Co-operative Societies

Q40. Which of the following statements best describes the significance of the 97th Constitutional Amendment?

[DSSSB Assistant Superintendent – 2026]

A. Recognition of cooperative societies as fundamental institutions

B. Introduction of GST in the Indian economy

C. Making compulsory education mandatory for children

D. Constitutional status to anti-defection law

Answer: A. Recognition of cooperative societies as fundamental institutions

Explanation: The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011, strengthened the constitutional position of cooperative societies. It aimed to encourage voluntary formation, democratic control, autonomous functioning and professional management, thereby addressing weaknesses in cooperative governance and protecting members’ interests.

Q39. Which Constitutional Amendment Act inserted a new Directive Principle relating to the promotion of co-operative societies by adding Article 43B to the Constitution of India?

[DSSSB Court Attendant – 2026]

A. 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011

B. 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016

C. 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003

D. 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002

Answer: A. 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011

Explanation: The 97th Amendment inserted Article 43B in Part IV of the Constitution. It directs the State to encourage voluntary cooperative formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control and professional management. These principles seek to improve cooperative accountability and institutional independence.

Q38. Article 243ZI of the Indian Constitution empowers the State Legislature to make laws regarding co-operative societies. Which principle is NOT included in its scope?

[RRB NTPC Undergraduate CBT-I – 2026]

A. Democratic member control

B. Compulsory State supervision

C. Autonomous functioning

D. Voluntary formation

Answer: B. Compulsory State supervision

Explanation: Article 243ZI emphasises voluntary formation, democratic member control, member-economic participation and autonomy. Compulsory State supervision is not among these principles. Following the Supreme Court’s 2021 judgment, Part IXB remains operative for multi-State cooperatives, not ordinary State cooperatives.

Q37. Which constitutional amendment gave constitutional status to cooperative societies?

[SSC GD Constable – 2026]

A. 73rd Amendment

B. 86th Amendment

C. 91st Amendment

D. 97th Amendment

Answer: D. 97th Amendment

Explanation: The 97th Constitutional Amendment introduced three significant changes relating to cooperatives: explicit recognition under Article 19(1)(c), a new Directive Principle under Article 43B and Part IXB. Its purpose was to promote more democratic, autonomous and professionally managed cooperative institutions.

Q36. Which Article, added by the 97th Amendment Act, 2011, promotes the professional management of co-operative societies?

[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I – 2026]

A. Article 43B

B. Article 43A

C. Article 48A

D. Article 38

Answer: A. Article 43B

Explanation: Article 43B promotes professional management alongside voluntary formation, democratic control and autonomous functioning of cooperative societies. It belongs to the Directive Principles of State Policy and guides governments in strengthening the organisational efficiency and independence of cooperatives.

Q35. Which of the following statements is/are CORRECT with regard to cooperative societies?

[MP Police Sub-Inspector – 2026]

1. Part IX-B of the Constitution relates to cooperative societies.

2. Cooperative societies have been mentioned in the Constitution in the Directive Principles of State Policy.

3. Part IX-B of the Constitution is related to cooperative societies.

A. Only 1

B. Only 1 and 3

C. 1, 2 and 3

D. Only 2

Answer: C. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation: All three statements are correct, although statements 1 and 3 repeat the same fact. Part IXB concerns cooperative societies, while Article 43B addresses their promotion through the Directive Principles. The provisions were introduced by the 97th Amendment.

Q34. Under which Article of the Indian Constitution do citizens have the right to form associations, unions or co-operative societies?

[DSSSB TGT Social Science – 2025]

A. Article 19(d)

B. Article 19(b)

C. Article 19(c)

D. Article 19(a)

Answer: C. Article 19(c)

Explanation: Article 19(1)(c) guarantees citizens freedom to form associations, unions or cooperative societies. The 97th Amendment explicitly inserted cooperative societies into this clause, providing fundamental-right protection for voluntary collective organisation, subject to constitutionally permitted reasonable restrictions.

Q33. The 97th Indian Constitutional Amendment is related to which of the following?

[OSSSC CRE Preliminary Examination – 2025]

A. GST

B. Panchayati Raj

C. Anti-defection

D. Co-operative societies

Answer: D. Co-operative societies

Explanation: The 97th Amendment specifically addressed cooperative societies by modifying Fundamental Rights, introducing Article 43B and adding Part IXB. The reform recognised cooperatives’ socioeconomic importance while promoting transparent administration, member participation and independence from unnecessary interference.

