The Government of Karnataka on 15th February, 2024 issued the Karnataka Souharda Sahakari (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aimed at further amending the Karnataka Souharda Sahakari Act, 1997. The bill includes several key amendments such as the substitution of the definition of “Co-Operative Election Wing”, the amendment to ensure the voting rights of all members, and the amendment to introduce reservations in the board of secondary cooperative, Federal cooperative, and Apex cooperative.
Additionally, the bill proposes amendments to address various aspects of cooperative elections and governance. The Statement of Objects and Reasons highlights the need for these amendments, including addressing legal challenges, reducing additional expenditures, and providing for reservation in cooperative boards for social justice. The Financial Memorandum states that there is no extra expenditure involved in the proposed legislative measure, and the Memorandum Regarding Delegated Legislation outlines the clauses empowering the State Government to make rules for prescribed matters.
The amendments proposed in the Karnataka Souharda Sahakari (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aim to bring significant changes to the governance and functioning of cooperative societies in Karnataka. The bill seeks to address legal challenges and ensure voting rights for all members, as evidenced. Furthermore, the bill aims to promote social justice by introducing reservations in the boards of secondary cooperative, Federal cooperative, and Apex cooperative, in line with the provisions already in place for primary cooperative societies. The proposed amendments also delegate legislative power to the State Government to make rules for prescribed matters, such as the manner of voting in cooperative board elections and the conduct of elections, among others.
