The Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS), Assam, is the apex authority that works under the Cooperation Department of the Assam Government. It plays an important role in regulating, supervising, and cooperative societies across the state. Its goal is to support equal and inclusive growth through teamwork and self-help. The office works according to a clear set of laws and follows the main values of the cooperative system to help Assam’s people develop in a strong and steady way. It upholds the core principles of the cooperative movement to enhance sustainable socio-economic development in Assam.
What is a Cooperative Society?
A cooperative society is a voluntary association of people who have common economic, social, or cultural goals and come together to share resources and work together in order to improve their joint well-being. These values are self-help, equality, and solidarity, and cooperatives are an important part of the empowerment of local communities, particularly in the rural sector, by facilitating access to credit, markets, services, and employment.
In Assam, cooperative societies have supported farmers, weavers, fishermen, and other small producers by helping facilitate collective action and a sustainable way of living.
Examples of Cooperative Societies in Assam:
- Assam Apex Weavers and Artisans Cooperative Federation Ltd. (ARTFED) – Supports handloom weavers across the state by providing raw materials, marketing facilities, and design training.
- Assam State Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank (ASCARDB) – Provides long-term agricultural credit and rural development loans to farmers.
- Assam Cooperative Jute Mills Ltd., Silghat – A successful cooperative industrial unit that processes jute and supports farmers involved in jute cultivation.
- Kamrup Dairy Cooperative Society – Works under the umbrella of the Assam Livestock and Poultry Corporation, promoting milk production and supporting dairy farmers.
- Assam State Cooperative Marketing and Consumers’ Federation Ltd. (STATFED) – Supplies essential consumer goods and fertilizers at affordable prices to rural communities.
If you find yourself aligned with this vision and aspire to undertake a career in the Cooperation Department, the starting point will be to take exams conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC). Again, for most recruitment congested for some posts like Assistant Registrar or Inspector, there will be a three-step selection process, that is, Prelims, Mains, and Interview. A graduation degree is mandatory (ideally a Commerce, Economics, or Law degree), and a working knowledge of cooperative laws and computer skills can give you barrier-breaking advantages.
Directorate under the Cooperation Department
Let’s understand the administrative framework under the Cooperation Department of the Government of Assam. Led by a Senior IAS officer who is supported by a team that includes:
- 2 Additional Registrars
- 2 Joint Registrars
- 3 Deputy Registrars
- 1 Statistical Officer
- 1 Finance and Accounts Officer (FAO)
- Several Assistant and Sub-Registrars
- Senior and Junior Inspectors of Cooperative Societies
- Ministerial staff
The head office is located at Khanapara, Guwahati-22.
Zonal and District Setup:
For administrative purposes, the state has been divided into four (4) Zones with Zonal Joint Registrars of Cooperative Societies for the plains areas, and the two autonomous Hill Districts have been put under an Additional Registrar of Cooperatives:
The administrative structure of the Cooperative Department in Assam is organized to ensure effective supervision and coordination across all regions of the state.
The distribution of key officers is as follows, covering both the plains and hill areas, including BTAD regions:
| Post | Number of Officers | Jurisdiction/Remarks | Headquarters (HQ) |
| Zonal Joint Registrars (Plains) | 4 | Covering the plains areas | |
| Additional Registrar (Hill Districts) | 1 | Hill Districts | Diphu |
| Additional Registrar (BTAD) | 1 | Bodoland Territorial Area Districts | Kokrajhar |
| Deputy Registrars | 20 | Across 28 districts | Various District HQs |
| Assistant Registrars | 39 | Across 40 subdivisions | Various Subdivision HQs |
This decentralized setup ensures efficiency and better reach at the grassroots level.
Types of Cooperative Societies in Assam
- Agricultural and Credit Societies
- Consumer Cooperatives
- Housing and Industrial Cooperatives
- Dairy, Fisheries, and Weavers’ Cooperatives
- Multipurpose Cooperative Societies
Recruitment Under the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Assam
1. Recruitment Authority:
The recruitment under the Directorate is done mostly through the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC). It is conducted through a three-tier process: Prelims, Mains, and the Interview.
2. Popular Posts Recruited:
- Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies (ARCS)
- Sub-Registrar of Cooperative Societies
- Inspector of Cooperative Societies (Senior/Junior)
- Ministerial Staff and Office Assistants
- Accountants, Clerks, and Statistical Officers
Eligibility Criteria
For Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies (Group A/B Post):
| Criteria | Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies (Group A/B) | Inspector/Sub-Registrar |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate in any discipline from a recognized university.Preference: Commerce, Economics, or Law graduates | Bachelor’s degree.Specific posts may require B.Com or BBA. |
| Age Limit | 21–38 years (Relaxable as per govt. norms) | 18–40 years (Relaxable as per govt. norms) |
| Other Requirements | Basic knowledge of Cooperative Laws and computer literacy is desirable | Not always specified, but computer knowledge may be advantageous |
| Selection Process | Written Examination + Interview (APSC or relevant board) | Written Examination + Interview (APSC or relevant board) |
Selection Process
- Written Examination
- General Studies, Aptitude, Reasoning
- Cooperative Laws and Governance (for higher-level posts)
- Interview / Viva-Voce
- Document Verification
- Final Merit List
Candidates must regularly check the APSC Official Website or Assam Government Recruitment Portal for notification updates.
