Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background
The Right to Information Act,2005 came into force with effect from 12th October 2005.Clause 4(1)(a) of the Right to Information Act,2005 lays down that each Public Authority shall maintain all its records duly catalogued and indexed in a manner and the form which facilitates the right to information under this Act and ensure that records that are appropriate to be computerized and connected through a network all over the State and the country on different systems so that access to such records is facilitated.

1.2 Objective/purpose of this information handbook.
Clause 4(1) (b) of the Right to Information Act, 2005 lays down that each Public Authority shall compile such manuals:

1.3 Who are the intended users of the handbook?
Citizens, Civil Society organizations, Public Representatives, Officers and employees of public authorities including PIO and APIO and Appellate Officer, Central and State Information Commissions etc.

1.4 Definitions of key terms:
a) Act means – Sikkim Cooperative Societies Act, 1978
b) Rules means – Sikkim Cooperative Societies Rules, 1981
c) Pr.RCS means – Principle Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Government of Sikkim.
d) RCS means – Registrar Cooperative Societies, Government of Sikkim.
e) Society means – Cooperative Society registered under the above Act.



1.5 Organization of Information:
Information in this hand book are arranged in chapter forms ranging from chapter 2 to chapter 18.All the relevant information as prescribed in the clause 4(1)(b) of the Right to Information Act,2005 has been incorporated in this handbook.

1.6 Getting additional Information:

Any additional information which has not been incorporated in this Handbook can be obtained free of cost from the Head Office, Department of Cooperation Sahakari Bhawan, Tadong, Gangtok.

Chapter 3
Powers and Duties of Officers and Employees
[Section 4(1) (b) 9ii)]

3.1 Please provide details of the powers and duties of officers and employees of the authority by designation as follows: