Characteristics Of Cooperative Society

Characteristics Of Cooperative Society

Based on the above definition we can identify the following characteristics of cooperative society form of business organisation:

(a)  Voluntary Association: Members join the cooperative society voluntarily i.e., by their own choice. Persons having common economic objective can join the society as and when they like, continue as long as they like and leave the society and when they want.

(b) Open Membership: The membership is open to all those having a common economic interest. Any person can become a member irrespective of his/her caste, creed, religion, colour, sex etc.

(c)   Number of Members: A minimum of 10 members are required to form a cooperative society. In case of multi-state cooperative societies the minimum number of members should be 50 from each state in case the members are individuals. The Cooperative Society Act does not specify the maximum number of members for any cooperative society. However, after the formation of the society, the member may specify the maximum member of members.

(d) Registration of the Society: In India, cooperative societies are registered under the Cooperative Societies Act 1912 or under the State Cooperative Societies Act. The Multi-state Cooperative Societies are registered under the Multi-state Cooperative Societies Act 2002. Once registered, the society becomes a separate legal entity and attain certain characteristics. These are as follows.

(i)    The society enjoys perpetual succession

(ii) It has its own common seal

(iii)                   It can enter into agreements with others

(iv)                   It can sue others in a court of law

(v) It can own properties in its name