Short Answer

Yes, members of the society are generally required to share the costs of installing new facilities like solar panels or cable.

Detailed Explanation

Section 27 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 empowers the society to raise funds for various purposes, including the installation of new facilities. This section allows the society to collect contributions from its members for such expenses. The society can pass a resolution in a general meeting to decide on the contribution amount and the sharing ratio among the members. The decision must be recorded in the society's minutes.

Rule 108 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965 further elaborates on the procedure for raising funds for new facilities. It outlines the process of convening a general meeting, discussing the proposal, and obtaining approval from the majority of members present. The rule also specifies that the society must maintain proper records of the contributions collected and the utilization of funds.

In practice, when a society decides to install new facilities like solar panels or cable, it will calculate the total cost involved and determine the contribution amount each member needs to pay. This amount is usually divided equally among the members, but the sharing ratio can vary based on the society's bylaws or the decision taken in the general meeting.

Real-world Scenarios

• Scenario 1: A cooperative housing society decides to install solar panels on the terrace to reduce electricity costs. The society convenes a general meeting, discusses the proposal, and decides that each member will contribute an equal amount towards the installation cost.

• Scenario 2: A cooperative society plans to upgrade its cable infrastructure to provide better services to its members. The society passes a resolution in a general meeting, stating that the cost will be shared based on the size of the flats owned by each member.

Reference

• Section 27 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961

• Rule 108 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965