Short Answer

Yes, there is a prescribed number of office-bearers in a cooperative society.

Detailed Explanation

Section 73 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 states that every cooperative society must have a committee consisting of a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, a secretary, and a treasurer. The Act does not specify the exact number of office-bearers but mandates the presence of these key positions. This means that a cooperative society must have at least these four office-bearers to form a committee.

In practice, the election process for these office-bearers is crucial in ensuring the smooth functioning of the cooperative society. Members of the society usually nominate candidates for these positions, and elections are held to select the office-bearers. The roles and responsibilities of each office-bearer are defined in the Act and Rules, ensuring accountability and efficient management of the society.

Real-world Scenarios

• In a housing cooperative society, the chairperson oversees the overall administration, the vice-chairperson assists in the chairperson's duties, the secretary maintains records and correspondence, and the treasurer handles financial matters.

• During the election process, members may nominate themselves or others for these positions based on their qualifications and willingness to serve the society.

• If any office-bearer resigns or is unable to fulfill their duties, the cooperative society may need to hold a by-election to fill the vacant position.

Reference

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