The central registrar of co-operative societies has directed the Chennai-based Indian Medical Practitioners’ Co-op Pharmacy and Stores (IMPCOPS) Ltd to convene a special general body meeting to discuss the complaints raised by a section of members of the director board of the IMPCOPS.

In his letter, the central registrar has directed the secretary of IMPCOPS to set the agenda only to discuss the issue of removal of membership of Dr Bose (president) and Dr Velayudham (vice president) for their activities against the interest of the society as alleged by some members. The registrar's direction to the chief executive of IMPCOPS is in exercise of powers conferred under section 40 of the Multi State Co-operative Society Act 2002.

According to sources, the complaint was filed with the registrar by a group of members after several oral and written requests were made to the secretary for convening a special general body meeting. The sources alleged that the secretary was not heeding to the demands of the majority of the board members. The notice of the registrar was signed on August 21. But the secretary is yet to start the preliminary work for convening the general body, the members alleged.

The board members who approached the central registrar said the executive committee of the IMPCOPS made three appointments of medical officers without ratifying the decision in the general body. According to them, the decision to appoint three medical officers has to be ratified by the general body as per IMPCOPS bye-laws. But, without getting concurrence of the general body, the EC has given appointment orders to the three recruits, two from siddha and one from Unani.

As per the provision of section 40 of the multi-state co-op society (MSCS) Act, 2002, the chief executive/secretary of the IMPCOPS should call the special general body meeting within one month on receipt of a requisition in writing from the central registrar or from such member or members or a proportion of the total number of members as may be provided in the bye-laws. This has been specifically mentioned in the letter of the central registrar.

The bye-law number 30 of the IMPCOPS provides that the chief executive should call the meeting within one month of the request is received from 500 members of the society. Sources said more than five hundred members had signed on the memorandum given to the secretary demanding special general body.