Cooperative Election Authority (CEA)

Context: Cooperative Election Authority (CEA) held its first consultative meeting with State Cooperative Election Authorities in New Delhi

Purpose

• Establish a regular dialogue mechanism with State Cooperative Election Authorities (SCEAs)

• Ensure free, fair, and transparent elections in cooperative bodies

Chairperson

• Shri Devendra Kumar Singh, Chairperson, CEA

• Also present: Shri R. K. Gupta (Vice Chairperson), Shri Alok Agarwal (Cooperative Ombudsman), Shri Anand Kumar Jha (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation)

Background:

• CEA notified on 11 March 2024 under Section 45 of the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 (amended 2023).

• Co-operative Election Authority consists of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and Members not exceeding three. 

• The Cooperative Election Authority (CEA) chairperson is appointed by the Central Government

• The Authority shall discharge the following functions, namely – 

1. conduct of elections of the Multi State Co-operative Society; 
2. supervise, direct and control the matters relating to preparation of electoral rolls; and 
3. such other functions as may be prescribed.

• Since March 2024: 159 elections conducted, 69 more in progress

• 2025 is the International Year of Cooperatives

Key Discussion Points

1. Code of Conduct for contesting candidates in Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS)

2. Upper expenditure limit for candidates

3. Publication of Returning Officers’ Handbook

4. Election of delegates from member cooperative societies to national-level societies

5. Introduction of EVMs in cooperative elections (proposal by some States)

6. Other topics:

   • Members’ share capital rules

   • Use of election symbols

   • Use of indelible ink in cooperative elections

Outcome

• Agreement to hold consultative meetings every three months

• Aim to standardize manuals, codes of conduct, and procedures for cooperative elections