Kenneth Saldanha, Author at

The real estate sector is slated to grow at around 12% in the next few years and has recently received a boost from the government’s plan to provide cheap loans and strengthen housing loan companies. Housing society members have a unique advantage over other types of ownership when it comes to affordability and credibility, hence the frequent buying, selling and reselling of ownerships. At the same time, flats are transferred to heirs, family members, etc on a consistent basis too. This article talks about the society bye-laws for transfer of flat another along with the documents needed for the transfer.

What are the rules or preconditions to transfer flats?

The member should have completed one year of ownership of the said flat before they can transfer it to another.
The above condition does not apply to members who get ownership by court order.
Anyone intending to transfer their flat has to give a 15-day notice in writing to the society.
The application should have valid reasons for transfer of flat (explained succinctly).
Documents from both parties (transferor and transferee) are required along with the transfer premium (if applicable), admission fee and transfer fee.

Nomination rules for housing society

After the member gives the prior notice to the society, the Secretary presents it to the Managing Committee in the next general meeting. They have a period of 30 days (to a maximum period of three months) to decide and once the decision is made, they have 8 days to communicate it to the member.

If the Managing Committee finds that the member is not eligible for a transfer based on the bye-laws for transfer of flats, the same has to be communicated to the member with the reason for ineligibility.

If the society fails to correspond to the member regarding his application within 3 months, it would be considered that the application has been accepted and the new member has been admitted to the society.

If the member requires a NOC from the society, the Chairman/Secretary is liable to provide it to the member. If it cannot produce the NOC, the reason has to be communicated to the member.

The society cannot stop the transfer of flat or the membership changing hands for any reason, except if the member has violated compliance rules again and again (such as defaulting on payments, criminal activities, etc.)

Who pays society transfer charges?

It is usually the buyer who pays these charges. The Bombay High Court’s ruling in the Alankar Sahkari case has made it possible for any flat owner or buyer to contest the excessive transfer fee demands made by a society, whether or not they are referred to as a voluntary donation. The dilemma of whether a flat buyer is willing to start bitter litigation with a society where he or she wants to reside for the foreseeable future still lingers, even though the legal options and the legislation have been sufficiently decided. However, members should resist the passing of any such resolution in societies where there is already no resolution regarding charging of transfer premium as voluntary gifts or otherwise, as it is against the letter of the law.

What are the documents required for transfer of flats in society?

Altogether two sets of documents are needed; one from the buyer/transferee and the other from the seller/transferer.

Documents needed from the seller (the one who is transferring the flat)

Notice to society with clearly written reason for transfer
Application in the prescribed form with an intention to transfer the flat and shares to the new member/buyer
Resignation by the current member
Letter of consent from the buyer/transferee stating he is in agreement with the transfer
No Objection Certificate from outside financial agency (if applicable)

Documents needed from the buyer/ the one to whom the ownership is being transferred

Application for membership along with an entrance fee of Rs 100.

Letter of consent from the buyer/transferee stating he is in agreement with the transfer.
Cover letter that informs the society of the sale/transfer.
Buyer’s declaration form of undertaking stating the purpose for which the said ownership is being transferred and will be used.
Transfer form along with the transfer fee of Rs 500.
Original Share Certificate.
Housing society transfer premium has to be paid by the new owner at a fixed rate (Rs 25,000) or at the rate which is predetermined at the general body meeting, whichever is less. It cannot exceed the amount decided by the Department of Cooperation or the State government; it may be revised at different times.
Transfer premium does not apply when the owner is transferring the flat to a family member or between two members of the same society, or when a deceased member’s residence is transferred to a nominated person, legal representative, heir or next of kin.
Any other declaration which may be prescribed by by-laws or specific rules of the society.
An undertaking to follow all duties and liabilities of the society.
Indemnity Bond that indemnifies the society.
Agreement with proper stamp duty along with a NOC (by bank, income tax department, any other authority if applicable).
Proof of payment of stamp duty.
Possession Letter from transferor to transferee.
NOC from society if the member or buyer is in need of it.

If the society fails to provide the NOC, they can appeal to three committee members or appeal to the Registrar. The society should also provide a No Dues Certificate to both parties so that there is documented evidence that the transfer took place with due diligence on behalf of the original member.

Curd is fermented milk and contains loads of calcium and protein. In addition, it has an abundance of lactobacillus probiotics, potassium, magnesium and vitamin A. Including curd in our daily diet has many proven benefits for our overall health, including hair and skin.

Curd for dandruff control

Curd, when mixed with plant acids like Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, can be massaged directly on the scalp for dandruff issues. Curd has anti-inflammatory properties which help soothe the scalp, reducing the occurrence of dandruff. The curd probiotics also help with lowering the fungal component of dandruff.

Curd for stronger hair

Vitamin B and zinc, found in milk products, are thought to help maintain the strength of hair shafts. This prevents hair breakage and promotes stronger/ healthier hair.

Benefits of curd on hair

Curd is used with other hair beneficial products to create a hair mask known as deep conditioning. It is usually used to treat dry or damaged hair, hair dandruff, and itchy scalp to strengthen hair.
In areas of excess pollution, a deep conditioning hair mask can save the health of damaged hair.
It also helps hair damaged due to excessive styling /heat tools and other hair products like hair dyes, colour, smoothening, Et cetera
Due to its fat content, it helps dry hair – it smoothes hair roughness and frizz. In addition, it helps moisturise your hair and keeps it soft.
The lactic acid in curds helps to clean the scalp, clear dead skin cells, cleanse pores/ hair follicles and help the hair follicle growth.

