I want to start a dairy cooperative in Howrah, what does the state cooperative societies act require?

Detailed Legal Analysis

To start a dairy cooperative in Howrah, you need to comply with the West Bengal Cooperative Societies Act, 1983, which outlines the requirements and procedures for registering a cooperative society in the state.

Here are the key steps and requirements you must follow:

• Formation of a Group: You need a minimum of 10 members who are willing to be part of the cooperative. These members must have a common interest in dairy farming.
• Drafting the Bye-Laws: Prepare the bye-laws of the cooperative society. The bye-laws must include:
  • Name of the society
  • Aims and objectives, especially focusing on dairy production and marketing
  • Membership eligibility criteria
  • Capital structure and shareholding pattern
  • Management structure and governing body
  • Rules regarding meetings and elections
• Application for Registration: Submit an application for registration to the Registrar of Cooperative Societies along with:
  • The signed bye-laws
  • Affidavit by the members
  • List of members with their addresses and shareholdings
  • Registration fee (as specified by the Registrar)
• Verification and Approval: The Registrar will verify the application. If everything is in order, the society will be registered within 60 days as per Section 7 of the West Bengal Cooperative Societies Act, 1983.
• Post-Registration Compliance: After registration, you must:
  • Hold the first general meeting to elect the governing body
  • Open a bank account in the name of the cooperative
  • Maintain proper books of accounts as per the prescribed formats
  • Comply with annual returns and audits as mandated under Section 31 of the Act.

Additionally, you may need to obtain specific licenses or permits for dairy processing and marketing from relevant authorities, such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), depending on your business model.

By adhering to these steps and requirements, you can successfully establish a dairy cooperative in Howrah under the applicable laws.