on payment of fees according to the following scale namely:-
   • For the first 200 words or less –
     • In English : 25 Ps.
     • In regional language: 25 Ps.
   • For every additional 100 words or fraction thereof
     • In English: 15 Ps.
     • In regional language: 25 Ps.
2. A uniform extra copying fee of Rs. 1 per copy shall be charged on an application for a copy required urgently.
3. An applicant under sub-rule (1) shall be accompanied by a deposit of an amount to cover the cost of preparation of certified copies according to the scale prescribed in the said sub-rule (1)
4. The copies shall be certified and signed as true copies by the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary or a member or any other person authorised by the bye-laws of the society

Relevant clause from 97th Constitution Amendment

243-ZO. Right of a member to get information.-

(1) The Legislature of a State may, by law, provide for access to every member of a co-operative society to the books, information and accounts of the co-operative society kept in regular transaction of its business with such member.

Reference

1. Gujarat Co operative Societies Act, 1961
2. The Constitution (Ninety Seventh Amendment) Act, 2011