Short Answer

Yes, the district cooperative department can supervise society elections as per the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961.

Detailed Explanation

Section 73 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 empowers the Registrar to supervise the election of the committee of a society. The Registrar can appoint an officer to conduct and supervise the election process. This provision ensures transparency and fairness in society elections. The district cooperative department, under the Registrar's authority, can oversee the election to prevent any malpractices or irregularities.

Furthermore, Rule 91 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965 elaborates on the procedure for conducting elections. It specifies the duties of the officer appointed by the Registrar, including preparing a list of members eligible to vote, conducting the election, and declaring the results. The district cooperative department's supervision ensures compliance with these rules and prevents any violations.

In practice, when a society is due for elections, the Registrar may issue a notification appointing an officer to supervise the election process. This officer will oversee the nomination, polling, and counting processes to ensure they are conducted fairly and in accordance with the Act and Rules. The district cooperative department plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of society elections.

Real-world Scenarios

• Scenario 1: A cooperative society in Gujarat is preparing for its committee elections. The Registrar appoints an officer from the district cooperative department to oversee the entire election process, from nomination to result declaration.

• Scenario 2: During the election of a society committee, the appointed officer from the district cooperative department ensures that all eligible members are given the opportunity to vote and that the polling is conducted smoothly without any disruptions.

• Scenario 3: In a case where there are allegations of election irregularities, the district cooperative department steps in to investigate and ensure that the election was conducted fairly as per the Act and Rules.

References

• Section 73 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961: Official PDF

• Rule 91 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965: Official PDF