Consider the following statements regarding Constitutional safeguards against arbitrary dissolution of boards:
1. The 97th Amendment incorporates Article 243ZJ, which grants the State Legislature the power to determine the maximum number of directors on a board, with a cap set at fifteen members.
2. The 97th Amendment Act, 2011, introduced a constitutional provision ensuring that no board of a cooperative society remains suspended for a period exceeding six months.
3. Article 243ZI of the Constitution provides that the term of office of elected members of the board of a cooperative society is five years from the date of election.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Article 243ZJ sets the maximum number of directors at twenty-one, not fifteen. Statement 2 is correct as Article 243ZL mandates that the period of supersession of a board cannot exceed six months. Statement 3 is correct because Article 243ZI explicitly stipulates a five-year term for elected members from the date of election.
Consider the following statements regarding Legal status of Multi-State Cooperative Societies:
1. The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011, modified the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution by shifting the subject of Multi-State Cooperative Societies from the State List to the Concurrent List.
2. Section 123 of the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, provides for the appointment of a Cooperative Ombudsman to address grievances related to the services provided by these societies.
3. The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011, inserted Article 43B into the Directive Principles of State Policy, promoting the voluntary formation and democratic control of cooperatives.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 97th Amendment did not alter the Seventh Schedule; 'Cooperative Societies' remains a State Subject (Entry 32, List II), while 'Incorporation, regulation and winding up of corporations... with objects not confined to one State' falls under Entry 44 of the Union List. Statement 2 is correct as the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Act, 2023, introduced Section 123 to mandate the appointment of a Cooperative Ombudsman for grievance redressal. Statement 3 is correct because the 97th Amendment added Article 43B to the DPSP, which directs the State to endeavor to promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, and democratic control of cooperative societies.
Consider the following statements regarding Supersession of boards and limitations on administrative control:
1. Article 243ZM of the Constitution requires that the accounts of every cooperative society be audited by an auditor appointed by the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, who serves a fixed tenure of five years as per the 2011 amendment.
2. The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2011 inserted Article 243ZI, which provides that the board of a cooperative society can be superseded or kept under suspension for a period not exceeding six months.
3. The 97th Amendment Act, which received presidential assent in January 2012, includes provisions under Article 243ZL that allow the state government to dissolve the board of a cooperative society if it fails to submit annual audit reports for two consecutive years.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because Article 243ZL (not 243ZI) mandates that a board can be superseded for a maximum of six months. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Constitution does not mandate a fixed five-year tenure for auditors, and the audit is conducted by auditors from a panel approved by the state government, not solely by the Registrar. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while Article 243ZL allows for supersession, it specifies conditions such as persistent default or negligence in duties, but does not explicitly stipulate dissolution solely for failing to submit audit reports for two consecutive years.
Consider the following statements regarding Constitutional status of cooperatives under Article 19(1)(c):
1. The 97th Amendment incorporated Article 43B into the Directive Principles of State Policy, which directs the state to promote cooperative societies and was originally drafted by the Constituent Assembly in 1949.
2. The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, which received Presidential assent on January 12, 2012, granted constitutional status and protection to cooperative societies.
3. Article 19(1)(c) of the Constitution, as amended in 2011, includes the right to form cooperative societies as a fundamental right of citizens.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as the 97th Amendment Act, 2011, received Presidential assent on January 12, 2012, providing constitutional status to cooperatives. Statement 3 is correct because the amendment explicitly added the words 'cooperative societies' to Article 19(1)(c), elevating the right to form them to a fundamental right. Statement 1 is incorrect because while Article 43B was indeed inserted by the 97th Amendment to promote cooperatives, it was not part of the original Constitution drafted by the Constituent Assembly in 1949.
Consider the following statements regarding Financial accountability and filing of returns:
1. Article 243ZM of the Constitution provides that the returns of every cooperative society are to be filed with the Registrar within six months of the close of the financial year.
2. The 97th Amendment Act, which came into effect on February 15, 2012, introduced Part IXB to the Constitution to ensure the democratic functioning of cooperative societies.
3. The Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act of 2002 governs the filing of annual returns for all primary agricultural credit societies, and these filings are processed by the Ministry of Finance.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Article 243ZM mandates that every cooperative society must file returns with the Registrar within six months of the financial year's close, and the 97th Amendment Act, effective February 15, 2012, added Part IXB to grant constitutional status to cooperatives. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act of 2002 applies only to societies with operations in more than one state, and their returns are filed with the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies under the Ministry of Cooperation, not the Ministry of Finance.
Consider the following statements regarding Mandatory requirements for conduct of cooperative elections:
1. The Supreme Court judgment in the Rajendra Shah case upheld the entirety of the 97th Amendment, confirming that the procedural aspects of cooperative elections fall under the exclusive legislative domain of the Union.
2. State cooperative laws often reference the 73rd Amendment to define the reservation of seats for women, providing for at least one-third representation in the governing boards of all registered societies.
3. The Model Cooperative Societies Act of 1991 serves as the primary constitutional framework for state-level elections, providing for the mandatory rotation of reserved seats every two election cycles.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Supreme Court in the Rajendra Shah case (2021) struck down the part of the 97th Amendment related to 'multi-state' cooperative societies, ruling that the regulation of cooperative societies is a state subject under Entry 32 of the State List. Statement 2 is incorrect as the 97th Amendment itself mandates the reservation of one seat for SC/ST and two seats for women in the board of every cooperative society, not the 73rd Amendment which pertains to Panchayati Raj Institutions. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Model Cooperative Societies Act of 1991 is a non-binding guideline for states to reform their laws and lacks constitutional status, whereas the mandatory rotation of reserved seats is governed by the specific provisions of the 97th Amendment and respective state acts.
Consider the following statements regarding Provisions for timely conduct of Annual General Body Meetings:
1. The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, which came into effect on February 15, 2012, inserted Part IXB into the Constitution to ensure the democratic functioning of cooperative societies.
2. Under the provisions of Article 243ZM, the failure of the board to convene the annual general body meeting within the prescribed timeframe allows for the disqualification of the board members.
3. Article 243ZK provides for the establishment of an independent Cooperative Election Authority, which oversees the internal audit process and the scheduling of the annual general body meeting for all registered societies.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 97th Amendment Act, effective from February 15, 2012, introduced Part IXB to grant constitutional status to cooperative societies. Statement 2 is correct because Article 243ZM mandates that the board must convene an annual general meeting within six months of the close of the financial year, and failure to do so renders the board members liable for disqualification. Statement 3 is incorrect because Article 243ZK pertains to the election of board members by an independent authority, whereas the responsibility for convening general meetings lies with the board itself, and there is no provision under this article for an authority to oversee internal audits or meeting schedules.
Consider the following statements regarding Right of members to information under cooperative laws:
1. The 97th Amendment introduced the requirement for independent professional audits, and the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies is the designated authority for conducting these audits for every primary agricultural credit society.
2. The Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act of 2002 provides for the right of members to access books of accounts, and under the 97th Amendment, this access is extended to the general public for all state-registered societies.
