RWCS organised an EGM (Extraordinary General Meeting) on Sunday, February 3, 2024, at Gangotri Hall. The information for this meeting was posted to official RWCS groups only.
Only 50 people out of the 500+ members attended it. Only members (and not their family members) were asked to sign at the entry.
There were loud whispered discussions amongst the members (mostly senior citizens) as to the reason behind the EGM, and one heard that the reason was that a new security firm was being signed up, which led to many wondering why an EGM was called for this when residents could simply be informed of this move.
The meeting began at 11:30 AM with N. K. Jain, who said that the present RWCS had reviewed residents complaints about security, primarily parking near B-block, gates not opening near residences, unknown people roaming in sectors, chain snatching incidents, and poor work by guards. Thereafter, Mr. S. C. Mittal stepped up and said that the present security firm, which had been present for the past 5 years, was not adhering to guidelines, had become complacent, and had put the best guards in residences. So a tender was taken out for a new security firm, and five vendors bid, which were reviewed primarily based on technicals and price.
Of the 5 vendors, the highest quality vendor identified is ANG Secure, with Bhadrakali Security as the 2nd highest bidder and Current Security Firm being the lowest bidder. However, the charges of these firms also depend on the number of guards needed in the sector, along with supervisors and CCTV operators.
Mr. Anil Aeron, as Security Incharge, stepped up to explain that the number of guards needed also depends on the number of main gates and wicket gates that are open in the sector. He explained that while the RWCS is earning Rs 20 lakhs from memberships, it is currently spending Rs 30 lakhs on security, and the shortfall is being covered by badminton court charges, lawn and Gangotri Hall bookings. He suggested three proposals for gate opening. Proposal 1 was to keep only two gates open and close all wicket gates, which would keep the expenses at Rs 33 lakhs. Proposal 2 was to open alternate wicket gates, and then more guards would be needed, with expenses expected to be Rs 38 lakhs. Proposal 3 was to open all wicket gates, which would mean more guards and expenses of over Rs 43 lakhs.
As the question session began, J. B. Jain (B 52) stepped up to say that Proposal 3 was too much, pointing out that in 20 years, the RWCS charges have gone up from Rs 100 to Rs 4000, and this proposal would be a significant hike in membership charges.
Govind Sharma stepped in to explain the expenses and revenue generated and also pointed out that many residents do not want to pay charges but want security. He clearly stated that RWCS will not extend any support to residents who are not members. While explaining the system of how Proposal 1 or Proposal 2 will work, he pointed out that not every gate can be opened if security is needed, as our sector has multiple markets, hospitals, religious places, schools, and clubs. “If you want security, then you will face inconvenience,” he reiterated. He suggested that Proposal 2 be accepted and there be an increase in RWCS membership charges to meet the shortfall: periphery houses pay Rs 1000 (up from the current Rs 500), flats pay Rs 2800 (up from Rs 2000), and houses pay Rs 5000 (up from Rs 4000).
Mr. S. S. Oberoi objected to this, saying that over 1 lakh people are benefiting as visitors to the sector, and asked why RWCS members should be punished for non-members. He demanded that commercial institutions be charged, like Apollo & Icare Hospital, Kalibari Mandir, and N.S. Public School and Club. This thought was seconded by several people.
Vinay Babbar suggested that a membership committee be developed that will work towards convincing non-members to join and volunteered time for the same.
Girish Aneja asked what the RWCS was earning from Kabadiwallah, advertising, and other commercial activities. He said that Icare and Apollo hospitals should provide guards too for traffic management and that besides Kalibari Mandir and Club, all doctors having clinics should pay.
The proposals were finally put to vote by Mr. N. K. Jain in a very strange manner. He asked for a show of hands in favour of Proposal 1 and those against it, and he declared the proposal passed. This led to a huge uproar amongst the people who said that they wanted Proposal 2 to be voted for.
This led to Govind Sharma stepping to the mic again to calm things down. He admitted that RWCS was getting funds from Apollo Hospital and Icare Hospital but lamented the lack of cooperation from the club. He spoke at length against club management and kept saying that he had highlighted these points in the B-Block group. This led to people saying that RWCS should look at legal options or talk clearly to the club about things. It was also pointed out that while there is a lot of backbiting and anger between the Club and RWCS (or rather, Mr. Khosla and Mr. Govind Sharma), the two always shake hands before elections and then slowly go back to fighting. It was asked why RWCS is focusing on clubs only and that a meaningful conversation should be started.
Seeing that the situation was slipping out, Mr. N. K. Jain quickly put Proposal 2 to vote, which was passed, and the EGMM ended.