Q32. Which Constitutional Amendment granted constitutional status to Co-operative Societies in India?

[RRB NTPC Undergraduate CBT-I – 2025]

A. 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992

B. 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992

C. 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011

D. 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002

Answer: C. 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011

Explanation: The 73rd and 74th Amendments relate primarily to Panchayats and Municipalities. The 97th Amendment concerns cooperative societies. It strengthened constitutional recognition of cooperatives and sought to protect their democratic administration, organisational autonomy and professional management.

Q31. Which statement is correct regarding the legislative allocation of cooperative societies in the Constitution of India?

[RRB NTPC Undergraduate CBT-I – 2025]

A. It is a subject in the State List.

B. It falls under the Residuary (Union) List.

C. It is a subject in the Union List.

D. It is a subject in the Concurrent List.

Answer: A. It is a subject in the State List.

Explanation: Cooperative societies operating within a State fall under Entry 32 of the State List in the Seventh Schedule. State Legislatures primarily regulate them. Parliament separately legislates on multi-State cooperative societies under its constitutional powers.

Q30. For the development of cooperative societies, which part of the Constitution was amended through the 97th Amendment?

[RRB NTPC Undergraduate CBT-I – 2025]

A. Part IXB

B. Part XII

C. Part XI

D. Part IXA

Answer: A. Part IXB

Explanation: Part IXB was inserted by the 97th Constitutional Amendment to provide a framework concerning cooperative societies. Its provisions address matters such as incorporation, board composition, elections and auditing. Its application was subsequently limited by the Supreme Court in 2021.

Q29. Which Article of the Constitution of India provides for the incorporation, regulation and winding up of co-operative societies?

[DFCCIL Multi-Tasking Staff – 2025]

A. Article 248(1)

B. Article 241(1)

C. Article 243I

D. Article 243ZI

Answer: D. Article 243ZI

Explanation: Article 243ZI concerns incorporation, regulation and winding up of cooperative societies based on democratic participation, economic involvement and autonomous functioning. It was introduced through Part IXB, whose enforceable constitutional application is now limited to multi-State cooperatives.

Q28. Which of the following Directive Principles is mentioned in Article 43B of the Constitution of India?

[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I – 2025]

A. Uniform civil code for citizens

B. Organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry

C. Promotion of co-operative societies

D. Equal justice and free legal aid

Answer: C. Promotion of co-operative societies

Explanation: Article 43B directs the State to promote cooperative societies through voluntary membership, democratic administration, institutional autonomy and professional management. Uniform Civil Code appears under Article 44, while equal justice and free legal aid are covered by Article 39A.

Q27. Which Constitutional Amendment recognised the right to form cooperative societies as part of Fundamental Rights?

[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I – 2025]

A. 11th Amendment Act

B. 99th Amendment Act

C. 93rd Amendment Act

D. 97th Amendment Act

Answer: D. 97th Amendment Act

Explanation: The 97th Amendment explicitly recognised forming cooperative societies under Article 19(1)(c). The change strengthened citizens’ freedom to establish such organisations, reflecting the importance of cooperation, economic participation and collective decision-making within India’s constitutional framework.

Q26. Under which List of the Indian Constitution are co-operative societies classified?

[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I – 2025]

A. Residuary Powers

B. Concurrent List

C. State List

D. Union List

Answer: C. State List

Explanation: Entry 32 of List II in the Seventh Schedule includes cooperative societies. Consequently, the States ordinarily regulate cooperative institutions within their territories. The distinction between State and multi-State cooperatives is important when determining legislative competence.

Q25. Which of the following features of the Indian Constitution was added by the 97th Constitutional Amendment Act?

[SSC MTS – 2024]

A. Independent Bodies

B. Elections to the Panchayats

C. Cooperative Societies

D. Foreign Policy

Answer: C. Cooperative Societies

Explanation: The 97th Amendment introduced specific constitutional provisions for cooperative societies. It was intended to strengthen member accountability, prevent prolonged administrative interference, encourage timely elections and improve professional management, recognising cooperatives as instruments of socioeconomic development.

