Odisha: Capital Cooperative Housing President disqualified for having more than 2 children

The President of Capital Co-operative Housing Limited (Ltd) was disqualified from membership of the Committee of Management following confirmation of a breach in the family size rules. President Biswa Ranjan Mohanty was disqualified as per the rules set by the Khurda Division Cooperative Registrar.

An allegation against Mr Mohanty concerning the number of his children led to a formal complaint being lodged at Laxmisagar police station in Bhubaneswar. Upon investigation, police confirmed that Mr Mohanty has more than two children, contravening the cooperative's regulations.

As the findings proved the violation, Mohanty received a formal notice for removal from his role under section 28(3) of the relevant cooperative regulations. According to these rules, members of cooperative societies in this jurisdiction are required to adhere strictly to the prescribed family size.

“As per the Final Report/Charge Sheet of the Investigating Officer in Laxmisagar police station and the joint inquiry report of Joint Registrar of CS (Consumer) Joint Registrar (Credit), Bhubaneswar and Joint AGCS, Directorate of Cooperative Audit, wherein it is established that you have more than two children, hence you incur statutory disqualification,” read the disqualification letter.

“You are therefore not eligible to continue as a member of the Committee of Management as well as the President of Capital Co-operative Housing Ltd. with immediate effect,” it further stated.

This rule is part of broader population control measures, which some cooperative societies in Odisha adhere to, aligning with specific social norms and regional governance policies.

The cooperative body is now expected to appoint a successor who aligns with all regulatory requirements while ensuring a smooth operation within the housing sector.