Explanations:The Constitution (97th Amendment) Act, 2011, is a significant piece of legislation that amended the Indian Constitution to include co-operative societies under the right to form associations or unions. This amendment was introduced to ensure that co-operative societies, which are a specific type of organisation, are protected under the fundamental rights of the Indian Constitution.
Article 19(1) of the Indian Constitution guarantees certain fundamental rights to citizens, including the right to form associations or unions. The 97th Amendment specifically added a new clause (c) under Article 19(1), which explicitly includes co-operative societies within the scope of this right. This means that co-operative societies are now protected under the constitutional right to form associations or unions, ensuring their legal recognition and protection.
Co-operative societies are a unique form of organisation that operates on the principles of mutual aid and self-help. They are typically formed by individuals who come together to achieve a common economic or social goal. The inclusion of co-operative societies under Article 19(1)(c) is significant because it provides a legal framework for the protection and promotion of these organisations, which play a crucial role in the economic and social development of the country.
It is important to understand the distinction between the various terms used in the context of the amendment. While associations and unions are broader categories that can include various types of groups, co-operative societies are a specific type of organisation that operates on the principles of cooperation and mutual benefit. The amendment specifically targeted co-operative societies to ensure their recognition and protection under the fundamental rights of the Constitution.
The 97th Amendment Act, 2011, is a testament to the Indian government's commitment to promoting and protecting co-operative societies. By including co-operative societies under the right to form associations or unions, the amendment ensures that these organisations are legally recognised and protected, thereby fostering their growth and development.