BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government has taken a significant step to improve the functioning of Agricultural Credit Cooperative Societies across the state. Cooperation Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta recently announced a series of new guidelines in Bhubaneswar. His main goal is to bring total transparency to the system and encourage active participation from all members. To achieve this, the Minister has issued specific directions to the State Cooperative Registrar to implement these changes immediately. 
Odisha Co-op Overhaul: New Rules on Transparency & Profits


​Mandatory Display of Member Names

​One of the primary changes concerns the visibility of leadership within these organizations. The Minister ordered every cooperative society to clearly display the names of all management committee members. The societies must place this list in a prominent and easily visible spot within the office premises or campus. This ensures that every visitor and member knows exactly who is managing the organization. The government believes this simple step will increase accountability and allow members to identify their representatives easily.

​Strict Rules for General Body Meetings

​Furthermore, the government has placed a strong emphasis on the Annual General Body (AGB) meetings. The Minister stated that societies must hold their AGB meeting for the current financial year before March 31, 2026. However, simply holding the meeting is not enough. The societies must advertise the event widely to ensure people know about it.
​The Minister stressed that adequate member participation is mandatory. According to legal provisions, at least 200 members must attend and participate in these annual meetings. This rule ensures that decisions reflect the will of the majority rather than a select few.

​Distribution of Profits to Members

​The Minister also addressed the financial rights of the members. He issued a firm directive regarding financially successful societies. Any cooperative society that earns a net profit of more than one crore rupees must share its success. These societies must distribute dividends to their members. They must follow the Cooperative Act and their own bylaws while doing this. This directive ensures that farmers and regular members receive their fair share of the profits generated by the society.

​Enforcement and Monitoring

​Finally, the government has set up a monitoring system to ensure compliance. The Cooperative Registrar will assign field officers to oversee these changes. These officers will verify that societies follow the new orders within the given time limits. These comprehensive measures aim to strengthen the cooperative movement in Odisha and empower the farming community by ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected.