The General Body Meeting: The Supreme Authority in a Cooperative Society

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Hemant Joshi
Senior Manager - CRM & New Business
In the intricate governance structure of a cooperative housing society, the General Body Meeting stands as the pinnacle of authority, where the collective voice of the members resonates the loudest. This article delves into the significance of the General Body Meeting as outlined in the Model Bye-Laws of a Cooperative Housing Society, shedding light on its role, functioning, and the responsibilities it entails.
Understanding the General Body Meeting
The General Body Meeting is a congregation of all the members of a cooperative housing society, convened to discuss and decide upon matters of utmost importance to the society. It is the supreme authority within the society, deriving its powers from the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960, and the society’s bye-laws.
Key Functions of the General Body Meeting

  1. Supreme Authority

  1. The General Body Meeting is the final authority in the society, as per bye-law 109. It is responsible for making decisions that are binding on the society and its members.

  1. Management Oversight

  1. The management of the society’s affairs is vested in the Committee, but the General Body Meeting retains the ultimate oversight, as per bye-law 110.

  1. Election of Committee Members

  1. The General Body Meeting is responsible for electing the Committee members, who are the key decision-makers in the society, as per bye-law 114.

  1. Quorum

  1. For the meeting to be valid, a quorum is required, which is 2/3rd of the total number of members or 20, whichever is less, as per bye-law 99.

  1. Decision-Making

  1. Decisions at the General Body Meeting are made by a simple majority of members present and voting, as per bye-law 106.

  1. Minutes and Resolutions

  1. The Committee is responsible for finalizing the minutes of the General Body Meeting within three months and circulating them among members, as per bye-law 107.

  1. Cancellation of Previous Resolutions

  1. No resolution can be brought to cancel a previous resolution unless six clear months have elapsed since the passing of the previous resolution, as per bye-law 108.

Conducting the General Body Meeting

  1. Notice

  1. A clear 14-day notice is required for the Annual General Body Meeting and a 5-day notice for a Special General Body Meeting, as per bye-law 98.

  1. Quorum and Adjournment

  1. If the quorum is not met, the meeting may be adjourned or dissolved, as per bye-laws 100 and 101.

  1. Presiding Officer

  1. The Chairman of the society presides over the General Body Meeting, as per bye-law 102.

  1. Agenda and Business

  1. The Committee decides the date, time, place, and business to be transacted at the General Body Meeting, as per bye-law 97.

Conclusion
The General Body Meeting is the cornerstone of democratic governance in a cooperative housing society. It ensures that the members’ voices are heard and that decisions are made in the best interest of the society. By understanding and participating in the General Body Meeting, members can contribute to the smooth functioning and welfare of their cooperative society.

As a member of a cooperative housing society, it is crucial to be aware of the powers and responsibilities of the General Body Meeting to ensure that your interests are well-represented and that the society operates efficiently and transparently.

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