Short Answer

The responsibility for paying the society's electricity and water bills, if the meters are in the society's name, lies with the society itself.

Detailed Explanation

As per Section 31 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961, the society is responsible for the payment of all charges and dues for the maintenance of the common areas and facilities. This includes utility bills such as electricity and water charges. The Act mandates that the society should maintain proper accounts and collect charges from its members for various expenses, including utility bills.

Furthermore, Rule 118 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965, specifies that the society's managing committee is entrusted with the duty of managing the society's funds and ensuring that all expenses, including utility bills, are paid in a timely manner. The rule emphasizes the importance of financial prudence and transparency in the society's financial dealings.

In practice, the society collects maintenance charges from its members on a regular basis to cover various expenses, including utility bills. The managing committee is responsible for budgeting and allocating funds for different expenditures, ensuring that utility bills are paid promptly to avoid any disruptions in essential services.

Real-world Scenarios

• Scenario 1: A cooperative housing society in Gujarat has electricity and water meters in the society's name. The managing committee allocates funds from the maintenance charges collected from members to pay the utility bills on time.

• Scenario 2: In another society, there is a dispute regarding the payment of electricity bills as some members are not contributing their share of maintenance charges. The managing committee takes necessary actions to resolve the issue and ensure timely payment of bills to avoid service disruptions.

• Scenario 3: During a financial audit, it is discovered that the society has outstanding utility bills. The managing committee investigates the matter, identifies the reasons for the arrears, and takes corrective measures to clear the dues.

Reference

• Section 31 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961

• Rule 118 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965