Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah has said that the development of an online portal for the Cooperative Ombudsman has been initiated to ensure transparent, efficient and technology-driven management of complaints and appeals.
Following the amendment to the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, the Ministry of Cooperation appointed the Cooperative Ombudsman through a Gazette notification dated March 5, 2024.
The Ombudsman examines complaints filed by members of Multi-State Cooperative Societies relating to deposits, equitable benefits arising from the functioning of societies, and other issues affecting individual member rights.
The Minister informed that the Cooperative Ombudsman also acts as the Appellate Authority for appeals filed by members against orders passed by the Cooperative Information Officer. He added that the Multi-State Cooperative Society Rules, 2002, provide a simple and standardized procedure for filing complaints and appeals.
As this is a new initiative, Amit Shah said members are being continuously advised and guided regarding the procedure for filing complaints and appeals.