By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 2 May: Uttarakhand’s cooperative movement took a ‘historic step’ forward today as members of cooperatives from across the state organised a demonstration in front of the Cooperative Election Authority in Dehradun. The protest was held in response to the ‘unbearable’ delay in initiating the Cooperative Societies’ General Elections 2025. A memorandum was submitted to the Authority demanding that the election date be announced by 12 May 2025. The memorandum warned that, if the date is not declared by then, they would be compelled to lock down the Authority’s office and begin an indefinite sit-in protest. This movement symbolises the unity and determination of lakhs of cooperative society members to defend their democratic rights and protest against the inaction of the Authority.
The Supreme Court of India had stayed the order of the High Court of Uttarakhand dated 27 February 2025 in Special Leave Petition (Civil) No. 15734/2025. As per the Supreme Court’s directive dated 7 April 2025, the Cooperative Election Authority was required to initiate the election process by 1 May 2025. However, no substantial action has been taken by the Authority so far, leading to widespread anger and frustration among cooperative society members. This delay not only disrupts the democratic processes of the societies but also weakens the very foundation of Uttarakhand’s cooperative movement.
Thousands of members participated in the protest, raising slogans against the Authority’s apathy and forcefully voicing their demands. The submitted memorandum clearly stated that further inaction by the Authority would not be tolerated. If the election date is not declared by 12 May, the members will proceed with locking down the Authority office and launching an indefinite protest.
Subhash Ramola, outgoing President of District Cooperative Bank, Tehri, stated, “The cooperative societies in Tehri Garhwal are suffering due to the negligence of the Authority. Our lakhs of members are being denied their democratic rights. Despite the Supreme Court’s clear directive, the Authority remains silent, which is unacceptable. We have given a deadline until 12 May, failing which we will lock the office and begin an indefinite sit-in. This is not just Tehri’s battle; it’s a fight for the entire cooperative movement of Uttarakhand. The future of our cooperative societies is at stake, and we will protect it at any cost. The Authority’s indifference is also tarnishing the image of the Uttarakhand Government.”
Narendra Singh Rawat, outgoing President, Pauri, added, “Members of cooperative societies in Pauri are deeply troubled by the Authority’s inaction. We wrote letters repeatedly, submitted requests, but received no response. This is a betrayal of trust. Implementing the Supreme Court’s order is the Authority’s duty. Their inaction has left us with no choice but to take to the streets – 12 May is our final ultimatum. After that, we will enforce a lockdown of the Authority office and launch an indefinite protest. This movement will continue until our demands are fulfilled.”
Cooperative societies are the backbone of the rural economy in Uttarakhand, providing vital economic and social support to lakhs of farmers, labourers, and small entrepreneurs. The delay in elections is not only hampering administrative functions but also shaking the confidence of the members. This movement is not just about demanding elections, but a commitment to strengthening the cooperative system and upholding democratic values.
Prominent figures present at the protest included Narendra Singh Rawat (Pauri), Sunil Hanumanti (former Director), Basant Singh Kathait, JP Chand, Naresh Negi, Satpal Kaloda, Dr Vijay Laxmi, Roshni Rana, Kuldeep Kathait, Tika Ram Bhatt, Randhir Bisht, along with numerous sarpanches and hundreds of members from various cooperative societies.