Q24. Chapter IX-B of the Indian Constitution on “Co-operative Societies” was included by:

[OSSC CGL Mains – 2024]

A. 42nd Amendment

B. 44th Amendment

C. 72nd Amendment

D. 97th Amendment

Answer: D. 97th Amendment

Explanation: The question refers to Part IXB, introduced through the 97th Constitutional Amendment. It contains Articles 243ZH to 243ZT concerning cooperative governance. The Supreme Court later restricted its operation to multi-State cooperative societies because State ratification was missing.

Q23. Which of the following is NOT a Directive Principle of State Policy under Part IV of the Constitution of India?

[OSSC CGL Mains – 2024]

A. Provision for maternity relief

B. Living wage for workers

C. Promotion of Sanskrit language

D. Promotion of co-operative societies

Answer: C. Promotion of Sanskrit language

Explanation: Article 43B includes promotion of cooperative societies among the Directive Principles. Maternity relief is covered by Article 42 and living wages by Article 43. Promotion of Sanskrit is not an independently listed Directive Principle under Part IV.

Q22. Which Directive Principle was added by the 97th Amendment Act, 2011?

[SSC Junior Engineer Electrical – 2024]

A. Uniform civil code for citizens

B. Separation of judiciary from executive

C. Promotion of co-operative societies

D. Organisation of village panchayats

Answer: C. Promotion of co-operative societies

Explanation: The 97th Amendment introduced Article 43B, adding cooperative promotion to the Directive Principles. It was intended to strengthen cooperative institutions through member participation, democratic elections, independent management and professional administration rather than excessive external control.

Q21. Consider the following pairs:

[HPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination – 2024]

1. Equal Justice and Free Legal Aid : Article 36

2. Promotion of Cooperative Societies : Article 43B

3. Participation of Workers in Management of Industries : Article 43A

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

A. Only one pair

B. Only two pairs

C. All three pairs

D. None of the pairs

E. Question not attempted

Answer: B. Only two pairs

Explanation: Pairs 2 and 3 are correct. Article 43B concerns cooperative promotion, while Article 43A promotes worker participation in industrial management. Pair 1 is incorrect because equal justice and free legal aid are addressed under Article 39A.

Q20. The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2011 added a new Directive Principle of State Policy relating to _________.

[Delhi Police Constable Executive – 2023]

A. Interstate relations

B. Quasi-judicial bodies

C. Cooperative societies

D. Rivers and water bodies

Answer: C. Cooperative societies

Explanation: The new Directive Principle appears in Article 43B. It emphasises democratic and autonomous cooperative functioning. The constitutional recognition was designed to encourage stronger internal governance while supporting cooperatives’ contribution to economic participation, employment and community development.

Q19. Part 9B of the Constitution of India, added by the 97th Amendment Act, 2011, deals with which of the following?

[Maharashtra Nagar Parishad Administration Service – 2023]

A. Union Territories

B. Elections

C. Co-operative Societies

D. Emergency provisions

Answer: C. Co-operative Societies

Explanation: Part IXB was established to strengthen cooperative governance, particularly democratic accountability and institutional autonomy. It addresses election procedures, management, board membership and other matters. Its constitutional operation is subject to the Supreme Court’s 2021 ruling.

Q18. Which amendment of the Indian Constitution required the State to promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control and professional management of co-operative societies under the Directive Principles of State Policy?

[DDA Patwari – 2023]

A. 42nd Amendment Act, 1976

B. 88th Amendment Act, 2002

C. 97th Amendment Act, 2011

D. 43rd Amendment Act, 1982

Answer: C. 97th Amendment Act, 2011

Explanation: The 97th Amendment inserted Article 43B to encourage cooperative reforms. The provision responds to difficulties involving weak accountability, postponed elections and insufficient professionalism, placing emphasis on voluntary organisation, member control and administrative independence.

Q17. Which of the following statements is correct about Article 43B of the Indian Constitution?

[SSC CHSL Tier-I – 2023]

A. It was added by the 44th Constitutional Amendment.

B. It is related to cooperative society.

C. It is related to the right of livelihood.

D. It was added in 2002.

Answer: B. It is related to cooperative society.

Explanation: Article 43B was added by the 97th Amendment, not the 44th Amendment. It concerns the promotion of cooperative societies and directs the State towards supporting their democratic control, voluntary formation, autonomy and effective management.

Q16. Which of the following Articles is related to the provisions of Co-operative Societies in the Indian Constitution?