3. Article 243ZJ specifies that the term of office of elected members of the board is five years, and the 97th Amendment provides for the appointment of a professional auditor by the Election Commission of India.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because the 97th Amendment does not mandate the Central Registrar to conduct audits, nor does it grant the general public access to the internal books of state-registered societies. Furthermore, the 97th Amendment does not empower the Election Commission of India to appoint auditors; instead, Article 243ZM requires the general body of a cooperative society to appoint an auditor from a government-approved panel, and Article 243ZJ mandates a five-year term for board members without involving the Election Commission in the audit process.
Consider the following statements regarding Legislative competence of Parliament vs State Legislatures in cooperative matters:
1. The 97th Amendment Act of 2011 amended the Concurrent List by transferring the subject of cooperative societies from the State List to Entry 33, thereby granting Parliament concurrent legislative power.
2. The Supreme Court ruling in the 2021 Rajendra Shah case affirmed the constitutional validity of Part IXB for all cooperative societies, including those registered under state-level legislation.
3. The Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act of 2002 was enacted under the authority of Article 243ZL, which provides the framework for the appointment of cooperative election authorities in interstate entities.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 97th Amendment did not alter the Seventh Schedule; 'cooperative societies' remains exclusively under Entry 32 of the State List. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Supreme Court in the 2021 Rajendra Shah case struck down Part IXB of the Constitution insofar as it applied to cooperative societies operating within a single state, ruling that Parliament lacks legislative competence over them. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act was enacted under Entry 44 of the Union List, not Article 243ZL, which was introduced by the 97th Amendment to regulate the internal governance of societies.
Consider the following statements regarding Supersession of boards and limitations on administrative control:
1. Article 243ZK of the Constitution specifies that the election of a board for a cooperative society shall be conducted before the expiration of the term of the existing board.
2. Article 243ZR provides that the provisions of Part IXB apply to multi-state cooperative societies, subject to the modification that any reference to the legislature of a state is read as a reference to Parliament.
3. The Supreme Court in the 2021 judgment of 'Rajeev Magotra vs Union of India' clarified that the provisions of the 97th Amendment regarding the management of cooperative societies are applicable to multi-state cooperative societies.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as Article 243ZK mandates elections to be held before the expiry of the board's term to ensure democratic continuity. Statement 2 is correct because Article 243ZR explicitly extends Part IXB to Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS), substituting the State Legislature with Parliament for regulatory purposes. Statement 3 is correct as the Supreme Court in 'Union of India v. Rajendra Shah (2021)' (often cited in the context of the 97th Amendment challenge) upheld that while Part IXB is ultra vires for state societies due to lack of ratification, it remains valid for MSCS as Parliament possesses the legislative competence to govern them.
Consider the following statements regarding Maximum tenure of cooperative society board members:
1. The Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act of 2002 serves as the primary legislation for all cooperative societies in India, and it limits the tenure of board members to a maximum of four years.
2. The 97th Amendment provides for the reservation of one seat for the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes and two seats for women on the board of every cooperative society, with a tenure fixed at six years.
3. Article 243ZI of the Constitution, as amended by the 97th Amendment, allows for the state legislature to determine the size of the board and sets the tenure of members at a maximum of three years.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, sets the tenure of board members at five years, not four. Statement 2 is incorrect as the 97th Amendment mandates the reservation of one seat for SC/ST and two seats for women, but it fixes the tenure of board members at five years, not six. Statement 3 is incorrect because Article 243ZI empowers state legislatures to determine the size of the board, but the Constitution explicitly mandates a fixed tenure of five years for board members, not three.
Consider the following statements regarding Provisions for reservation of seats for SC/ST and women in boards:
1. The 97th Amendment provides for the reservation of seats for SC/ST in cooperative societies, and this constitutional requirement was originally proposed by the 2004 Vaidyanathan Committee report on cooperative reforms.
2. The 97th Amendment includes provisions for the reservation of seats for backward classes in cooperative societies, and this clause was implemented by the Ministry of Cooperation in 2013.
3. Under the 97th Amendment, the reservation of seats for women in the board of directors is applicable to all cooperative societies, and this provision was upheld by the Supreme Court in the 2021 judgment regarding the 73rd Amendment.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 97th Amendment mandates reservation for SC/ST and women, but the Vaidyanathan Committee (2004) focused on financial restructuring rather than constitutional reservation mandates. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 97th Amendment does not mandate reservation for backward classes; furthermore, the Ministry of Cooperation was only established in 2021, not 2013. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the 97th Amendment mandates one seat for SC/ST and two for women, the 2021 Supreme Court judgment (Rajashree v. State of Karnataka) actually struck down parts of the 97th Amendment relating to cooperative societies for lacking the required ratification by half the state legislatures, rendering the constitutional mandate invalid for multi-state societies.
Consider the following statements regarding Separation of cooperative management from political interference:
1. The Supreme Court judgment in the Daman Singh case established the framework for the 97th Amendment, which provides for the reservation of one seat for women and two seats for Scheduled Castes in every board.
2. The Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act of 2002 includes provisions for the direct appointment of the Chief Executive by the Registrar of Cooperative Societies to ensure administrative neutrality.
3. The 97th Amendment incorporates Article 243ZM, which links the auditing of cooperative accounts to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India for all societies receiving state grants.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 97th Amendment mandates reservation for SC/ST and women, but the Daman Singh case (1985) dealt with the validity of the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, not the 97th Amendment. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Chief Executive of a cooperative is appointed by the board of directors, not the Registrar, to maintain autonomy. Statement 3 is incorrect because Article 243ZM mandates that state legislatures frame laws for the audit of cooperatives, but it does not link this function to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
Consider the following statements regarding Constitutional safeguards against arbitrary dissolution of boards:
1. The constitutional requirements for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in cooperative boards were modeled after the provisions found in the 74th Amendment.
2. The 97th Amendment introduced Article 243ZM, which allows the State Legislature to specify the minimum number of members required for the formation of a multi-state cooperative society.
3. Article 243ZK provides for the audit of accounts of cooperative societies, which is performed by an auditor appointed by the Registrar of Cooperative Societies as per the 1904 Act.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 97th Amendment mandates reservation for SC/ST and women in cooperative boards, which is distinct from the 74th Amendment's municipal provisions. Statement 2 is incorrect as Article 243ZM pertains to the audit of accounts, while provisions for multi-state cooperative societies are governed by the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, not the 97th Amendment. Statement 3 is incorrect because Article 243ZK deals with the election of members of the board, whereas the audit of accounts is specifically addressed under Article 243ZM.
Consider the following statements regarding Independent professional audit requirements under the Amendment:
1. State legislatures are empowered to formulate guidelines regarding the minimum qualifications and experience of auditors for cooperative societies under the 97th Amendment.
2. State cooperative departments maintain a centralized database of auditors under the 97th Amendment framework, which is subject to periodic review by the Union Ministry of Cooperation.
3. The audit report of a cooperative society is to be laid before the state legislature in accordance with the provisions of the 97th Amendment.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Article 243ZI mandates that state legislatures shall ensure the maintenance of accounts and their auditing by auditors or auditing firms from a panel approved by the State Government. Statement 3 is correct because Article 243ZM requires the audit report of a cooperative society to be laid before the state legislature. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 97th Amendment does not mandate a centralized database maintained by the Union Ministry of Cooperation; instead, the audit panel is managed at the state level, and the Ministry of Cooperation was only established in 2021, long after the 2011 amendment.
