Many cooperative housing societies in UP are still governed by founders of the cooperative who have remained at the helm of affairs since inception. What is troubling is lack of transparency in governance and finances, ad-hoc illegal demands during sale/ transfers, and elections conducted under a cloak of secrecy without any information to, or participation of, flat owners.
In this article, we would like to throw some light on relevant provisions of the Office of Co-operative Department of Uttar Pradesh.
As per citizen charter, and the laws mentioned in the cooperative society act, do we know:
Whether members know their real membership status (including voting rights)?
Whether elections have been held periodically, within the premises of resident apartments?
Have members been casting their vote to elect members of the Managing Committee?
Whether Annual General Meeting (AGM) has been held periodically, where legal members could have the opportunity to share their views/problems?
Whether members are aware, by means of Annual Audited Report, the real financial state of the society including assets/liabilities?
Whether members know the process of sale/purchase of their flat and associated charges?
What can members do? Here are few key points to ponder:
Visit following website(s): Single source of information related to rules and regulations:
Main website: https://cooperativeup.gov.in/index.aspx
UP Co-operative Societies Act 1965 (https://cooperativeup.gov.in/Act1965.aspx)
Election site: http://upscec.gov.in/
Members have the right to get these from your Managing Committee as per Act 1965:
Chapter 2: Registration of Cooperative society
Chapter 3: Members, their authority, and responsibilities
Chapter IV: Management of Society
Chapter VII: Assets and Funds
Chapter VIII: Audit, Enquiry, Inspection and Fixation
Chapter IX: Disposal of Disputes
Chapter XIII: Appeal and Review
Chapter XV: Legal and Transition Clause
In case requested information is not given, an RTI request can be made:
RTI: https://cooperativeup.gov.in/MediaGallery/Cop_RTI_OfficersGuide.pdf
We welcome residents of cooperative housing societies to share their concerns, ideas and knowledge with the author. Please get in touch.
