Short Answer

Yes, there can be an admission fee or membership deposit required to join a cooperative society in Gujarat.

Detailed Explanation

Section 22 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 empowers cooperative societies to charge admission fees and membership deposits from individuals seeking to become members of the society. The Act allows societies to determine the amount of these fees and deposits, which can vary depending on the rules and regulations of each society. This provision is essential for the financial stability and sustainability of cooperative societies as it helps generate initial funds for operations and future investments.

In practice, when an individual applies for membership in a cooperative society, they may be required to pay an admission fee and a membership deposit as per the society's bylaws. These fees are typically used for administrative expenses, infrastructure development, and other operational costs of the society. The amount of these fees is usually decided by the society's governing body and may differ from one society to another.

Real-world Scenarios

• Scenario 1: Mr. Patel wants to become a member of a cooperative housing society in Gujarat. Upon submitting his application, he is informed that he needs to pay an admission fee of Rs. 5,000 and a membership deposit of Rs. 10,000 as per the society's rules.

• Scenario 2: A group of farmers wishes to form an agricultural cooperative society. As part of the membership process, each farmer is required to contribute an admission fee and a membership deposit to establish the financial base of the society.

Reference

• Section 22 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961: Official PDF