Short Answer

Yes, as per the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 and Rules, it is necessary for the society to issue identity cards or membership certificates before conducting elections.

Detailed Explanation

Section 27 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 mandates that every member of a cooperative society shall be issued a membership certificate. This certificate serves as proof of membership and is essential for participating in society activities, including elections. Without a membership certificate, a member may not be able to exercise their voting rights during elections. This provision ensures transparency and authenticity in the election process by verifying the eligibility of voters.

Additionally, Rule 56 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965 specifies the procedure for issuing membership certificates. It outlines the details to be included in the certificate, such as the member's name, address, share capital, and other relevant information. By issuing membership certificates to all eligible members before elections, the society can prevent unauthorized individuals from participating in the electoral process.

In practice, before conducting elections, the society should ensure that all eligible members have been issued their membership certificates or identity cards. This helps in maintaining accurate voter lists and prevents any disputes regarding the eligibility of voters. Without proper identification, there is a risk of fraudulent practices or unauthorized individuals influencing the election outcome.

Real-world Scenarios

• Scenario 1: XYZ Cooperative Housing Society is preparing for its annual elections. As per the Act and Rules, the society issues membership certificates to all its members well in advance. During the election day, only members with valid certificates are allowed to cast their votes, ensuring a fair and transparent election process.

• Scenario 2: ABC Credit Cooperative Society failed to issue membership certificates before the election day. As a result, there was confusion and disputes over the eligibility of certain members to vote. This led to a delay in the election process and raised concerns about the fairness of the elections.

• Scenario 3: LMN Agricultural Cooperative Society strictly adheres to the requirement of issuing identity cards to its members. This practice has helped in maintaining the integrity of the election process and ensuring that only legitimate members participate in decision-making.

References

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

• Rule 56 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965: Official PDF