Short Answer

Members can propose a cut in maintenance charges if they feel overburdened by following the procedures outlined in the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 and Rules, 1965.

Detailed Explanation

Section 29 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 empowers the General Body of a cooperative society to determine the maintenance charges to be paid by its members. If the members feel that the maintenance charges are excessive and are causing a financial burden, they can propose a reduction in these charges during a General Body Meeting. The proposal must be supported by valid reasons and evidence of the financial strain faced by the members.

Rule 56 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965 provides the procedure for proposing a cut in maintenance charges. Members can submit a written proposal to the Secretary of the society, outlining the reasons for the proposed reduction and providing any supporting documents. The Secretary must then include this proposal as an agenda item in the next General Body Meeting for discussion and decision by the members.

In practice, members should first gather support from fellow members who share the same concerns about the maintenance charges. They should then prepare a well-documented proposal highlighting the reasons for the proposed cut and present it formally to the Secretary for consideration. During the General Body Meeting, members can discuss the proposal, vote on it, and if approved, the maintenance charges can be reduced as per the decision of the majority.

Real-world Scenarios

• Scenario 1: A cooperative housing society's maintenance charges have significantly increased due to unforeseen expenses. A group of members decides to propose a cut in these charges to alleviate the financial burden on all members.

• Scenario 2: A member faces financial difficulties and finds the current maintenance charges unaffordable. They gather support from other members in a similar situation and propose a reduction in charges to the society's management.

References

• Section 29 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961: Official PDF

• Rule 56 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965: Official PDF