Short Answer

If the chairman or secretary position in a cooperative society becomes vacant, the vacancy is usually filled by the society's managing committee through an election or appointment.

Detailed Explanation

Section 73 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 empowers the managing committee of a cooperative society to fill any vacancy in the office of the chairman or secretary. This means that when such a position becomes vacant, the managing committee has the authority to either appoint a new chairman or secretary or conduct an election to fill the vacancy. The process of filling the vacancy typically involves notifying the members of the society about the vacancy, accepting nominations, conducting elections if required, and appointing the new office-bearer.

Rule 56 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965 provides further details on the procedure for filling vacancies in the managing committee. It outlines the steps to be followed by the managing committee in case of a vacancy in the chairman or secretary position. The rule may specify the timeline within which the vacancy needs to be filled, the eligibility criteria for candidates, and the process for conducting elections if necessary.

Practical Examples

• Scenario 1: In a cooperative housing society, the chairman resigns due to personal reasons. The managing committee issues a notice to all members informing them of the vacancy and calls for nominations from eligible candidates. After the nomination period, an election is conducted, and a new chairman is appointed.

• Scenario 2: The secretary of a cooperative society passes away suddenly. The managing committee immediately convenes a meeting to discuss the vacancy and decides to appoint an interim secretary until a formal election can be held to fill the position permanently.

• Scenario 3: Due to a legal dispute, the chairman of a cooperative society is removed from office. The managing committee follows the procedures outlined in the Act and Rules to fill the vacant position through a transparent and fair election process.

References

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

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