Supreme Court Blasts UP Over Colonial Practice of Making Bureaucrats’ Wives Ex-Officio Heads of Societies

The Supreme Court pulled up the Uttar Pradesh government for continuing the colonial-era system of appointing bureaucrats’ spouses as ex-officio office-bearers in cooperative bodies. The court directed the state to amend laws and shift towards democratic, elected governance structures.

Supreme Court: UP Govt. to End Colonial-Era Practice of Bureaucrats’ Wives Holding Key Posts in Societies

New Delhi, Feb 17: The Uttar Pradesh government has informed the Supreme Court that it is making changes to state laws to remove the practice of appointing the wives and family members of bureaucrats as ex-officio members in cooperative societies and trusts. The government is also working on model rules to regulate these entities, especially those receiving financial aid from the state.