The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has completed the long-pending process of registering 11 housing societies, effectively transferring the responsibility of maintenance, repair, and other operational matters to the respective societies. This marks a significant milestone in the phased transition of control from the authority to the society members, after months of delays and resident complaints.
Background and Progress in the Registration Process
According to officials from PMRDA’s Land and Property Department, the registration process has now been concluded for the 11 societies. The pending registrations are also being swiftly finalised, ensuring a smooth transition for residents and stakeholders.
In the first phase, registrations for 29 buildings were already completed, and 10 more buildings are currently in the final stages. Once the registration is formalized, the ownership and management rights of these buildings will be transferred to the society members. This will allow them to independently manage their residential complexes, including handling security, common area maintenance, and utility coordination.
Delay Due to Documentation and Technical Hurdles
Despite PMRDA completing its part of the process earlier, the registration had been hindered due to incomplete documentation and technical challenges within the societies themselves. Several residents had voiced their frustration over the prolonged delays, prompting PMRDA to expedite the process in response.
Another key reason for the delay was the earlier stipulation that registration could not proceed until at least 50% of the flats in a building were sold. This condition prevented registration for six buildings with over 1,300 unallocated flats. However, this restriction has now been relaxed, enabling the registration of societies even if a smaller percentage of flats are sold.
Society’s Role Post Registration
Following successful registration, the societies are now legally responsible for handling their maintenance, repairs, and security arrangements. While residents had earlier raised concerns about issues like inconsistent water supply, PMRDA clarified that water-related matters fall under the jurisdiction of the municipal corporation. Post-registration, society members must directly coordinate with the municipal corporation’s water supply department to address such grievances.
A Step Towards Resident Empowerment
This move is seen as a proactive step towards decentralized governance of housing societies, empowering residents to take charge of their communities. With registration formalities almost complete across multiple societies, PMRDA’s initiative ensures that the operational burden gradually shifts from the authority to the citizens themselves, fostering accountability and streamlined community management.
