Understanding the Quorum for Meetings in a Cooperative Society.

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Hemant Joshi
Senior Manager - CRM & New Business
In the governance of a cooperative housing society, the concept of a quorum is fundamental to ensuring that decisions are made democratically and with due consideration. A quorum refers to the minimum number of members required to be present at a meeting to conduct business effectively. This article explores the significance of the quorum for meetings in a cooperative society, as outlined in the Model Bye-Laws, and its role in maintaining the society’s operational efficiency.
The Importance of a Quorum
The quorum is a critical aspect of meeting protocol that ensures that a sufficient number of members are present to make informed decisions that are binding on the society. It is a safeguard against decisions being made by a small minority, which could potentially be detrimental to the interests of the broader membership.
Quorum for General Body Meetings
According to bye-law 99, the quorum for every general body meeting of the society shall be 2/3rd of the total number of members or 20, whichever is less. This means that for a general body meeting to be valid and for decisions to be made, at least this number of members must be present.
For instance if a Society is having 90 members then the quorum would be 2/3rd of 90 members, which comes to 60 Members.
Quorum for Committee Meetings
The quorum for committee meetings is also specified in the bye-laws. Bye-law 113 indicates that the quorum for committee meetings is based on the strength of the committee, which can vary from 11 to 19 members, depending on the size of the society. The quorum is a simple majority of the committee members.
Consequences of Lack of Quorum
If the quorum is not met within half an hour of the scheduled time for a general body meeting, the meeting may be dissolved or adjourned, as per bye-law 100. For committee meetings, the quorum must be present to transact any business, as per bye-law 125.
Ensuring a Quorum
To ensure that the quorum is met, it is essential that members attend meetings regularly. The society’s management must also provide adequate notice of meetings, as per bye-law 98, which requires 14 clear days’ notice for an annual general body meeting and 5 clear days’ notice for a special general body meeting.
Conclusion
The quorum for meetings in a cooperative society is a cornerstone of its democratic functioning. By understanding and adhering to the quorum requirements, members and the committee can ensure that the society operates effectively and that decisions are made in the best interest of all members. As a member of a cooperative society, it is your responsibility to participate in meetings and contribute to the quorum, thereby playing an active role in the governance of your community.
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