[SSC CHSL Tier-I – 2023]

A. Articles 243ZG to 243ZJ

B. Articles 243P to 243ZG

C. Articles 243ZH to 243ZT

D. Articles 243A to 243O

Answer: C. Articles 243ZH to 243ZT

Explanation: Part IXB covers Articles 243ZH to 243ZT, dealing with various aspects of cooperative societies. These include definitions, incorporation, management, elections and auditing. The constitutional framework was introduced through the 97th Amendment Act.

Q15. Article 43B was included as a Directive Principle of State Policy by the _____ Constitutional Amendment Act.

[Punjab Police Constable – 2023]

A. 91st

B. 93rd

C. 99th

D. 97th

Answer: D. 97th

Explanation: The 97th Amendment inserted Article 43B to promote cooperatives through democratic and professional governance. It also expanded Article 19(1)(c) and added Part IXB, creating a constitutional framework intended to strengthen cooperative institutions.

Q14. Which of the following Articles of the Indian Constitution mentions the right to form co-operative societies?

[SSC CHSL Tier-I – 2023]

A. Article 19(1)(d)

B. Article 19(1)(c)

C. Article 19(1)(b)

D. Article 19(1)(a)

Answer: B. Article 19(1)(c)

Explanation: Article 19(1)(c) protects the right of Indian citizens to establish associations, unions and cooperative societies. The 97th Amendment explicitly added cooperative societies, thereby reinforcing constitutional protection for collective economic and social organisation.

Q13. On 20 July 2021, the Supreme Court struck down certain provisions of Part IXB of the Constitution of India. Part IXB was related to:

[SSC CGL Tier-I – 2023]

A. Panchayats

B. Municipalities

C. Co-operative Societies

D. Subordinate Courts

Answer: C. Co-operative Societies

Explanation: In Union of India v. Rajendra N. Shah, the Supreme Court held Part IXB inoperative for cooperatives within a State because mandatory State ratification had not occurred. Its provisions remain operative for multi-State cooperative societies.

Q12. Article 43B of the Indian Constitution provides for __________.

[SSC MTS 2022 Examination, Held in 2023]

A. Organisation of village panchayats

B. Right to work

C. Separation of Judiciary from Executive

D. Promotion of cooperative societies

Answer: D. Promotion of cooperative societies

Explanation: Article 43B was inserted under Part IV by the 97th Constitutional Amendment. It asks the State to encourage autonomous and democratically controlled cooperative societies. Unlike Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles guide governance but are not directly enforceable in courts.

Q11. Which of the following Directive Principles of State Policy were introduced in the Constitution of India by constitutional amendments?

[RPSC Senior Teacher Grade II, 2022 Examination Held in 2023]

(a) Equal justice and free legal aid

(b) Promotion of co-operative society

(c) Right to work

A. Only (a)

B. Only (b)

C. (a) and (b)

D. (a), (b) and (c)

Answer: C. (a) and (b)

Explanation: Article 39A concerning free legal aid was introduced by the 42nd Amendment, while Article 43B on cooperative promotion came through the 97th Amendment. The right to work is covered by the existing provision of Article 41.

Q10. The Directive Principle in Article 43B relating to co-operative societies was incorporated by which Constitutional Amendment Act?

[AP Police Constable Preliminary Examination – 2023]

A. 91st Constitutional Amendment Act

B. 93rd Constitutional Amendment Act

C. 95th Constitutional Amendment Act

D. 97th Constitutional Amendment Act

Answer: D. 97th Constitutional Amendment Act

Explanation: The 97th Amendment introduced Article 43B as a constitutional commitment to strengthening cooperatives. It promoted self-governance, democratic elections and professional administration, responding to earlier concerns about inefficient management and prolonged control by appointed administrators.

Q9. Consider the following statements and choose the correct option:

[MPSC Rajyaseva Preliminary Examination – 2022]

(a) The subject ‘Co-operative Societies’ has been included in the Constitution of India by the 97th Amendment in 2011.

(b) The right to establish ‘Co-operative Societies’ is given in Article 19(1)(c).

(c) The first law related to Co-operative Societies in India was passed during the tenure of Lord Curzon.