Consider the following statements regarding Mandatory requirements for conduct of cooperative elections:
1. The 97th Amendment incorporates Article 243ZL, which grants the Election Commission of India the power to oversee the disqualification of members based on financial irregularities in cooperative audits.
2. The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011, introduced Article 243ZK, which provides for the conduct of elections to cooperative societies by an independent authority.
3. The Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act of 2002 governs the election cycle of all primary agricultural credit societies, ensuring a uniform tenure of three years across all states.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because Article 243ZK, inserted by the 97th Amendment, mandates that the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections shall vest in an authority or body as provided by the State Legislature. Statement 1 is incorrect because the 97th Amendment does not grant the Election Commission of India power over cooperatives; rather, state-level authorities manage these elections. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, only applies to societies with operations in more than one state, while primary agricultural credit societies are primarily governed by individual State Cooperative Acts.
Consider the following statements regarding Separation of cooperative management from political interference:
1. Article 243ZL of the Constitution allows the state government to supersede the board of a cooperative society for a period of one year, provided the board has failed to hold an annual general meeting.
2. The 97th Amendment refers to the Cooperative Societies Act of 1904 as the foundational statute, which provides for the automatic disqualification of members holding political office in local municipal bodies.
3. The 97th Amendment introduced Article 243ZK, which specifies that the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls for cooperative elections vest in an authority designated by the State Legislature.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as Article 243ZK mandates that the election of boards for cooperative societies be conducted by an authority designated by the State Legislature to ensure independence. Statement 1 is incorrect because Article 243ZI (not 243ZL) limits the supersession of a board to a maximum of six months, not one year. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 97th Amendment inserted Part IXB into the Constitution, and while it mandates periodic elections, it does not reference the 1904 Act nor does it contain a provision for the automatic disqualification of members holding political office in municipal bodies.
Consider the following statements regarding State-level cooperative election authority structure:
1. The 97th Amendment aligns with the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments by transferring the power to determine the disqualification of cooperative board members to the State Election Commission.
2. The Supreme Court judgment in the Rajendra Shah case upheld the validity of Part IXB of the Constitution and confirmed that the Election Commission of India retains oversight of state cooperative election authorities.
3. Article 243ZK(2) of the Constitution allows the state legislature to provide for the procedure and guidelines for the conduct of elections to cooperative societies in the state.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because Article 243ZK(2) explicitly empowers state legislatures to enact laws governing the procedure and conduct of elections for cooperative societies. Statement 1 is incorrect because the 97th Amendment does not mandate the State Election Commission to oversee cooperative elections, nor does it transfer disqualification powers in the manner described for Panchayats. Statement 2 is incorrect because, in the 2021 Rajendra Shah case, the Supreme Court struck down significant portions of Part IXB of the Constitution, ruling that the regulation of cooperative societies is a state subject under Entry 32 of the State List, and the Election Commission of India has no constitutional role in these elections.
Consider the following statements regarding Provisions for reservation of seats for SC/ST and women in boards:
1. Article 243ZJ of the Constitution, introduced in 2011, outlines that the term of office of the elected members of the board and its office bearers shall be five years from the date of election.
2. Under the provisions of the 97th Amendment, two seats are reserved for women on the board of every cooperative society having members from such sections of society.
3. The 97th Amendment added Part IXB to the Constitution, which specifies that the legislature of a State may provide for the reservation of seats for the weaker sections in cooperative societies.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as Article 243ZJ(2) mandates a five-year term for the board of cooperative societies. Statement 2 is correct because Article 243ZI mandates the reservation of one seat for SC/ST and two seats for women on the board of every cooperative society. Statement 3 is correct as Part IXB, inserted by the 97th Amendment Act, 2011, empowers State Legislatures to make provisions for the reservation of at least one seat for SC or ST and two seats for women in the board of every cooperative society.
Consider the following statements regarding Financial accountability and filing of returns:
1. Under the provisions of Article 243ZK, the election of the board of a cooperative society is conducted by an authority as determined by the State Legislature.
2. Article 243ZL provides for the supersession of a board of directors for a period of two years, and this administrative action is subject to review by the Union Ministry of Cooperation.
3. The 97th Amendment incorporates provisions for the reservation of one seat for women in the board of every cooperative society, and this requirement is overseen by the Election Commission of India.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Article 243ZK mandates that the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections for cooperative societies vest in an authority or body as provided by the State Legislature. Statement 2 is incorrect because Article 243ZL limits the supersession of a board to a maximum period of six months, not two years, and this action is subject to judicial review rather than oversight by the Union Ministry of Cooperation. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the 97th Amendment mandates the reservation of one seat for women, the responsibility for overseeing these elections lies with the State-appointed authority, not the Election Commission of India.
Consider the following statements regarding Provisions for reservation of seats for SC/ST and women in boards:
1. The 97th Amendment, which received presidential assent in January 2012, incorporates the reservation of three seats for women in all primary agricultural credit societies across the country.
2. The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2011 inserted Article 243ZJ, which provides for the reservation of one seat for the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes in the board of every cooperative society.
3. Article 243ZI of the Constitution, as amended in 2011, provides for the reservation of one seat for the Scheduled Castes and one seat for the Scheduled Tribes in the board of multi-state cooperative societies.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because Article 243ZJ mandates the reservation of one seat for SC/ST and two seats for women on the board of every cooperative society. Statement 1 is incorrect because the 97th Amendment mandates two seats for women, not three, and applies to all cooperative societies, not just primary agricultural credit societies. Statement 3 is incorrect because Article 243ZI deals with the 'Board of directors and its term,' and the Constitution does not mandate separate, specific reservations for SCs and STs individually as two distinct seats; rather, it prescribes a single seat for SC or ST members.
Consider the following statements regarding Right of members to information under cooperative laws:
1. Section 243ZM of the Constitution provides that the board of every cooperative society shall ensure the filing of returns with the authority designated by the state government within six months of the close of every financial year.
2. The Supreme Court in the 2021 judgment of Rajeev Magotra v. Union of India upheld the validity of the 97th Amendment regarding multi-state cooperative societies while limiting its application to state-level entities.
3. The 97th Amendment inserted Part IXB into the Constitution, which specifies that the board of a cooperative society shall consist of such number of directors as may be provided by the state legislature.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as Article 243ZM mandates the filing of returns, including audit reports and annual reports, within six months of the financial year's end. Statement 2 is correct because the Supreme Court in 'Rajeev Magotra v. Union of India' (2021) upheld the 97th Amendment's validity for Multi-State Cooperative Societies while striking down provisions related to state-level cooperatives due to lack of ratification by half the states. Statement 3 is correct as Article 243ZI, introduced by the 97th Amendment, empowers state legislatures to determine the number and term of directors for cooperative societies.
Consider the following statements regarding Directive Principles of State Policy regarding promotion of cooperatives:
1. The Supreme Court in the 2021 judgment of Rajeev Magotra v. Union of India upheld the validity of the 97th Amendment concerning multi-state cooperative societies while striking down provisions related to state-level cooperatives.
2. Article 43B encourages the professional management of cooperative societies and aligns with the recommendations of the Vaidyanathan Committee report published in 2004.
