Registrar Cooperative Societies Authorizes Video Conferencing for Cooperative Meetings
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 28, 2025: To enhance participation, cut costs, and ensure timely conduct of meetings, Punjab Registrar Cooperative Societies (RCS) Girish Dayalan has authorized the use of Video Conferencing (VC) for all meetings of Cooperative Institutions across the state.
Following trends in Union and State government operations and court proceedings, the RCS’s directive is supported by the Information Technology Act, 2000, which recognizes electronic records and signatures. Now, all meetings of boards, committees, general bodies, AGMs, and personal hearings can include a video conferencing option, with meeting notices providing VC access details.
The RCS clarified that VC is an additional facility and does not modify existing legal requirements related to quorum, notice, or voting procedures. Transparency will be maintained through roll-call, VC logs, and authenticated participant lists. Agendas may be distributed electronically, and voting and decisions can be recorded via VC and later ratified in meeting minutes.
Institutions may record VC sessions partially or fully for records, and personal hearings may be held through this medium where feasible. Court appearances will follow specific judicial rules.
The Punjab Cooperative Societies Act, 1961, along with accompanying rules and institutional by-laws, continue to govern all functions in full.
This initiative alleviates the financial and logistical burden of large physical gatherings, encourages wider participation including those unable to travel, and ensures compliance with statutory norms.
The Registrar has directed all apex cooperative institutions, cooperative banks and societies at all levels, authorities, and field offices to implement these guidelines immediately.