Q.Why is a co-operative society said to be based on 'one member, one vote'? Explain briefly.

A co-operative society is a democratic organisation in which every member is treated as equal, whatever his wealth.

A co-operative society is a democratic association of equals formed for mutual help. To keep it truly democratic, it follows the principle of 'one member, one vote.'

This means that every member has exactly one vote in the affairs of the society, irrespective of how much capital he has contributed. A member who has bought many shares has no more voting power than a member who has bought only one. As a result:

• Control rests with people, not with money — the wealthy cannot dominate the society as large shareholders can dominate a company (where voting is by 'one share, one vote').
• Equality is preserved — all members stand on the same footing, matching the co-operative spirit of 'Each for all and all for each.'
• The managing committee is elected democratically by these equal votes, so it remains answerable to the ordinary members. …

Do not explain this as 'one share, one vote' — that is the company rule and the exact opposite. The point of 'one member, one v …