CEA Holds First Consultative Meet with States to Streamline Polls in Cooperative Bodies

Shri Devendra Kumar Singh emphasized that this consultative process would be critical in standardizing procedures and fostering mutual learning among states.

The Cooperative Election Authority (CEA) convened its inaugural consultative meeting with State Cooperative Election Authorities today, marking a significant step toward fostering coordination for transparent and efficient elections in cooperative institutions. Chaired by Shri Devendra Kumar Singh, Chairperson of CEA, the meeting gathered key representatives from Odisha, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Maharashtra, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Cooperation.

Objective: Building a Dialogue Framework

The primary goal of the session was to establish a sustained mechanism for dialogue with State Cooperative Election Authorities, ensuring that elections in cooperative bodies across India are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. Shri Devendra Kumar Singh emphasized that this consultative process would be critical in standardizing procedures and fostering mutual learning among states.

Participation from Key States and Officials

Among those attending were Shri Srikanta Prusty (Odisha), Shri Girish Shankar and Shri Kumar Shant Rakshit (Bihar), Thiru Dayanand Kataria (Tamil Nadu), Shri Anil Mahadeo Kawade and Shri Ashok Gade (Maharashtra), and Shri G. Shrivinas Rao (Telangana). From the CEA, Vice Chairperson Shri R. K. Gupta and Cooperative Ombudsman Shri Alok Agarwal were present, while the Ministry of Cooperation was represented by Joint Secretary Shri Anand Kumar Jha.

Reforms and Achievements in Cooperative Elections

Shri Devendra Kumar Singh noted that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, the government has implemented substantial reforms in the cooperative sector. The CEA, notified on 11 March 2024 under section 45 of the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 (as amended in 2023), has since conducted 159 elections and is set to organize 69 more.

Highlighting that 2025 is being celebrated as the International Year of Cooperatives, Shri Singh underscored the government’s commitment to modernizing and streamlining the cooperative election process to enhance transparency and trust.

Agenda: Standardization, Codes of Conduct, and Technology

The meeting explored several key proposals, including:

• Drafting a Code of Conduct for candidates and Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCs).

• Setting upper limits on campaign expenditure by candidates.

• Publishing a handbook for Returning Officers.

• Establishing guidelines for electing delegates from member cooperatives to National Cooperative Societies.

• Introducing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in cooperative elections.

Additional discussions included the regulation of share capital of members, adoption of symbols for candidates, and the use of indelible ink to maintain voting integrity.

Moving Forward: Quarterly Consultative Meetings

Recognizing the importance of continuous dialogue, the CEA resolved to hold consultative committee meetings every three months. This regular engagement aims to track progress, assess the impact of implemented reforms, and adapt to emerging challenges in cooperative election management.

The meeting marked the beginning of a more structured and inclusive approach to cooperative governance, setting the stage for a modern, transparent, and accountable election framework across the cooperative sector in India.