After the 97^th Constitutional Amendment, for how long can a state co-operative law that is inconsistent with the amendment remain in force?

The correct answer is 1 year.

Key Points

• The 97th Constitutional Amendment introduced reforms to promote the autonomy and democratic functioning of cooperative societies in India.
• Under this amendment, state laws inconsistent with the provisions of the amendment can remain in force for a maximum period of 1 year from the commencement of the amendment.
• This period allows states to make necessary modifications to their cooperative laws to comply with the amendment.
• The amendment aimed to make cooperative societies more accountable, transparent, and member-driven.
• It also added a new part, Part IXB, to the Constitution of India to specifically deal with cooperative societies.

Additional Information

• 97th Constitutional Amendment:
  • The amendment was passed in 2011 and came into effect on February 15, 2012.
  • It added Article 43B to the Directive Principles of State Policy, encouraging states to promote voluntary formation, democratic functioning, and professional management of cooperative societies.
• Part IXB of the Constitution:
  • This part specifically deals with cooperative societies and outlines provisions for their governance.
  • It includes provisions for the composition, election, and tenure of the board of cooperative societies.
• Objective of the Amendment:
  • To improve the functioning of cooperative societies and ensure their accountability to members.
  • To protect the interests of members and prevent misuse of funds and powers.
• Legal Framework:
  • States were required to amend their cooperative society laws to comply with the constitutional provisions within one year.
  • Any inconsistent state law beyond this period would cease to have effect.