Short Answer

Yes, voting is mandatory for members at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) or any meeting of a cooperative society.

Detailed Explanation

Section 73 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 mandates that every member of a cooperative society has the right to vote at the AGM or any other meeting. This means that voting is compulsory for members attending these meetings. The Act ensures democratic decision-making within the society by requiring members to exercise their voting rights.

Furthermore, Rule 47 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965 elaborates on the procedure for voting at meetings. It specifies that each member present at the meeting shall have one vote, and decisions are usually made by a simple majority of votes unless otherwise provided in the by-laws of the society. This rule ensures transparency and fairness in the voting process.

In practice, voting at meetings allows members to participate in the governance of the cooperative society by expressing their opinions and preferences on various matters such as electing committee members, approving financial reports, and making important decisions for the society's functioning. It is a crucial aspect of cooperative governance that ensures the collective voice of the members is heard.

For example, at an AGM, members vote to elect the managing committee, approve the annual budget, and decide on any proposed amendments to the by-laws. In another scenario, during a special meeting, members may vote on a resolution to authorize a significant expenditure for a development project. In both cases, voting plays a vital role in shaping the direction and policies of the cooperative society.

In summary, voting is a fundamental right and responsibility of members at AGMs and other meetings of cooperative societies. It ensures democratic decision-making, promotes transparency, and allows members to actively participate in the governance of their society.

References

• Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961: Section 73

• Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965: Rule 47