3. The 97th Amendment empowers the Central Registrar to oversee the election process for state-level cooperative societies, a function previously held by the State Election Commission under the 1992 constitutional changes.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Supreme Court in the 2021 judgment of 'Rajeev Magotra v. Union of India' (often cited as the 97th Amendment case) upheld the amendment's validity regarding Multi-State Cooperative Societies while striking down provisions concerning state-level cooperatives for lacking the required ratification by half the state legislatures. Statement 2 is incorrect because Article 43B, inserted by the 97th Amendment, mandates the promotion of cooperatives but does not specifically codify the Vaidyanathan Committee's recommendations, which focused primarily on the revival of rural cooperative credit institutions. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 97th Amendment does not empower the Central Registrar to oversee state-level elections; instead, it mandates that state legislatures make provisions for the election of boards, and the 1992 constitutional changes (73rd/74th Amendments) pertain to Panchayats and Municipalities, not cooperative societies.
Consider the following statements regarding Separation of cooperative management from political interference:
1. Under the provisions added by the 97th Amendment, the term of office for elected members of the board and its office bearers is fixed at five years from the date of election.
2. The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2011 inserted Article 243ZI, which provides for the conduct of elections to a cooperative society by an authority independent of the state government.
3. Article 243ZJ of the Constitution limits the maximum number of directors in a cooperative society to twenty-one, ensuring a manageable board size for professional oversight.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as Article 243ZK mandates a fixed five-year term for board members, with elections required before the expiry of this term. Statement 2 is correct because Article 243ZK (not 243ZI) mandates that the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections vest in an authority or body as provided by the State Legislature. Statement 3 is correct because Article 243ZJ stipulates that the number of directors of a cooperative society shall not exceed twenty-one, a measure designed to prevent bloated boards and ensure professional governance.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies post-amendment:
1. Article 243ZQ provides for the election of members of the board of a cooperative society to be conducted by the Election Commission of India, following the same protocols used for state legislative assembly polls.
2. Section 123 of the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act defines the powers of the Registrar regarding the supersession of boards, which aligns with the 73rd Amendment's framework for local self-governance in rural areas.
3. The 97th Amendment incorporated Part IXB into the Constitution, which specifies that the Registrar of Cooperative Societies is appointed by the Governor of the state on the recommendation of the Union Ministry of Agriculture.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Article 243ZK mandates that elections be conducted by an authority designated by the State Legislature, not the Election Commission of India. Statement 2 is incorrect as the 97th Amendment (Part IXB) governs cooperatives, not the 73rd Amendment, and the Registrar's powers regarding board supersession are subject to specific constitutional constraints under Article 243ZI. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Constitution does not mandate the appointment of the Registrar by the Governor on the recommendation of the Union Ministry; rather, the Registrar is a state-level official appointed under the respective State Cooperative Societies Acts.
Consider the following statements regarding Independent professional audit requirements under the Amendment:
1. The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, which received Presidential assent on January 12, 2012, introduced Part IXB to the Constitution.
2. The Cooperative Societies Act of 1912 serves as the primary constitutional reference for audit procedures, as incorporated by the 97th Amendment into Article 243ZI.
3. Article 243ZM of the Constitution provides for the audit of accounts of cooperative societies by auditors appointed by the general body of the society.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 97th Amendment Act, which received Presidential assent on January 12, 2012, inserted Part IXB into the Constitution to provide a constitutional status to cooperative societies. Statement 3 is correct because Article 243ZM mandates that the legislature of a state shall, by law, ensure the auditing of accounts of cooperative societies at least once in each financial year by auditors appointed by the general body of the society. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 97th Amendment does not incorporate the 1912 Act as a constitutional reference; instead, it empowers state legislatures to enact their own laws regarding the incorporation, regulation, and winding up of cooperative societies under the framework of Part IXB.
Consider the following statements regarding Provisions for timely conduct of Annual General Body Meetings:
1. Article 243ZI of the Constitution provides that the board of every cooperative society shall convene the general body meeting of its members within a period of six months of the close of the financial year.
2. The Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act of 2002 includes provisions for the central government to appoint the board of directors if the annual general body meeting is delayed beyond the nine-month period following the financial year-end.
3. The 97th Amendment incorporates the principle of cooperative autonomy, which allows state governments to extend the deadline for holding annual general body meetings by up to two years during periods of financial insolvency.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Article 243ZI mandates that the board of every cooperative society must convene the general body meeting within six months of the close of the financial year. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act does not empower the central government to appoint a board of directors solely due to a delay in the annual general body meeting. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 97th Amendment does not contain any provision allowing state governments to extend the deadline for general body meetings by two years during insolvency; such a provision does not exist in the Constitution.
Consider the following statements regarding Legal status of Multi-State Cooperative Societies:
1. Under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, the Central Registrar holds the authority to conduct inquiries into the constitution, working, and financial condition of a society.
2. The Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act was enacted in 2002 to consolidate laws governing cooperatives with jurisdiction extending beyond a single state.
3. The Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, includes provisions for the conversion of a single-state cooperative into a multi-state entity, provided the society maintains a minimum of 50 percent of its members from outside the state of registration.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Central Registrar is empowered under Section 108 of the MSCS Act, 2002 to conduct inquiries into a society's financial and functional affairs. Statement 2 is correct because the Act was enacted to consolidate laws for cooperatives serving members in more than one state, replacing the 1984 legislation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Act does not mandate a 50 percent membership threshold from outside the state for conversion; rather, it requires that the society must have members in at least two states and fulfill specific functional requirements to register as a multi-state entity.
Consider the following statements regarding Legislative competence of Parliament vs State Legislatures in cooperative matters:
1. The Supreme Court in the 2021 judgment of 'Union of India vs. Rajendra Shah' held that the 97th Amendment is ultra vires insofar as it pertains to cooperative societies operating within a single state.
2. The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2011 inserted Article 43B into the Directive Principles of State Policy, directing the State to promote voluntary formation and democratic control of cooperatives.
3. Entry 32 of the State List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution provides State Legislatures the authority to incorporate, regulate, and wind up cooperative societies.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Supreme Court in 'Union of India vs. Rajendra Shah' (2021) struck down parts of the 97th Amendment that regulated intra-state cooperative societies, ruling that Parliament lacked the legislative competence to enact laws on a subject under the State List. Statement 2 is correct because the 97th Amendment introduced Article 43B, which mandates that the State shall endeavor to promote voluntary formation and democratic control of cooperatives. Statement 3 is correct as Entry 32 of the State List explicitly grants State Legislatures the exclusive power to legislate on the incorporation, regulation, and winding up of corporations, including cooperative societies, that are not specifically mentioned in the Union or Concurrent Lists.
Consider the following statements regarding Legislative competence of Parliament vs State Legislatures in cooperative matters:
1. Part IXB of the Constitution, introduced by the 97th Amendment, outlines specific requirements for the election of members and office bearers of cooperative societies.
2. The Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act of 2002 falls under the legislative competence of the Parliament, as these entities operate across more than one state.
3. Article 243ZI of the Constitution empowers State Legislatures to make provisions for the incorporation, regulation, and winding up of cooperative societies subject to the provisions of Part IXB.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the 97th Amendment inserted Part IXB, mandating regular elections and fixed tenures for cooperative boards. Statement 2 is correct because, under Entry 44 of the Union List, Parliament holds exclusive power to legislate for societies with objects not confined to one state. Statement 3 is correct because Article 243ZI explicitly grants State Legislatures the authority to enact laws for cooperatives within their jurisdiction, provided these laws align with the constitutional framework established by Part IXB.
