The Cooperative Ombudsman has directed the Oil & Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) Employees Cooperative Credit Society Ltd., Chennai, to provide information sought by a member under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002.
The order came following complaints filed by S. Arun Kumar and J Benon Francis Silas, who had sought extensive details from the society regarding recruitments, promotions, minutes of Annual General Meetings, appointment of auditors, and procurement of annual gifts, among others. The complainants had filed their applications on February 14, 2025, under Section 108 of the MSCS Act.
In his rejoinder submitted on July 18, 2025, Arun Kumar alleged irregularities in recruitment, tampering of minutes of the 38th Annual General Body Meeting, violation in appointment of auditors, and acceptance of fixed deposits from retired members, contrary to the directions of the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS).
Despite repeated notices from the Ombudsman’s office on April 16, May 19, and June 11, the respondent society failed to provide the requested information.
Instead, it argued that Silas had ceased to be a member after being transferred to Mumbai Offshore, which falls outside the society’s area of operation, and that Arun Kumar too was no longer a member, claims made without any supporting evidence.
After reviewing the matter, Cooperative Ombudsman Alok Agarwal noted that under Section 108 (1)(iii) and (2) of the MSCS Act, 2002, it is mandatory for a multi-state cooperative society to furnish books of accounts, records, and information requested by its members. The society’s refusal to provide such information was found to be in violation of the law.
Accordingly, the Ombudsman has directed the ONGC Employees Cooperative Credit Society to furnish all information sought by Arun Kumar within 30 days and to submit a compliance report thereafter.
The decision underscores the legal obligation of multi-state cooperative societies to remain transparent and accountable to their members, particularly in matters of recruitment, financial management, and governance.