Over 185 Multi-State Co-op Elections Conducted in India; New Guidelines Issued
These elections, vital for strengthening the country’s co-operative governance framework, have seen active participation from societies in sectors ranging from agriculture and credit to housing.
NEW DELHI, November 24, 2025 — The Central-level Co-operative Election Authority [CEA] has successfully conducted more than 185 elections for Boards of Directors and Office Bearers of Multi-State Cooperative Societies [MSCS] across India, with a further 67 elections under way as of September 2025. These elections, vital for strengthening the country’s co-operative governance framework, have seen active participation from societies in sectors ranging from agriculture and credit to housing.
In September alone, 18 societies completed their election processes, including the Shantishwar Multi-State Cooperative Credit Society in Maharashtra and the Kissan Mithra Multi-State Cooperative Society in Kerala. These polls represent a significant step towards enhancing democratic governance within co-operatives, ensuring that leadership positions are filled through transparent and accountable procedures.
The CEA, established under Section 45[1] of the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002 [as amended in 2023], is headquartered at the World Trade Centre in New Delhi. It is currently chaired by Devendra Kumar Singh, with R. K. Gupta serving as Vice-Chairperson and Smt. Monika Khanna acting as a temporary member representing women. Entrusted with supervising elections and ensuring compliance with the MSCS Act, the CEA plays a central role in safeguarding co-operative principles while modernising election procedures.
Election processes begin with societies submitting requests online via the Central Registrar of Co-operative Societies [CRCS] portal. Once approved, Returning Officers—typically District Magistrates—are appointed to conduct polls impartially. The CEA also oversees the preparation of electoral rolls, monitors compliance with bye-laws, and ensures that elections are held in accordance with the legal framework.
To align cooperative governance with the amended MSCS Act, the Authority regularly engages with CEOs and major co-operative federations, including TRIFED [National Co-operative Housing Federation], and Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited [KRIBHCO]. Several significant reforms have been introduced, including restrictions on Central Government employees contesting elections, limits on family nominations, clarifications on the voting rights of nominated directors, and stricter enforcement of election expense disclosures.
A major recent development is the implementation of the amended Banking Regulation Act, 1949, which extends the maximum continuous tenure of directors of co-operative banks—excluding the Chairperson and Whole-time Directors—from eight to ten years. Effective from 1 August 2025, this change, introduced under Section 10A[2a][i], aims to enhance stability and continuity in governance. Returning Officers have been instructed to incorporate these updated requirements into their appointment orders to ensure transparent, free, and fair elections.
In September 2025, the CEA also issued comprehensive guidelines for the appointment of election observers to further bolster transparency, fairness, and impartiality. Collectively, these measures strengthen the cooperative movement by fostering accountable leadership, reducing conflicts of interest, and promoting participatory governance among members.
Through these initiatives, the CEA continues to reinforce democratic practices in the co-operative sector, paving the way for stronger, more accountable, and professionally managed Multi-State Cooperative Societies across India.
https://thecooperator.news/india-celebrates-coop-week/
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