CO-OPERATIVE IDENTITY

SCHEDULE (See sections 4 and 5) CO-OPERATIVE IDENTITY A group of individuals or a co-operative society or a self-supporting co-operative society under this Act, shall frame by-laws; Such societies shall be autonomous bodies, consisting of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise and are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. Their founders and members shall follow the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibilities and caring for others. They shall be governed by the guidelines as below :-- A. Voluntary and Open Membership : These societies are voluntary organization, open to all persons, able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination ; B. Democratic Control : They are democratic organizations controlled by the members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decision. Elected representatives of these co-operatives are accountable to their members; C. Economic participation of members : The members of such societies shall contribute equitably and control the capital of their co-operative democratically. At least, a part of the surplus arising out of the economic results would be the common property of the co-operates. The remaining surplus could be utilized benefiting members in proportion to their share in the co-operative society; D. Autonomy and independence : They are autonomous, self-help organizations, controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including Government or raise capital from external sources, they do so on the terms that ensure their democratic control by members and maintenance of co-operative autonomy; E. Education, Training and Information : They shall provide education and training to their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so that they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operative society. They also make the general public particularly young people, aware of the nature and benefits of cooperation. F. Cooperation among Co-operatives : They shall serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through available local, national, regional and international structures; and G. Concern for Community : They shall focus on the needs of their members and work for the sustainable development through policies approved by their members.