State Cooperative Election Authority

(a) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, Rules and Bye-laws of the society, the Government shall constitute a State Cooperative Election Authority; The State Cooperative Election Authority shall be headed by an officer not below the rank of Additional Registrar of Cooperative Societies. The said Authority is to be assisted by not more than two Additional Co-operative Electoral Officers who are not below the rank of Joint Registrar of Co-operative Societies. The service conditions of the State Cooperative Election Authority and the Additional Cooperative Electoral Officers shall be as prescribed. (b) The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and conduct of all elections shall vest with the State Cooperative Election Authority which shall conduct all elections in the manner prescribed, for all types of Cooperative Societies registered under this Act: Provided that the State Co-operative Election Authority referred to under sub-section (a) above may issue guidelines otherwise laying down the procedure for conduct of elections from time to time. (c) The Registrar of Cooperative Societies shall deploy the supporting staff to the State Cooperative Election Authority as may be prescribed to assist in conduct of elections. (d) Provided that the election of a Board shall be conducted before expiry of the term of the Board so as to ensure that the newly elected members of the Board assume office immediately on the expiry of the office of the outgoing Board.