The correct answer is option C) 97th Amendment.

Explanation:
The 97th Amendment to the Constitution of India, passed in 2011, gave constitutional status and protection to the co-operative societies. Here is an explanation of the amendment and its significance:

1. Constitutional Status: The 97th Amendment added a new Part IXB to the Constitution, titled "The Co-operative Societies," which consists of Article 243ZH to Article 243ZT. By doing so, co-operative societies were given a constitutional status, ensuring their recognition and protection under the law.

2. Scope of the Amendment: The amendment applies to all types of co-operative societies, including housing, agriculture, credit, consumer, and other forms of co-operatives. It covers both multi-state and single-state co-operative societies.

3. Co-operative Societies under Panchayats and Municipalities: The amendment empowers the State Legislatures to make provisions for the inclusion of co-operative societies within the ambit of Panchayats and Municipalities. This enables local self-governments to play a role in the management and development of co-operative societies.

4. Democratic and Autonomous Functioning: The amendment emphasizes the principles of democratic functioning and autonomous management of co-operative societies. It mandates the conduct of regular elections, the formation of governing boards, and the provision for reservation of seats for weaker sections, women, and Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes.

5. Role of National Co-operative Development Corporation (NCDC): The amendment encourages the promotion and development of co-operative societies through the NCDC. The NCDC provides financial assistance and support to co-operative societies for their growth and sustainability.

6. Cooperative Societies and Other Laws: The amendment ensures that the provisions of the Constitution relating to co-operative societies prevail over any other laws governing co-operatives. This strengthens the legal framework for the functioning and protection of co-operative societies.

7. Cooperative Societies and Fundamental Rights: The amendment clarifies that the rights guaranteed under Part III of the Constitution, which includes fundamental rights, are also applicable to members of co-operative societies. This ensures that the members of co-operative societies are not denied their basic rights.

The 97th Amendment to the Constitution of India was a significant step towards recognizing and protecting the role of co-operative societies in the socio-economic development of the country. It provided a constitutional framework for their functioning, ensuring democratic management, and promoting their growth and sustainability.