Transparency in Cooperative Elections: A New Era with Cooperative Election Authority

Cooperative Election Authority Chairperson Devendra Kumar Singh emphasizes the need for transparency in cooperative elections by developing standard manuals and codes of conduct. The consultative meeting aimed at dialogue with State Cooperative Election Authorities also discussed expenditure limits, use of symbols, and introduction of Electronic Voting Machines.

On Monday, Cooperative Election Authority Chairperson Devendra Kumar Singh laid emphasis on enhancing transparency in cooperative societies' election processes. Speaking at the inaugural consultative meeting with State Cooperative Election Authorities (SCEA), Singh highlighted the need for standard manuals and codes of conduct for such elections.

The meeting sought to establish a continuous dialogue mechanism with SCEA to ensure free, fair, and transparent election processes within cooperative bodies. Key topics included the development of a Code of Conduct for candidates, expenditure limits, and the introduction of Electronic Voting Machines.

The government is implementing various reforms in the cooperative sector, including setting up the Cooperative Election Authority, which since March 2024, has conducted 159 elections. Plans for further meetings every three months aim to advance these reform processes.

(With inputs from agencies.)