In line with various notifications by the department of cooperation during the Covid-19 pandemic to maintain social distancing in cooperative societies the Commissioner, Co-operation and Registrar, Co-operative Societies, Maharashtra has ordered conducting monthly meetings and other routine activities through digital mediums. 
 
Noting that the facilities of all communications are closed and different types of prohibitionary measures are being implemented in the state to contain the infection and spread of coronavirus in the state. As per provision in the byelaws of the society it is compulsory to call monthly meeting. Since travelling is not possible in the lockdown period, difficulties are arising in conducting monthly meetings of all co-operative societies and officers/ office bearers can't attend the meetings. In view of the above the order issued last month dictates that the board meetings of co-operative societies be held by video conference or through other digital options.
 
“Considering the present lockdown situation all co-operative societies are permitted to conduct their monthly meetings through video conference or the digital options till the period of lockdown. However all the chief executive officers/secretaries of the co-operative societies must take precaution that the agenda of the monthly meeting should reach all committee members in time by WhatsApp, email or through other digital media. Similarly those officers/office bearers who attend the meeting in person should maintain social distance and must wear mask,” says Anil Kakde, commissioner, co-operative and registrar, co-operative societies, in his order.
 
Maharashtra has approximately 200000 cooperative societies out of which nearly 100000 are housing societies. Others include banks, credit societies, consumer, agricultural, milk, fisheries, marketing, sugar, weaving and other cooperatives.