Maharashtra ordinance permits government nominees on large cooperative committees

Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma promulgated an ordinance on 6 November 2026 amending Section 73AAA of the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, 1960. It took effect immediately and was covered in the news on 7 November 2026. It allows the state government to nominate five members to managing committees of qualifying federal cooperative societies. The provision covers societies receiving state assistance with annual turnover above ₹500 crore. District central cooperative banks are excluded.

One nominee must be a government officer of at least the rank of Assistant Registrar of Co-operative Societies. The other four are experts in cooperative affairs. The experts can vote in committee meetings, while the officer cannot. The nominees cannot be elected to offices such as chairperson or vice-chairperson. State assistance for purposes of the provision may include share capital, a loan, a guarantee, a grant, land or another form of support.

Facts to remember

• Promulgation: 6 November 2026 in Maharashtra.
• The ordinance amends Section 73AAA of the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, 1960.
• The turnover threshold is above ₹500 crore per year, with state assistance also required.
• There are five nominees: four voting experts and one government officer without a vote.

Background

Article 213 gives a Governor ordinance-making power when the constitutional conditions are met and immediate action is necessary. An ordinance has the force of a state law while in operation. It must be placed before the state legislature and ordinarily ceases to operate six weeks after the legislature reassembles, unless it ends sooner under the provision.

Why it matters for exams

For Judiciary, AIBE and CLAT Polity, review Article 213 and distinguish committee voting rights from eligibility to hold office.