Short Answer

All elected committee members in a cooperative society are not equal; some have special executive powers by default.

Detailed Explanation

Section 73 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 states that the committee of a cooperative society shall consist of a chairman, vice-chairman, secretary, and other members elected in accordance with the rules. The chairman and vice-chairman hold special executive powers by default. The chairman presides over the meetings, represents the society, and exercises executive powers. The vice-chairman performs the chairman's duties in their absence.

Rule 67 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965 further elaborates on the powers and duties of the chairman and vice-chairman. The chairman convenes and presides over meetings, ensures compliance with the Act and Rules, and represents the society in legal matters. The vice-chairman assists the chairman and performs their duties when necessary.

In practice, the chairman and vice-chairman play crucial roles in the functioning of the cooperative society. They are responsible for decision-making, overseeing day-to-day operations, and representing the society externally. Their executive powers ensure effective management and leadership within the committee.

Real-world Scenarios

• In a cooperative housing society, the chairman calls for a meeting to discuss maintenance issues, and the vice-chairman leads the discussion in the absence of the chairman.

• The chairman represents the society in negotiations with external vendors for a bulk purchase, utilizing their executive powers to finalize the deal.

• During a financial audit, the vice-chairman assists the chairman in providing necessary documents and information to the auditors, showcasing their collaborative executive roles.

Reference

• Section 73 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961

• Rule 67 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965