Short Answer

The notice period required before the Annual General Meeting (AGM) or Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of a society is 14 days.

Detailed Explanation

Section 31 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 mandates that a society must give a notice of at least 14 days before holding an AGM or EGM. This means that members of the society must be informed at least 14 days in advance about the date, time, and agenda of the meeting. This notice period allows members to prepare for the meeting, gather necessary information, and participate effectively in decision-making processes.

In practice, the society's secretary or authorized person typically issues the notice in writing, stating the meeting details and agenda items. The notice is circulated among all members through appropriate means such as email, physical mail, or notice boards within the society premises. It is crucial for the society to adhere to this statutory notice period to ensure transparency, participation, and compliance with legal requirements.

Real-world Scenarios

• Scenario 1: ABC Cooperative Housing Society plans to conduct its AGM to discuss budget approvals and committee elections. The secretary issues a notice 14 days prior, informing all members about the meeting details.

• Scenario 2: XYZ Credit Cooperative Society calls for an EGM to address urgent financial matters. The notice is sent out well in advance, giving members sufficient time to review documents and raise concerns.

Step-by-step process:

• The society's secretary identifies the need for an AGM or EGM.

• A formal notice is drafted, including the meeting date, time, venue, and agenda items.

• The notice is disseminated to all members through official communication channels.

• Members review the notice, prepare for the meeting, and attend as per the schedule.

References

• Section 31 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961: [Official PDF]