The Cooperatives Commissioner of Maharashtra, Anil Kawade, has issued an advisory to housing societies in the state to promote transparency, efficiency, and effective grievance resolution. The advisory includes instructions such as limiting auditors' tenure, computerizing society information, and mandating timely meeting minutes. Kawade suggests setting up an advisory committee, promoting local complaint resolution, and establishing a clear hierarchy for escalating complaints. He also proposes the registration of a Federation of Housing Institutions to assist societies.
The cooperatives commissioner of the state of Maharashtra, Anil Kawade, has issued an advisory to housing societies in the state. The advisory includes instructions such as limiting the same auditor to three consecutive years, requiring all society information to be computerized, and mandating that minutes of meetings be ready within a month or before the next meeting. Kawade also suggested setting up an advisory committee to address grievances and requiring a three-member administrative board when appointing an administrator.
Kawade emphasized that members who do not attend meetings but complain about the proceedings should approach the Co-operative Court instead of the Registrar. He also advised that complaints should be resolved at the local level and that the complainant should first file a complaint with the society.
The committee should decide on the application by majority vote, and the decision should be communicated to the member within 15 days. If the member is not satisfied, they can file a complaint with the advisory committee, which will resolve the complaint within 45 days. If the member is still not satisfied, they can file a complaint with the registrar, who will take action within seven days and give a reply or decision within 30 days.
If action is not taken within the prescribed period, the complainant can file a complaint with the district deputy registrar, who should give a decision within 45 days. If the district deputy registrar does not act in this way, a complaint can be filed with the divisional joint registrar, who should hold a hearing and give a decision within 60 days. If none of the offices act, a complaint can be filed with the Cooperative Commissioner, who should give a proper decision within 60 days.
Kawade also suggested the registration of a Federation of Housing Institutions, separate from the Area Local Management of Mumbai Municipal Corporation, at ward levels to assist societies in various ways. When appointing an administrator, Kawade's circular suggests that if the registrars are convinced that it is necessary to appoint an administrator/authorized officer to the institution, they should appoint the person on the panel prepared by the divisional joint registrar office as the administrator/authorized officer.
The circular also points out that certain rules must be followed strictly, such as having a Certified Auditor (CA) conduct the audit changed after every three years. It also emphasizes the need to appoint a manager who has full knowledge of the Cooperative Act, Rules, and Bye-laws. If the organization cannot afford a full-time manager financially, organizations can join hands, and federations should assist organizations in appointing a manager. The federation should form a panel of trained managers and appoint the manager from that panel.
Overall, the advisory aims to ensure that housing societies in Maharashtra operate in a transparent and efficient manner, with all members having access to necessary information and grievances being resolved in a timely and effective manner.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
