Short Answer

To apply for membership in a cooperative society in Gujarat, you need to submit an application form along with the required documents such as identity proof, address proof, and passport size photographs.

Detailed Explanation

Section 22 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 states that any person desiring to become a member of a cooperative society shall apply in writing to the society. This application shall be in the prescribed form, which can usually be obtained from the society's office or website. Along with the application form, the applicant needs to submit documents like Aadhar card, PAN card, voter ID, or any other government-issued identity proof for verification purposes. Address proof such as electricity bill, ration card, or driving license is also required to establish the applicant's residence.

Furthermore, Rule 21 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965 specifies that the application for membership shall be accompanied by two passport size photographs of the applicant. These photographs are used for identification and record-keeping purposes by the society. It is essential to ensure that all the information provided in the application form is accurate and up to date to avoid any delays in the membership approval process.

In practice, the applicant can obtain the necessary forms and guidelines from the society's office or website. After filling out the form and attaching the required documents, the applicant can submit the complete application package to the society's designated authority. The society will then verify the information provided, conduct any necessary background checks, and approve the membership application based on the eligibility criteria set forth in the society's bylaws.

Practical Examples

• Mr. Patel wants to become a member of a housing cooperative society in Gujarat. He obtains the membership application form from the society's office and fills it out with his personal details. Along with the form, he attaches a copy of his Aadhar card, electricity bill as address proof, and two passport size photographs before submitting it to the society.

• Ms. Shah wishes to join an agricultural cooperative society in Gujarat. She downloads the membership application form from the society's website, fills it out accurately, and provides her PAN card and voter ID as identity proof. She also includes her driving license as address proof along with the required photographs when submitting the application.

References

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

• Rule 21 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965: Official PDF