Short Answer

Yes, committee meeting attendance can be a criterion for eligibility as per the by-laws of the cooperative society.

Detailed Explanation

Section 73 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 empowers cooperative societies to make their own by-laws governing various aspects, including the qualifications for committee members. Rule 56 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965 further elaborates on the by-laws related to the election of committee members.

Committee meeting attendance can be a valid criterion for eligibility as it ensures active participation and contribution to the decision-making process within the society. By including this criterion in the by-laws, societies can encourage responsible behavior and commitment from their members who aspire to hold committee positions.

In practice, this criterion can help in selecting dedicated and involved individuals for committee roles, leading to more effective governance and decision-making within the cooperative society. It also promotes transparency and accountability among the committee members.

Real-world Scenarios

• Scenario 1: A cooperative society's by-laws specify that to be eligible for the committee, a member must have attended at least 75% of the previous year's committee meetings. This requirement ensures that candidates are actively engaged in the society's affairs.

• Scenario 2: A member who consistently attends committee meetings and actively participates in discussions is considered a strong candidate for a committee position, based on the attendance criterion in the by-laws.

• Scenario 3: If a member fails to meet the attendance requirement as per the by-laws, they may be deemed ineligible for committee membership, highlighting the importance of regular participation.

References

• Section 73 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961

• Rule 56 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965