Consider the following statements regarding Maximum tenure of cooperative society board members:
1. Under the provisions of the 97th Amendment, the election of a board must be conducted before the expiry of the term of the incumbent board to ensure continuity of governance.
2. Under the Model Cooperative Societies Act of 1991, which preceded the 97th Amendment, the tenure of board members was fixed at five years, and the amendment merely reaffirmed this existing statutory limit.
3. The 97th Amendment inserts Part IXB into the Constitution, which specifies that the term of office of elected members of the board and its office bearers shall be five years from the date of election.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statements 1 and 3 are correct because Article 243ZJ, inserted by the 97th Amendment, mandates that the term of office for elected board members is five years and requires elections to be held before the incumbent board's term expires to prevent administrative vacuums. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 1991 Model Cooperative Societies Act was a non-binding guideline for states and did not establish a uniform constitutional five-year tenure, which was a novel mandate introduced specifically by the 97th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2011.
Consider the following statements regarding Cooperative societies as 'State' under Article 12:
1. The Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act of 2002 was enacted following the 97th Amendment to provide a uniform legal framework for the regulation of all cooperative societies operating within the territory of India.
2. Under the provisions of Article 243ZQ, the state legislature is empowered to frame laws for the professional management of cooperative societies, including the appointment of auditors from a panel approved by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
3. The 97th Amendment added the right to form cooperative societies as a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(c), which the Supreme Court in the 2021 judgment of Rajeev Kumar vs Union of India declared as subject to no reasonable restrictions.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act was enacted in 2002, long before the 97th Amendment (2011), and it does not cover all societies, only those operating in more than one state. Statement 2 is incorrect as Article 243ZQ pertains to the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, and the Constitution does not mandate the appointment of auditors from a CAG-approved panel for cooperative societies. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the 97th Amendment added the right to form cooperatives under Article 19(1)(c), the Supreme Court in the 2021 *Cooperative Societies vs Union of India* case (not Rajeev Kumar) clarified that this right is subject to reasonable restrictions and struck down parts of the amendment relating to multi-state cooperatives for lacking state ratification.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies post-amendment:
1. Under the provisions of Article 243ZT, any existing law relating to cooperative societies in force in a state immediately before the commencement of the 97th Amendment remained in effect until amended or repealed by the competent legislature or until the expiration of one year from such commencement.
2. The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011, introduced Article 243ZI, which empowers the state legislature to determine the maximum time period for the audit of cooperative societies.
3. The Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act of 2002 established the office of the Central Registrar, who functions under the Ministry of Finance to oversee the financial liquidity of national-level cooperative federations.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Article 243ZT provides a one-year transition period for states to align existing laws with the 97th Amendment. Statement 2 is correct because Article 243ZI explicitly mandates state legislatures to enact laws regarding the audit of accounts and specifies the time frame for such audits. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies functions under the Ministry of Cooperation (formerly Ministry of Agriculture), not the Ministry of Finance, and oversees the administration of multi-state cooperatives rather than just financial liquidity.
Consider the following statements regarding Cooperative societies as 'State' under Article 12:
1. Article 43B, inserted by the 97th Amendment, directs the State to promote voluntary formation and autonomous functioning of cooperative societies as a Directive Principle of State Policy.
2. The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, which received Presidential assent on January 12, 2012, inserted Part IXB into the Constitution of India.
3. The Supreme Court in Thalappalam Ser. Coop. Bank Ltd. vs State of Kerala (2013) held that cooperative societies are not State under Article 12 unless they meet the deep and pervasive control test.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as Article 43B was indeed added by the 97th Amendment to promote cooperative societies as a Directive Principle. Statement 2 is correct because the 97th Amendment, which received Presidential assent on January 12, 2012, introduced Part IXB to provide constitutional status to cooperatives. Statement 3 is correct because the Supreme Court in the Thalappalam case ruled that cooperative societies are not 'State' under Article 12 unless they are substantially financed and under deep and pervasive control of the government, thereby clarifying their status regarding fundamental rights.
Consider the following statements regarding Financial accountability and filing of returns:
1. The 97th Amendment inserted Article 19(1)(c) into the Constitution, which grants citizens the fundamental right to form cooperative societies.
2. The Model Cooperative Societies Act of 2004 suggests that the audit reports of cooperative societies are to be submitted to the Comptroller and Auditor General for final certification.
3. The audit of accounts of a cooperative society, as per Article 243ZM, is conducted by an auditor or an auditing firm appointed by the general body of the society.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011, added 'cooperative societies' to Article 19(1)(c), making the right to form them a fundamental right. Statement 3 is correct because Article 243ZM mandates that the legislature of a state shall, by law, ensure the audit of accounts of cooperative societies by an auditor or auditing firm appointed by the general body. Statement 2 is incorrect because the audit of cooperative societies is a state subject under the Seventh Schedule, and there is no constitutional or statutory provision requiring audit reports to be submitted to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) for certification.
Consider the following statements regarding Provisions for timely conduct of Annual General Body Meetings:
1. The state legislature is empowered to enact laws for the timely conduct of elections and the filing of returns to the relevant authority by the cooperative society.
2. The audit of the accounts of a cooperative society, as per Article 243ZM, is to be completed within six months of the close of the financial year to facilitate the annual general body meeting.
3. Article 243ZL provides that the term of office of elected members of the board and its office bearers shall be five years from the date of election.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as Article 243ZK empowers state legislatures to enact laws for the timely conduct of elections and filing of returns. Statement 2 is correct because Article 243ZM mandates that accounts must be audited within six months of the financial year's end to ensure transparency for the Annual General Body Meeting. Statement 3 is correct as Article 243ZL explicitly stipulates a fixed five-year term for elected board members and office bearers from the date of election.
Consider the following statements regarding Maximum tenure of cooperative society board members:
1. The Supreme Court judgment in the Rajendra Shah case upheld the entirety of the 97th Amendment, confirming that the tenure of cooperative board members is governed by central law for all categories of societies.
2. The 97th Amendment incorporates provisions from the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, extending the five-year tenure rule to cooperative societies while allowing for a one-year extension by the Registrar.
3. The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011, introduced Article 243ZJ, which limits the tenure of elected members of the board of a cooperative society to five years.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because Article 243ZJ, inserted by the 97th Amendment, mandates a five-year term for cooperative board members. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Supreme Court in the 'Rajendra Shah' case (2021) struck down the parts of the 97th Amendment related to 'multi-state cooperative societies' as they fell under the exclusive legislative domain of states. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 97th Amendment does not provide for a one-year extension by the Registrar; instead, it mandates that elections must be conducted before the expiry of the five-year term.
Consider the following statements regarding Supreme Court judgment on the partial invalidation of 97th Amendment:
1. Article 243ZI, inserted by the 97th Amendment, outlines the procedure for the incorporation, regulation, and winding up of cooperative societies.
2. The judgment clarified that the Parliament lacked the competence to enact provisions for intra-state cooperative societies without following the ratification procedure under Article 368(2).
