Know Your Society — Rights and Responsibilities of Residents

In a housing society, residents are not just people living in the building. They are members of a cooperative society. This means the society actually belongs to them.

The Managing Committee only runs the day-to-day work, but the real authority lies with the members through the General Body. When residents understand their rights and also fulfill their responsibilities, the society runs smoothly and transparently.

Rights of Members

Members of a cooperative housing society have several important rights.

Under Section 27 of the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, every member has one vote in the General Body, irrespective of the size of the flat.

Members have the right to:

• Participate in General Body Meetings (GBM)
• Vote in society elections
• Ask questions about society expenses and decisions
• Suggest improvements for society functioning
• Inspect society documents and records

Under Section 32 of the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, members have the right to inspect society records, including accounts and other important documents.

This right ensures transparency in the functioning of the society.

Responsibilities of Members

Rights always come with responsibilities. For a society to function well, members must also play their part.

Members should:

• Pay maintenance charges on time
• Follow the society bye-laws and rules
• Attend General Body Meetings

When residents remain inactive or uninterested, management problems begin to increase. Active participation by members keeps the society healthy and accountable.

What If Your Views Are Ignored?

Sometimes residents feel that their suggestions or concerns are not taken seriously by the Managing Committee. In such situations, members should follow a proper and constructive approach.

1. Send Your Query in Writing

Always send your question or suggestion through email or written letter to the society office. They are bound to reply as per the society by laws. Written communication creates a record and makes it easier to follow up.

2. Send a Reminder

If there is no response within a reasonable time, send a polite reminder referring to your earlier communication. Keep records of these reminders which can be shared to Dy. Registrar during routine inspection of the society.

3. Raise the Issue in the General Body Meeting

The General Body Meeting is the highest authority in a cooperative society. If the committee does not respond, members can raise the issue in the GBM and seek clarification in front of all members.

4. Inspect Society Records

If the information relates to society functioning, members can use their right under Section 32 to inspect the relevant records.

5. Approach the Cooperative Department

If the committee continues to ignore communication or refuses to provide information, the member can submit a written complaint to the Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies. The Registrar has the authority to examine the matter and issue directions to the society.

An Important Thought

A cooperative housing society becomes strong only when members remain aware, active, and involved in decision-making.

If residents remain silent, decisions get concentrated in the hands of a few people. But when members participate, ask questions, and contribute positively, the society becomes transparent, democratic, and well-managed.

A housing society is not just a building. It is a community that works best when its members take responsibility for it.

Next Article: What is Minutes of Meeting (MoM)?