Short Answer

Yes, portable meter readings for utilities like lifts are subject to audit.

Detailed Explanation

Section 77 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 empowers the Registrar to audit the accounts of the cooperative society, including the receipts and expenditure. This means that any financial transactions, including utility expenses such as lift charges, are subject to audit by the Registrar. The audit ensures transparency and accountability in the society's financial dealings.

Furthermore, Rule 86 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965 specifies the procedure for audit of the society's accounts. It mandates that all financial records, including utility bills and meter readings, should be maintained accurately and made available for audit purposes. This rule ensures that even portable meter readings for utilities like lifts are included in the audit process.

In practice, during the audit, the appointed auditor will scrutinize all financial transactions, including utility expenses, to verify their accuracy and compliance with the society's bylaws. If any discrepancies are found in the portable meter readings or utility bills, the auditor will report them to the society for rectification.

Practical Examples

• Scenario 1: A cooperative housing society has a portable meter for recording lift usage. During the audit, the appointed auditor cross-checks the lift charges with the meter readings to ensure accurate billing.

• Scenario 2: The society's maintenance committee submits utility bills, including lift charges based on portable meter readings, for audit to demonstrate proper utilization of funds.

• Scenario 3: In case of a dispute regarding the lift charges, the auditor examines the portable meter readings to resolve the issue and ensure fair billing practices.

References

• Section 77 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961

• Rule 86 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965