3. Under the 97th Amendment, the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies exercises administrative control over all credit-based societies, a power the Supreme Court upheld in the 2021 ruling.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Article 243ZI mandates state legislatures to enact laws for the incorporation and regulation of cooperative societies. Statement 2 is correct because the Supreme Court in 'Union of India v. Rajendra Shah (2021)' held that Part IXB, insofar as it applied to intra-state cooperative societies, was unconstitutional for failing to secure ratification by at least half of the state legislatures as required under Article 368(2). Statement 3 is incorrect because the Court struck down the provisions of Part IXB related to intra-state societies, clarifying that 'cooperative societies' is a state subject under Entry 32 of the State List, and the Centre cannot exercise administrative control over them.
Consider the following statements regarding State-level cooperative election authority structure:
1. The 97th Amendment draws inspiration from the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act of 2002 and establishes the Election Commission of India as the primary body for conducting state-level cooperative polls.
2. The 97th Amendment incorporates the recommendations of the Mirdha Committee report of 1965 and creates a centralized federal body to supervise the electoral rolls of all primary agricultural credit societies.
3. The Cooperative Societies Act of 1912 serves as the parent legislation for the 97th Amendment, which empowers the Governor to appoint a retired High Court judge to oversee the election authority.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because the 97th Constitutional Amendment Act (2011) mandates that the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections for cooperative societies vest in an authority or body as provided by the State Legislature, not the Election Commission of India or a centralized federal body. Furthermore, the 97th Amendment does not rely on the 1912 Act or the Mirdha Committee for its electoral structure, nor does it prescribe the appointment of a retired High Court judge to oversee the election authority. The amendment essentially grants States the autonomy to determine the specific structure of their cooperative election authorities through their own state-level legislation.
Consider the following statements regarding State-level cooperative election authority structure:
1. Under the provisions of the 97th Amendment, the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls for cooperative elections are vested in the state-appointed authority.
2. The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011, introduced Article 243ZK, which provides for the conduct of elections to cooperative societies by an authority designated by the state legislature.
3. The 97th Amendment inserted Part IXB into the Constitution, which specifies that the term of office of elected members of the board of a cooperative society is five years from the date of election.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct because the 97th Amendment Act, 2011, inserted Part IXB into the Constitution, which mandates that the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections for cooperative societies shall vest in an authority or body as provided by the State Legislature under Article 243ZK. Furthermore, Article 243ZK(2) explicitly stipulates that the term of office of elected members of the board and its office bearers shall be five years from the date of election, ensuring democratic continuity in cooperative governance.
Consider the following statements regarding Supersession of boards and limitations on administrative control:
1. Under the provisions of Article 243ZI, an interim board is appointed by the state legislature to manage the affairs of a cooperative society during the period of supersession.
2. The 97th Amendment introduced Part IXB into the Constitution, which establishes a framework for the democratic functioning and professional management of cooperative societies.
3. The 97th Amendment introduced Article 243ZN, which provides for the establishment of a National Cooperative Election Authority to oversee the conduct of elections for all primary agricultural credit societies across the country.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Article 243ZI mandates the appointment of an administrator or interim board by the state legislature during the supersession of a cooperative board, which must not exceed six months. Statement 2 is correct because the 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011, inserted Part IXB to ensure the democratic, professional, and autonomous functioning of cooperative societies. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Constitution does not provide for a National Cooperative Election Authority; instead, Article 243ZK stipulates that the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections shall vest in such an authority as the State Legislature may provide.
Consider the following statements regarding Mandatory requirements for conduct of cooperative elections:
1. Article 243ZJ of the Constitution limits the maximum number of directors in a cooperative society to twenty-one, influencing the scale of board elections.
2. The 97th Amendment stipulates that the term of office of elected members of the board and its office bearers shall be five years from the date of election.
3. Under the provisions of Article 243ZK, the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls for cooperative societies vest in an authority appointed by the state legislature.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Article 243ZJ mandates a maximum of 21 directors for cooperative societies, ensuring streamlined governance. The 97th Amendment Act, 2011, explicitly sets the term of office for elected board members at five years and mandates elections before the expiry of this term. Furthermore, Article 243ZK empowers the state legislature to designate an authority for the superintendence, direction, and control of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections, ensuring a structured democratic process within these institutions.
Consider the following statements regarding Directive Principles of State Policy regarding promotion of cooperatives:
1. The Constitution provides that the term of office of elected members of the board of a cooperative society is five years, a duration consistent with the provisions of the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act of 2002.
2. State legislatures possess the authority to determine the maximum number of directors on the board of a cooperative society, a power derived from the Seventh Schedule entry on public order.
3. The 97th Amendment includes provisions for the audit of cooperative accounts by an independent authority, a process that was first recommended by the Mirdha Committee report of 1965.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Article 243ZJ specifies a five-year term for the board, but the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, originally allowed for different durations, making the consistency claim inaccurate. Statement 2 is incorrect as the power to determine the number of directors is derived from Article 243ZJ, not the Seventh Schedule entry on public order, which relates to police and law enforcement. Statement 3 is incorrect because while the 97th Amendment mandates audits, the Mirdha Committee (1965) focused on cooperation and democratic management rather than establishing the independent audit framework mandated by the 2011 Amendment.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of 97th Amendment on Seventh Schedule entries:
1. Entry 32 of the State List in the Seventh Schedule pertains to the incorporation, regulation, and winding up of corporations other than those specified in the Union List.
2. The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2011 introduced Part IXB into the Constitution to provide a legal framework for cooperative societies.
3. The 97th Amendment modified Entry 32 of the State List to include a provision for the central government to oversee the audit of primary agricultural credit societies established before 2011.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Entry 32 of the State List explicitly covers the incorporation, regulation, and winding up of corporations other than those specified in the Union List. Statement 2 is correct because the 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011, inserted Part IXB (Articles 243ZH to 243ZT) to provide a constitutional status and legal framework for cooperative societies. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 97th Amendment did not modify Entry 32 of the State List, nor did it grant the central government authority to audit primary agricultural credit societies; in fact, the Supreme Court in 'Rajeev Mankotia v. Union of India' struck down parts of the 97th Amendment for violating the federal structure regarding state-subject cooperatives.
Consider the following statements regarding Legal status of Multi-State Cooperative Societies:
1. Article 243ZI of the Constitution, introduced via the 97th Amendment, empowers the Parliament to frame bylaws for Multi-State Cooperative Societies regarding the maximum number of directors on a board.
2. The Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, incorporates the provisions of the 97th Amendment, which established the National Cooperative Development Corporation as the primary regulatory body for interstate entities.
3. The Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Act, 2023, introduced the Cooperative Election Authority to oversee polls, mirroring the administrative structure of the Election Commission of India under Article 324.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Article 243ZI mandates that state legislatures, not Parliament, determine the maximum number of directors for cooperative societies. Statement 2 is incorrect as the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) was established by an Act of Parliament in 1963, long before the 97th Amendment, and it is a promotional body, not a regulatory one. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 2023 Amendment established the Cooperative Election Authority to conduct elections, but it does not derive its authority from Article 324, nor does it mirror the constitutional status of the Election Commission of India.
Consider the following statements regarding Constitutional status of cooperatives under Article 19(1)(c):
1. The National Cooperative Development Corporation was established under the 97th Amendment framework to provide financial assistance to primary agricultural credit societies across all union territories.
2. The Supreme Court in the 2021 judgment of 'Union of India vs Rajendra Shah' upheld the validity of the 97th Amendment concerning multi-state cooperative societies.
