1. Commitment to Cooperative Values

• Uphold the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity.
• Promote mutual respect and cooperation among members, staff, and the community.

2. Active Participation of Members

• Encourage all members to participate actively in decision-making and discussions.
• Ensure that members are informed and educated about the cooperative’s activities, policies, and goals.
• Hold regular and accessible meetings for effective participation and member engagement.

3. Fair and Democratic Election Processes

• Ensure elections of the governing body are fair, transparent, and democratic.
• All members should have equal opportunities to contest and vote in elections without coercion or favouritism.

4. Transparent Financial Management

• Ensure that the cooperative’s financial resources are managed in a transparent, accountable, and responsible manner.
• Keep financial records up-to-date and make them available to members for review.
• Avoid financial malpractices, mismanagement, and misuse of cooperative funds.

5. Zero Tolerance for Corruption and Fraud

• Strictly prohibit corruption, fraud, or any form of unethical behavior within the cooperative.
• Members and office-bearers must report any illegal or unethical activities.
• Implement proper checks and balances to prevent any form of dishonesty.

6. Respect for Diversity and Inclusion

• Promote inclusivity by ensuring that membership is open to all individuals without discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, or socioeconomic background.
• Encourage diverse representation in leadership roles, fostering an environment that respects diversity and equality.

 

7. Responsible Use of Power

• Office-bearers must not misuse their position or influence for personal gain.
• Decision-making should always reflect the collective interests of the members, not individual or political motivations.
• Encourage accountability at every level of governance within the cooperative.

8. Efficient Use of Resources

• Promote sustainable use of resources and environmentally-friendly practices in the cooperative’s operations.
• Optimize the use of cooperative assets for the benefit of all members while ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

9. Member Rights and Responsibilities

• Respect and protect the rights of all members, including their right to information, participation, and access to services.
• Members are responsible for contributing to the cooperative, including fulfilling financial obligations and adhering to the bylaws.
• Encourage the active involvement of members in cooperative activities and initiatives.

10. Conflict Management

• Establish clear procedures for handling disputes between members or between members and the management.
• Promote peaceful resolution of conflicts through mediation, dialogue, and arbitration in a fair and transparent manner.
• Avoid unnecessary escalation of disputes to legal action unless all internal options are exhausted.

11. Promotion of Social Responsibility

• Encourage the cooperative to engage in activities that benefit society and contribute to local development.
• Cooperatives should initiate programs that promote education, health, employment, and community welfare.
• Strive to create a positive social and environmental impact through cooperative efforts.

12. Continuous Improvement

• Regularly assess and improve the cooperative’s processes, governance, and service delivery.
• Encourage members and office-bearers to engage in ongoing education and training to enhance their skills and understanding of cooperative management.

• 13. Consequences for Violations

• Establish clear penalties for violations of the code, ranging from warnings and fines to removal from leadership or termination of membership.
• Ensure that any disciplinary action is carried out fairly and in accordance with the cooperative’s bylaws and regulations.

 

This emphasizes inclusivity, good governance, transparency, and the ethical responsibilities of both the leadership and members in building a sustainable and democratic cooperative society.