Definition 

As per Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 and Amendments

“Member” means a person joining in an application for the registration of a cooperative society which is subsequently registered, or a person, duly admitted to membership of a society after registration, and incudes a nominal, associate or sympathiser member.

Explanation: Person joining in an Application means Proposers

Thus there are 4 types of members but there is no further definition provided.

1. Member
2. Nominal Member
3. Associate Member
4. Sympathizer Member

Gujarat Cooperative Society Act, 1961

Sec 25

1. Notwithstanding anything contained in Section 22, a society of such class as may be prescribed may admit as a nominal, associate, or sympathiser member:
   • Provided that the total members of associates and sympathiser members in a society shall not exceed 10% of the total number of members thereof.
2. A nominal, associate or sympathiser member shall not be entitled to any share, in any form whatsoever, in the assets or profit of the society. Subject to the provisions of sub-section (6) of Section 28 a nominal, associate or sympathiser member shall have such privileges and rights of a member and be subject to such liabilities of a member, as may be specified in the bye-laws of the society.

Sec 28 (7)

No nominal or sympathiser member shall have the right to vote and no such member shall be eligible to be a member of a committee or for appointment as a representative of the society or any other society.

Gujarat Cooperative Rules Society, 1965

Rule 13. Classes of Societies eligible for admitting nominal, associate or sympathiser members

1. A society of any class may admit any person as a nominal member.
2. A society formed for the uplift of backward classes or schedule tribes, a labour contract society, a forest labourers society, a processing society or an industrial society may admit any person as an associate or sympathiser member

Election Rule : Housing / Service / Commercial Cooperative

3.4 : The nominal member will not have the right to vote or fight election of the Managing committee or be proposer or supporter of a candidate.

Byelaws

Class and Sub-class of Cooperative Societies may have additional definition and rights of Nominal, Associate and Sympathizers members in their Byelaws but with the preview above sections.

Reference

1. Gujarat Co operative Societies Act, 1961
2. Class and Sub-Class of Co-operative Societies