3. The 97th Amendment introduced Article 243ZQ, which empowers the state legislature to determine the maximum number of directors in a cooperative society, a power previously held by the Registrar of Cooperative Societies under the 1904 Act.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because the Supreme Court in 'Union of India vs Rajendra Shah (2021)' struck down parts of the 97th Amendment related to 'cooperative societies' (a state subject) while upholding it for 'multi-state cooperative societies'. Statement 1 is incorrect because the National Cooperative Development Corporation was established by an Act of Parliament in 1963, long before the 2011 97th Amendment. Statement 3 is incorrect because Article 243ZI (not 243ZQ) deals with the board of directors, and the 97th Amendment does not grant state legislatures the power to determine the maximum number of directors; rather, it mandates that the legislature shall provide for the composition of the board.
Consider the following statements regarding Supreme Court judgment on the partial invalidation of 97th Amendment:
1. The Supreme Court observed that the 97th Amendment was passed by a simple majority in both Houses of Parliament, thereby failing to meet the threshold for constitutional amendments affecting federal balance.
2. In the 2021 judgment of Union of India v. Rajendra Shah, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the 97th Amendment concerning multi-state cooperative societies.
3. The Supreme Court declared that the 97th Amendment was ineffective regarding cooperative societies falling within the exclusive legislative domain of the States under Entry 32 of the State List.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 97th Amendment was passed with the requisite special majority under Article 368; the Supreme Court struck down parts of it not due to the voting process, but because it lacked ratification by half the State Legislatures as required for federal structure changes. Statement 2 is correct as the 2021 Rajendra Shah judgment upheld the Amendment's validity specifically for Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) falling under Union jurisdiction. Statement 3 is correct because the Court ruled that Parliament lacked the competence to legislate on 'cooperative societies' under Entry 32 of the State List, thereby limiting the Amendment's application to only those societies operating across multiple states.
Consider the following statements regarding Dispute resolution mechanisms in cooperative governance:
1. Article 243ZR provides for the application of the provisions of Part IXB to Union Territories, and it designates the Lieutenant Governor as the final adjudicating officer for inter-state cooperative conflicts.
2. Under Article 243ZK, the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls for cooperative societies are vested in the authority specified by the State Legislature.
3. The 97th Amendment Act, which received Presidential assent in January 2012, established the National Cooperative Tribunal as the primary appellate body for all state-level cooperative disputes.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because Article 243ZK mandates that the State Legislature shall specify the authority responsible for the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls for cooperative societies. Statement 1 is incorrect because Article 243ZR specifies the application of Part IXB to Union Territories but does not designate the Lieutenant Governor as the final adjudicator for inter-state conflicts. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 97th Amendment Act did not establish a National Cooperative Tribunal; instead, the Supreme Court in 2021 struck down parts of the amendment related to multi-state cooperative societies, and dispute resolution remains primarily a state-subject matter under the respective State Cooperative Societies Acts.
Consider the following statements regarding Independent professional audit requirements under the Amendment:
1. Article 243ZL provides for the election of board members by the state election commission, which also oversees the appointment of independent auditors for primary societies.
2. The 97th Amendment incorporates the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act of 2002 into the Ninth Schedule, ensuring the protection of independent audit standards.
3. The Supreme Court judgment in the 2021 case regarding the 97th Amendment upheld the entirety of Part IXB, including the provisions for professional audit panels.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Article 243ZK mandates elections by the state legislature, not the State Election Commission, and the 97th Amendment does not mandate the commission to appoint auditors. Statement 2 is incorrect as the 97th Amendment added Part IXB to the Constitution, not the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act to the Ninth Schedule. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Supreme Court in 'Rajendra N. Shah v. Union of India (2021)' struck down the provisions of Part IXB concerning multi-state cooperative societies for failing to obtain ratification by half the states, while upholding it only for intra-state societies.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of 97th Amendment on Seventh Schedule entries:
1. The 97th Amendment added the words 'cooperative societies' to Entry 43 of the Union List, which originally covered corporations with objects not confined to one state.
2. The Supreme Court in the 2021 judgment of 'Rajeev Magotra vs Union of India' held that the 97th Amendment was valid only in its application to multi-state cooperative societies.
3. Article 243ZI was inserted by the 97th Amendment to provide for the incorporation, regulation, and winding up of cooperative societies based on voluntary formation.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the 97th Amendment added 'cooperative societies' to Entry 43 of the Union List to clarify the Centre's power over multi-state entities. Statement 2 is correct because the Supreme Court in 'Rajeev Magotra vs Union of India' (2021) struck down parts of the amendment related to state-level societies for lacking the mandatory ratification by half the state legislatures, limiting its validity to multi-state societies. Statement 3 is correct as Article 243ZI was indeed inserted by the 97th Amendment to mandate that state legislatures enact laws for the incorporation, regulation, and winding up of cooperative societies based on the principle of voluntary formation.
Consider the following statements regarding Directive Principles of State Policy regarding promotion of cooperatives:
1. Article 43B was inserted into the Directive Principles of State Policy by the 97th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2011 to promote voluntary formation and democratic control of cooperatives.
2. The 97th Amendment introduced Part IXB into the Constitution, which mirrors the provisions of the 73rd Amendment regarding the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes in cooperative board elections.
3. Article 243ZI of the Constitution provides for the incorporation of cooperative societies and follows the regulatory framework established by the Cooperative Societies Act of 1904 during the colonial era.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Article 43B was indeed inserted by the 97th Amendment Act, 2011, to promote cooperative societies. Statement 2 is incorrect because while Part IXB was introduced, the Supreme Court in the 'Rajeev Mankotia' case struck down significant portions of it for not being ratified by states, and it does not mirror the 73rd Amendment's specific reservation mandates for SCs/STs in the same manner. Statement 3 is incorrect because Article 243ZI empowers state legislatures to enact laws for the incorporation and regulation of cooperatives, rather than mandating adherence to the colonial-era 1904 Act.
Consider the following statements regarding Dispute resolution mechanisms in cooperative governance:
1. Section 84 of the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, outlines the mechanism for the settlement of disputes through arbitration.
2. Article 243ZI of the Constitution provides that the election of the board of a cooperative society shall be conducted by an authority as determined by the State Legislature.
3. The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011, inserted Part IXB into the Constitution, which deals with the governance of cooperative societies.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as Section 84 of the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, mandates that any dispute involving the constitution, management, or business of a society must be referred to arbitration. Statement 2 is correct because Article 243ZI, introduced by the 97th Amendment, empowers State Legislatures to determine the authority responsible for conducting elections to the board of cooperative societies. Statement 3 is correct as the 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011, added Part IXB (Articles 243ZH to 243ZT) to the Constitution to provide a uniform legal framework for the functioning of cooperative societies across India.
Consider the following statements regarding Right of members to information under cooperative laws:
1. Article 243ZI of the Constitution empowers the state legislature to make provisions for the incorporation, regulation, and winding up of cooperative societies based on the principles of voluntary formation.
2. The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, which received Presidential assent on 12 January 2012, introduced Article 19(1)(c) to provide the right to form cooperative societies.
