I want to register a cooperative society in Shillong, what are the minimum members and documents required?

Detailed Legal Analysis

To register a cooperative society in Shillong, a minimum of 10 members is required, and certain documents must be submitted to the relevant authorities under the Meghalaya Cooperative Societies Act, 1976.

Here are the detailed steps and requirements for registering a cooperative society in Shillong:

• Minimum Members Required: A cooperative society must have at least 10 members who are eligible to form such a society.
• Eligibility of Members: Members should be of legal age (18 years or above) and must share a common interest to form a cooperative.
• Documents Required for Registration:
  • Application Form: A duly filled application form, which can typically be obtained from the Registrar of Cooperative Societies.
  • Memorandum of Association: A document outlining the objectives, name, and the area of operation of the cooperative society.
  • Bylaws: Bylaws must be created detailing the rules governing the society, including membership rules, election processes, etc.
  • List of Members: A signed list of all the initial members, including their names, addresses, and occupations.
  • Identity Proof: Photocopies of valid identity proofs (like Aadhar, PAN, etc.) of all members.
  • Address Proof: Proof of the registered office of the cooperative society, which could include a rent agreement or ownership document.
  • Consent Letter: A letter of consent from the members indicating their willingness to form the cooperative society.
• Application Submission: Once all documents are prepared, submit the application along with the required fees to the Registrar of Cooperative Societies in Meghalaya.
• Verification and Approval: The Registrar will verify the documents and, if everything is in order, will issue a certificate of registration.
• Relevant Legal Provisions:
  • Meghalaya Cooperative Societies Act, 1976: This act governs the registration and functioning of cooperative societies in Meghalaya.
  • Section 4: Specifies the requirements for the registration of cooperative societies.

Following these steps and ensuring compliance with the Meghalaya Cooperative Societies Act will help in successfully registering a cooperative society in Shillong.