Short Answer

Yes, each member typically gets one vote in society affairs regardless of the number of shares they hold.

Detailed Explanation

Section 27 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 states that each member shall have one vote irrespective of the number of shares held. This means that in cooperative society affairs, the principle of "one member, one vote" is followed. This provision ensures that every member has an equal say in the decision-making process, regardless of their shareholding.

In practice, this rule ensures democratic governance within cooperative societies. It prevents concentration of power in the hands of a few members who may hold a significant number of shares. By giving each member an equal vote, the Act promotes transparency, accountability, and fair representation of all members' interests.

Real-world Scenarios

• In a cooperative housing society, if a member owns multiple flats or units, they still have only one vote in the society's general body meetings.

• In a cooperative credit society, a member with a large deposit does not have more voting power than a member with a smaller deposit.

• In a cooperative agricultural society, each farmer member has an equal say in decisions related to crop planning, marketing, and other agricultural activities.

Overall, the "one member, one vote" principle under Section 27 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 ensures democratic functioning and equitable representation within cooperative societies.

References

• Section 27 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961: Official PDF