3. Under Article 243ZK, the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls for cooperative societies are vested in an authority as determined by the state legislature.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: Article 243ZI mandates state legislatures to enact laws for the regulation of cooperatives, while the 97th Amendment (effective 2012) elevated the right to form cooperatives to a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(c). Furthermore, Article 243ZK explicitly vests the power of superintendence, direction, and control of elections for cooperative societies in an authority determined by the state legislature, ensuring democratic governance.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies post-amendment:
1. The Supreme Court in the 2021 judgment of 'Rajendra N. Shah v. Union of India' upheld the validity of the 97th Amendment concerning multi-state cooperative societies while striking down provisions related to intra-state cooperatives.
2. The Cooperative Societies Act of 1912 serves as the primary constitutional basis for the 97th Amendment, providing the legal foundation for the Registrar to intervene in the internal management of credit-based cooperatives.
3. Article 243ZR outlines the jurisdiction of the Registrar in union territories, delegating the authority to frame bylaws directly to the National Cooperative Development Corporation.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct because the Supreme Court in Rajendra N. Shah (2021) upheld the 97th Amendment only insofar as it applies to Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS), striking down the provisions governing intra-state societies for lacking the mandatory ratification by half the state legislatures under Article 368(2). Statement 2 is false as the 97th Amendment is anchored in Part IXB of the Constitution, not the 1912 Act, and the amendment actually sought to limit, not expand, the Registrar's arbitrary interference in internal management. Statement 3 is false because Article 243ZR specifically empowers the Central Government or the State Government to apply the provisions of Part IXB to MSCS, and it does not delegate the power to frame bylaws to the National Cooperative Development Corporation.
Consider the following statements regarding Cooperative societies as 'State' under Article 12:
1. The 97th Amendment introduced Article 243ZI, which grants the Election Commission of India the authority to conduct elections for cooperative societies across all states.
2. In the case of Daman Singh vs State of Punjab (1985), the Supreme Court ruled that cooperative societies registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act are deemed instrumentalities of the State under Article 12.
3. Part IXB of the Constitution provides for the reservation of one-third of seats for women in the board of every cooperative society, mirroring the provisions found in the 73rd Amendment for Panchayati Raj institutions.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 97th Amendment mandates that the superintendence, direction, and control of elections for cooperative societies vest in an authority appointed by the State Legislature, not the Election Commission of India. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Supreme Court in Daman Singh vs State of Punjab held that a cooperative society is not an 'instrumentality of the State' merely because it is registered under the Act, unless it meets the 'pervasive state control' test. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while Part IXB mandates reservation of one seat for SC/ST and two seats for women, it does not mandate a one-third reservation, which is a specific provision for Panchayati Raj Institutions under Article 243D.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of 97th Amendment on Seventh Schedule entries:
1. The 97th Amendment introduced Article 243ZT, which allows for the continuation of existing laws relating to cooperative societies until amended or repealed by a competent legislature.
2. Under the Seventh Schedule, the subject of cooperative societies remains primarily a state subject under Entry 32 of the State List, despite the 2011 constitutional changes.
3. The Parliament enacted the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act in 2002, which predates the constitutional changes brought by the 97th Amendment in 2011.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Article 243ZT ensures legal continuity for pre-existing cooperative laws, while Entry 32 of the State List continues to grant states exclusive legislative competence over cooperatives within their jurisdiction. The Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act was indeed enacted in 2002, nearly a decade before the 97th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2011 introduced Part IXB to provide a constitutional framework for cooperatives. All three statements are factually accurate as they correctly reflect the constitutional status and legislative history of cooperative governance in India.
Consider the following statements regarding Constitutional status of cooperatives under Article 19(1)(c):
1. Part IXB of the Constitution, inserted by the 97th Amendment, outlines the framework for the incorporation, regulation, and winding up of cooperative societies.
2. The Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act of 2002 serves as the primary legislation for all cooperative entities, including those operating within a single state boundary as per the 97th Amendment.
3. Article 243ZI provides for the election of members of the board of a cooperative society, a provision that mirrors the 73rd Amendment regarding the conduct of municipal elections.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 97th Amendment Act (2011) inserted Part IXB, providing a constitutional framework for cooperative societies. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 applies only to societies with objects in more than one state, while cooperatives operating within a single state are governed by state-specific legislation. Statement 3 is incorrect because Article 243ZI relates to the incorporation of cooperatives, whereas the election of board members is mandated under Article 243ZK, which is distinct from the 73rd Amendment's provisions for municipal elections.
Consider the following statements regarding Constitutional safeguards against arbitrary dissolution of boards:
1. Under the provisions of Part IXB, the election of the board of a cooperative society is conducted by the State Election Commission, which was established by the 73rd Amendment.
2. The constitutional framework for cooperatives includes Article 243ZL, which permits the supersession of a board if it fails to conduct an annual general meeting for two consecutive financial years.
3. The 97th Amendment Act received the assent of the President on January 12, 2012, and it immediately integrated the cooperative sector into the Concurrent List of the Seventh Schedule.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Part IXB mandates elections be conducted by an authority designated by the State Legislature, not the State Election Commission. Statement 2 is incorrect because Article 243ZL stipulates that a board can be superseded if it fails to conduct an annual general meeting for only one financial year, not two. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 97th Amendment did not alter the Seventh Schedule; cooperatives remain a State Subject under Entry 32 of the State List.
Consider the following statements regarding Supreme Court judgment on the partial invalidation of 97th Amendment:
1. The 2021 judgment invalidated the entire Part IXB of the Constitution, effectively restoring the legal status of cooperative societies to the pre-2011 position under the Seventh Schedule.
2. The 97th Amendment was challenged under Article 32 in the Supreme Court, which ruled that the amendment violated the basic structure by removing the Governor's power to nominate members to cooperative boards.
3. The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011, introduced Part IXB into the Constitution to provide a legal framework for the functioning of cooperative societies.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the 97th Amendment Act, 2011, inserted Part IXB to grant constitutional status to cooperative societies. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Supreme Court in the 2021 judgment (Rajendra N. Shah v. Union of India) only struck down the provisions of Part IXB concerning 'multi-state cooperative societies' for lack of ratification by state legislatures, while upholding the amendment's validity for multi-state cooperatives. Statement 2 is incorrect because the challenge was based on the violation of the federal structure under Article 246(3) regarding the state's exclusive power to legislate on cooperatives, not on the basic structure doctrine related to the Governor's nomination powers.
Consider the following statements regarding Dispute resolution mechanisms in cooperative governance:
1. The Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Act, 2023, introduced the office of the Cooperative Election Authority to oversee the conduct of elections in multi-state cooperatives.
2. The Supreme Court in the case of Rajendra N. Shah v. Union of India (2021) struck down portions of the 97th Amendment concerning the regulation of cooperative societies operating within a single state.
3. Article 243ZM requires that the accounts of every cooperative society be audited at least once in each financial year by an auditor appointed by the general body of the cooperative society.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the 2023 Amendment mandates the Cooperative Election Authority to ensure free and fair elections in multi-state societies. Statement 2 is correct because the Supreme Court in Rajendra N. Shah v. Union of India (2021) held that Part IXB of the 97th Amendment, which regulated intra-state cooperatives, was unconstitutional as it was passed without ratification by half the state legislatures. Statement 3 is correct as Article 243ZM, introduced by the 97th Amendment, explicitly mandates annual audits for cooperative societies by auditors appointed by the general body.