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

Detailed Legal Analysis

To register a cooperative society in Varanasi, a minimum of 10 members is required, along with specific documents to facilitate the registration process.

The registration of a cooperative society in India is governed by the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, and the Uttar Pradesh Cooperative Societies Act, 1965, depending on whether the society operates in one state or multiple states. Below are the minimum requirements and necessary documentation for registering a cooperative society in Varanasi:

• Minimum Members: A cooperative society must have at least 10 members, who should be individuals or legal entities capable of entering into a contract.

The following documents are required for the registration process:

• Application Form: A duly filled application form for the registration of the cooperative society.
• Memorandum of Association: A signed memorandum detailing the objectives and name of the society, as per Section 4 of the Uttar Pradesh Cooperative Societies Act, 1965.
• Bylaws: Draft bylaws outlining the operational rules and governance structure of the society.
• List of Members: A list of the initial members along with their addresses and signatures, as per Section 6 of the Act.
• Proof of Identity: Identity proof of all members, such as Aadhar cards, Voter IDs, or passports.
• Address Proof: Documents showing the registered office address of the society, such as utility bills or rental agreements.
• Affidavit: An affidavit declaring that the society’s objectives are lawful and not against public policy.

After gathering the required documents, the application should be submitted to the Registrar of Cooperative Societies in Varanasi. The registrar will review the application and documents, and upon satisfactory verification, the cooperative society will be registered. The entire process may take several weeks, depending on the efficiency of the local registrar's office.

It is advisable to consult with a legal expert or cooperative development officer to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and to streamline the registration process.