In a move set to modernize and streamline the functioning of over 1.25 lakh housing societies in Maharashtra, the state government has published the Draft Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Rules, 2025 on April 15. The new draft rules propose significant reforms in fee structures, financial governance, virtual meetings, and redevelopment processes. These changes are part of a broader initiative to align cooperative housing society management with contemporary needs and digital transformation trends.
Registration Fees Doubled, Legal Recognition for Virtual Meetings
One of the headline proposals is the doubling of housing society registration fees from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000. This increase marks the first fee revision in years and reflects rising administrative and digital processing costs.
Importantly, the draft rules legally recognise virtual general body meetings (GBMs). Online participation, voting, and even recording of developer selection meetings will now be permissible. This inclusion formally validates practices adopted by many societies during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling a more inclusive and accessible governance model.
Digital Governance, Maintenance Charge Reform, and Casual Vacancies
The state’s cooperation department commissioner Deepak Taware stated that these changes aim to bring uniformity and ease of operations across societies. Some of the key reforms include:
- Uniform service charges irrespective of carpet area, curbing discriminatory maintenance billing.
- Reduced interest on delayed maintenance payments from 21% to 12% per annum on a simple interest basis.
- Simplified procedure for filling casual vacancies in managing committees without needing approval from election authorities.
These measures are expected to enhance member participation, reduce litigation, and promote equitable practices.
Mandatory Funds and Financial Transparency
In a bid to bolster financial discipline, the draft rules now require societies to maintain multiple dedicated funds, including:
- Reserve Fund
- Sinking Fund
- Major Repairs Fund
- Education & Training Fund
- Cultural and Welfare Fund
This structure ensures that societies plan adequately for long-term upkeep, member education, and community welfare.
Succession, Transfers, and Redevelopment Reforms
The draft rules aim to resolve property succession issues by allowing transfers through registered family settlement deeds, eliminating the need for lengthy legal proceedings.
Additionally, in a major boost to redevelopment, societies will now be allowed to borrow up to 10 times the approved value of their land, compared to the earlier cap of 10 times their own funds. To ensure transparency, the developer selection process must be video-recorded in front of at least 51% of members.
New Process for Society Name Reservation and Feedback Invitation
The draft introduces a formal process for society name reservation under Rule 106 C-2, replacing the earlier vague procedures. The Maharashtra government has invited public feedback via the Cooperation Department’s official portal by May 15, 2025.
Expert Take
Shreeprasad Parab, Director at the Maharashtra State Cooperative Housing Federation, praised the reforms:
“There are many beneficial provisions — from clarity on fund utilisation to self-redevelopment financing, online meetings, and legal succession — that reflect a balanced blend of regulatory clarity and operational flexibility.”
