I have a flat in Mumbai which has been kept vacant as I moved out of Mumbai for marriage. My society management has been asking for festival fund in maintenance although I don’t live there and had no participation. Earlier it was voluntary and I opted out but now they ask for contribution in the monthly bill. Am I suppose to pay for festivities even though I don’t attend the dinner nights and celebrations? If NO what can I do to avoid this charge.
I C Naik
Dear Arti
1. Festivals are undertaken by housing societies as a welfare programs and are different from basic necessities like common amenities and services to be financed from members’ contributions apportioned on every member as laid down under Bye-Laws.
2. Thane District Cooperative Housing Federation has recently opined that Festival Fund is a voluntary contribution and cannot be added to maintenance Bills. (Copy attached)
3. Bye-Laws provide for contribution to welfare fund for funding expenses on such activities by appropriating certain percentage of annual surplus by the members in Annual General Meeting .
4. You can inform the Hon. Secretary as above and say that in accordance with the advice of the district foundation as well as my advice, you do not think it is correct to add festival costs to maintenance and as every member to pay as a matter of compulsion. I suggest not to include in my maintenance bill. Even if it is added you will reduce the bill amount by the festival amount and pay the net amount.