Career Growth & Promotion
- Assistant Registrar → Deputy Registrar → Joint Registrar → Additional Registrar → Registrar
- Separate internal departmental exams or service seniority-based promotions are conducted as per government service rules.
Salary Structure of Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Assam
| Post | Pay Scale (Approx) | Grade Pay |
| Assistant Registrar | ₹30,000 – ₹1,10,000 | ₹13,300 |
| Sub-Registrar/Inspector | ₹22,000 – ₹97,000 | ₹9,100 – ₹12,700 |
| Ministerial/Clerical Staff | ₹14,000 – ₹60,500 | ₹6,200 – ₹8,700 |
(Note: Actual salary may vary based on pay commission revisions and government policies.)
Vision of the Department of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Assam
If you aspire to be part of this administrative department, your have to work on achieving prosperity and equity through the promotion of cooperative values and self-help initiatives, thereby empowering communities across the state.
Mission of the Department
As a Registrar of Cooperative Societies, you have to build a strong, vibrant, and sustainable Cooperative Sector in Assam by encouraging the voluntary formation, democratic governance, and professional management of viable Cooperative Societies. These societies are envisioned as people-centric institutions dedicated to fostering economic growth and social development.
Mandate of the Department
The department is entrusted with the responsibility of creating a conducive environment for the voluntary formation, self-reliance, and democratic functioning of cooperative societies, alongside ensuring their professional management for long-term sustainability.
These acts provide the legal foundation for the establishment, regulation, and oversight of cooperative institutions in Assam.
The Eight Core Principles of Cooperation
The department upholds and promotes the internationally recognized cooperative principles as guiding values:
- Voluntary and Open Membership
- Democratic Member Control
- Members’ Economic Participation
- Autonomy and Independence
- Education, Training, and Information
- Cooperation Among Cooperative Societies
- Concern for Community
- Professional Management
These principles ensure that cooperatives remain inclusive, transparent, and accountable while contributing to the broader socio-economic upliftment of the community.
Conclusion
The Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Assam, not only empowers local communities through cooperatives but also offers stable government job opportunities in its directorate. Whether you’re a citizen looking to register a cooperative or a job aspirant eyeing a career in the cooperation department, this guide offers everything you need to get started.
Stay updated with official websites for the latest notifications on registration procedures, online services, and government job openings under this department.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What exactly does the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) do in Assam?
The RCS is the top authority that looks after all cooperative societies in the state. It ensures they are properly formed, managed, and run smoothly to help promote teamwork, self-reliance, and inclusive development.
2. Why is the Cooperative Department important for Assam?
It plays a big role in supporting communities by encouraging people to come together and form cooperatives. These cooperatives help in improving both economic and social conditions across rural and urban areas.
3. What kinds of cooperative societies exist in Assam?
There are several types, including agricultural and credit cooperatives, consumer stores, housing cooperatives, dairy and fisheries societies, and even multipurpose cooperatives that do a bit of everything.
4. Who can apply for jobs in the RCS department?
Anyone with a graduate degree (especially in Commerce, Economics, or Law) can apply for posts like Assistant Registrar. Some basic computer knowledge and awareness of cooperative laws are a plus.
5. How are the jobs filled under this department?
Recruitments are usually done through the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC), with a three-stage process: Prelims, Mains, and an Interview.
6. Is there scope for promotion in this department?
Yes, definitely. One can start as an Assistant Registrar and gradually move up the ladder to become Deputy Registrar, Joint Registrar, Additional Registrar, and even the Registrar of Cooperative Societies.
7. What is the pay like in this department?
The salaries vary by post. For example, an Assistant Registrar earns between ₹30,000 and ₹1,10,000 plus grade pay. Other posts, like Inspectors and clerical staff, have their respective pay scales too.
8. What laws guide the functioning of cooperative societies in Assam?
There are several, including the Assam Cooperative Societies Act, 2007, and others like the Assam Land Mortgage Bank Act and the Warehousing Corporation Act.
9. What values do cooperative societies in Assam follow?
They stick to eight core principles like voluntary membership, democratic control, member participation, autonomy, education, community concern, cooperation among cooperatives, and professional management.
10. Where is the main office of the RCS located?
The head office of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies is in Khanapara, Guwahati-22, and the department also has zonal and district offices across the state for better reach.