Committee elections in societies with up to 250 members
Since 2021, housing societies with 250 members or fewer conduct their own managing committee elections. This guide explains how.
Key points
- Societies with up to 250 members (“E class”) conduct their own elections under the election rules notified on 06.04.2021.
- The managing committee appoints a returning officer from the panel maintained by the co-operative department, about 60 days before the committee’s term ends.
- The society’s auditor, employees and committee members cannot be appointed returning officer.
- Larger societies are governed by the 2014 Election Rules and the State Co-operative Election Authority.
Who conducts the election
Amendments to the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act and the election rules notified on 06.04.2021 allow housing societies with 250 members or fewer to conduct their own managing committee elections, instead of the State Co-operative Election Authority. Where an authorised officer is in charge of the society, the authorised officer takes the place of the committee.
The returning officer
The managing committee appoints a returning officer from the panel of returning officers maintained by the co-operative department, about 60 days before the end of the committee’s term. The society’s auditor, its employees and its committee members cannot be appointed.
The process
The returning officer prepares the voters list, publishes the election programme, receives and scrutinises nominations, conducts the poll if there is a contest, and declares the result. The compilation in the library sets out the rules and the forms used at each stage.
Costs
The remuneration and allowances payable for elections of these societies are fixed by the circular of 06.07.2022.
Committee size and vacancies
The strength of the committee depends on the number of members, under the GRs of 03.01.2024 and 28.02.2024. A casual vacancy may be filled by co-option for the rest of the term.
Documents
This guide explains the general position in Maharashtra. A society’s bye-laws and the facts of a case can change the answer. Nothing here is legal advice.
Have a question about your society?
Write to the office with a brief description of the matter. Meetings are by prior appointment.