Short Answer

Yes, if society services such as lift and RO are optional, residents can choose not to use them and pay less.

Detailed Explanation

Section 23 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 empowers cooperative societies to provide various services for the benefit of its members. However, if these services are optional, residents have the right to opt-out and not utilize them. This means that residents can choose not to use services like lifts and RO systems provided by the society and pay a reduced maintenance fee accordingly.

In practice, the society should clearly communicate to its members which services are optional and the corresponding reduction in maintenance charges if those services are not availed. This ensures transparency and allows residents to make informed decisions regarding their usage of society services.

For example, if a cooperative housing society offers the option of using a centralized RO water purification system for an additional fee, residents who prefer to use their own water purifiers can opt-out of this service and pay a lower maintenance charge. Similarly, if the society provides a lift facility but some residents prefer to use the stairs, they can choose not to avail the lift service and pay reduced maintenance fees.

In such scenarios, the society should maintain records of residents who have opted out of specific services and adjust their maintenance charges accordingly. This process should be carried out in accordance with the rules and regulations of the cooperative society to ensure fairness and compliance with the law.

Reference

• Section 23 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961: Official PDF