A. (a) and (c) are correct

B. (b) and (c) are correct

C. (a) and (b) are correct

D. All the three statements are correct

Answer: D. All the three statements are correct

Explanation: The 97th Amendment introduced specific constitutional recognition for cooperatives, including Article 19(1)(c). The cooperative movement’s early legislative history includes the Cooperative Credit Societies Act, 1904, enacted during Lord Curzon’s tenure as Viceroy.

Q8. Article 43B was inserted as a _______ in the Constitution of India.

[SSC MTS – 2022]

A. Constitutional body

B. Fundamental duty

C. Directive Principle of State Policy

D. Fundamental Right

Answer: C. Directive Principle of State Policy

Explanation: Article 43B is located in Part IV, which contains the Directive Principles. It does not establish a constitutional body or create a Fundamental Duty. Its objective is to guide public policy towards stronger democratic and autonomous cooperative institutions.

Q7. Which Constitutional Amendment Act added new provisions related to cooperative societies in Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy?

[NVS Mess Helper – 2022]

A. 97th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2011

B. 96th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2011

C. 95th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2009

D. None of the above

Answer: A. 97th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2011

Explanation: The 97th Amendment modified Article 19(1)(c), inserted Article 43B and introduced Part IXB. These changes were designed to strengthen cooperatives through constitutional recognition, improve democratic administration and reduce unnecessary interference in their functioning.

Q6. Which of the following Articles was added to the Indian Constitution through the 97th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2011?

[Jute Corporation of India Junior Assistant – 2022]

A. Article 151

B. Article 43B

C. Article 127

D. Article 51

Answer: B. Article 43B

Explanation: Article 43B was specifically introduced to encourage cooperative development. It reflects the constitutional goal of improving cooperative accountability, democracy and autonomy while supporting efficient management and greater participation of members in institutional decision-making.

Q5. Which Constitutional Amendment Act added a new Directive Principle regarding ‘co-operative societies’ in 2011?

[UP Police Sub-Inspector – 2021]

A. 97th Amendment

B. 73rd Amendment

C. 101st Amendment

D. 62nd Amendment

Answer: A. 97th Amendment

Explanation: Article 43B emerged from the 97th Amendment to promote the voluntary formation and democratic functioning of cooperatives. Its introduction recognised the need for professional administration and safeguards against institutional weaknesses affecting cooperative members.

Q4. Which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India is related to the promotion of co-operative societies?

[SSC GD Constable – 2021]

A. Article 43A

B. Article 43B

C. Article 31A

D. Article 31B

Answer: B. Article 43B

Explanation: Article 43B encourages voluntary formation, democratic control, autonomous functioning and professional management of cooperatives. It was inserted in 2011 through the 97th Amendment, reflecting the importance of cooperatives in social participation and economic development.

Q3. Article 43B in Part IV of the Constitution of India deals with:

[RRB NTPC CBT-I – 2021]

A. Village panchayats

B. Cooperative societies

C. Rural business hubs

D. Forest development

Answer: B. Cooperative societies

Explanation: Article 43B is a Directive Principle dedicated to cooperative promotion. By seeking autonomous, democratic and professionally governed institutions, it supports members’ participation and economic cooperation. Village Panchayats are separately addressed under Article 40.

Q2. The new Fundamental Right that was incorporated by the 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011, was:

[AP Police Constable Preliminary Examination – 2019]

A. Right to Education

B. Right to practice any profession

C. Right to carry on any trade

D. Right to form Cooperative Societies

Answer: D. Right to form Cooperative Societies

Explanation: The amendment explicitly included the right to form cooperative societies within Article 19(1)(c). This recognised collective economic organisation as part of citizens’ freedom of association, strengthening constitutional protection for cooperative formation.

Q1. Which amendment of the Indian Constitution inserted the words “co-operative societies” in Article 19?

[JKSSB Patwari – 2018]

A. The Constitution (Ninety-fourth Amendment) Act, 2006

B. The Constitution (Ninety-fifth Amendment) Act, 2009

C. The Constitution (Ninety-seventh Amendment) Act, 2011

D. The Constitution (Ninety-ninth Amendment) Act, 2014

Answer: C. The Constitution (Ninety-seventh Amendment) Act, 2011

Explanation: The 97th Constitutional Amendment added express recognition of cooperative societies under Article 19(1)(c). It also inserted Article 43B and Part IXB to improve cooperative autonomy, democratic administration, member accountability and professional management.