Maharashtra’s New Co-operative Housing Society Rules to Be Cleared After Diwali, Confirms Minister Babasaheb Patil
Maharashtra State Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil has announced that the long-pending draft co-operative housing society rules will be cleared soon after Diwali. These rules, under the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, have been on hold for over six months and are crucial for implementing the 2019 amendments.
According to Patil, “Post-Diwali, the much-awaited draft rules under the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act will be cleared, which would help to implement reforms stuck for over six months.” Once approved, the new rules will modernize the operations of more than 1.25 lakh cooperative housing societies across Maharashtra, which are currently functioning under outdated provisions.
Revised Draft and Next Steps
The draft rules were initially published in April 2025. Following consultations with stakeholders, a revised version was submitted by the Cooperation Commissioner to the state government. Patil confirmed that the rules would be forwarded to the Law and Judiciary Department after Diwali and implemented by November.
The minister also shared that once the draft rules are published, the government will begin finalising the Model Bye-laws 2025 for co-operative housing societies, expected to come into effect by December. These reforms aim to bring greater transparency, reduce disputes, and streamline society management across the state.
Key Changes Proposed
The revised draft includes several significant changes designed to make housing society administration more efficient and accountable:
- Clear guidelines for maintenance charges and use of common amenities
- Recognition of online and hybrid general body meetings
- New rules for managing surplus funds and mandatory education funds
- Updated borrowing limits for redevelopment projects
- Capped interest rates on delayed payments
- Simplified procedures for provisional membership after a member’s death
Deepak Taware, State Cooperation Commissioner, confirmed that recommendations from stakeholders were incorporated and the final draft was resubmitted to the government. “We have included the suggestions received and expect the final version to be approved soon,” he said.
Once cleared, the Maharashtra Co-operative Housing Society Rules 2025 are expected to bring long-awaited clarity and reforms to the functioning of housing societies across the state.