Side effects of curd on hair

Some people can suffer from allergies when applying milk products like curd to any body part. Therefore doing a patch test before the complete application is always advisable.
The fats in the curd can make the hair excessively oily. This might be a concern for people with already oily hair and scalp.
Curd masks can have an unpleasant smell.

How to apply curd on hair?

Curd can be used along with other known beneficial products for hair and scalp care. You can mix it with other healthy oils like Argan oil, Coconut oil, Jojoba oil, and Almond oil to make hair masks.

Other healthy products like honey, Aloe Vera, eggs and avocados can also be added to help promote hair health and growth.

How to use curd for hair growth?

It is recommended to discuss hair problems with your dermatologist or a hair care expert before you start using any hair masks.

Used homemade or store-bought curd for making curd hair masks. Do not confuse it with yoghurt. Yoghurt has a lower content of lactic acid and more healthy bacteria.

Mix one cup of curd with 2 to 3 spoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 tsp honey.
Mix well and apply by gently massaging it on the scalp and along the hair shafts.
Keep this for 30-40 minutes. Cover with a shower cap if needed.
Rinse off with a mild shampoo.

Different types of curd masks for hair

Type of hair problem	Mask ingredients
dandruff	curd + lemon + honey
dry and frizzy hair	curd + honey + banana
damaged hair	curd + egg + coconut oil

You need to do a 30-minute-patch test before using any ingredients listed above.

Conclusion

Though the direct application of curd is not a topic of clinical research, it is a widely practised home remedy. The many nutrients of curd, including probiotics and vitamins, provides health benefits. In addition, curd has been used as a skin and hair remedy for ages, without any significant side effects.

Nomination in housing societies is a fairly simple and straightforward procedure that requires basic form filling from the member and registration by the society. There may be a few complications, however, if the member has not nominated anyone while being alive or if the nominee is not the same as the actual legal heir, and there arises a legal dispute.

Let us first list down the types of memberships in a housing society to better understand nominations.

Three main types with context to this topic are:

Original Member
Associate Member
Nominal Member

The original member is the one whose name appears first in the share certificate and is the primary title owner of the property/capital in the society. An Associate Owner is the secondary title owner in the property whose name appears second in the share certificate as a part of the nomination, and is a co-owner or joint owner of the flat/home. Both the primary and associate members have legal rights over the property, hold the right, title and interest in the property individually or jointly.

A nominal member is someone who is nominated either by the primary or associate member and is defined by model bye-laws as a person who does not hold the right, title and interest in the property individually or jointly admitted to Membership as such after registration.

What is the purpose of the nomination?

The most common purpose of nomination procedure is to enlist members’ children/relatives as nominees, who are their legal heirs. If they are minors, they cannot be legally allowed to be the title holders of the ownership. Members also nominate their children’s guardians, close family members who under the circumstances of their death, can be the custodians of the property and look after it until the heirs can legally inherit it. Another reason is to nominate their tenants so that there is an official entry in the society’s registers of them having rented the residence.

Who can nominate?

A mentally fit person over the age of 18 can be a member of a housing society and only a primary or associate member can legally nominate another while being alive.

Who cannot nominate?

Minors
Nominees
Companies (partnership firms, individual firms, LLP, Private/Public Companies, Trust, NGO, HUF, Society)

Who can be nominated?

Legal heir/ relative/ beneficiary
A non-legal heir/ beneficiary
Attorney, custodian
Any other person deemed fit by the primary and associate members

Who cannot be nominated?

A deceased person
A nominee cannot nominate himself
A non-Indian citizen

Nomination procedure and rules for housing societies

A nomination application in the prescribed nomination form has to be submitted to the housing society by the original/associate members, naming the person to whom the ownership shall be transferred in the event of their death.
Bye-laws state that “the acknowledgement of the nomination by the Secretary, shall be deemed to be an acceptance of nomination by the Secretary”.
The first nomination is submitted for free. Any subsequent revocations/nominations are subject to a fee of Rs 100.
The nomination is placed before the committee meeting, is checked by the Secretary for anomalies and is recorded in the minutes of the meeting as well as duly registered in the Nomination Register, assigned a serial number with a stamp and signature within 7 days of the meeting in which it was approved.
An approved copy of nomination is given to the members for their records.
This entire procedure is to be completed within 2 months.

Actual inheritance with respect to nominations

In most cases, members nominate their own children, siblings, parents or the next of kin to inherit ownership of their property. Whenever a nominated person is not a legal heir, he is most likely a trustee or custodian who is required to look after the property and usually, a will exists in which the original member/ associate member name the heir. A nomination serves as a useful document so that the society/bank/insurance etc. can understand whom to hand over the property when the member dies. However, in situations where the nominee is not the same as the legal heir, or if the member has nominated a non-legal heir, there may arise a complex dispute that can be solved by the intervention of the court. The society usually hands over the property to the nominated person, if the legal heir claims otherwise, the matter lies in the hands of the court. The society should, therefore, do its due diligence in transferring the property as per the recorded nomination. Only when the member dies without nominating anyone, does the society invite claims and objections after putting out a notice in the newspapers and then thoroughly investigates the rightful claimant of the property, although in such circumstances too, sometimes the court of law can help determine proper heir.

How to do nomination of property

Once the registration is over, you become the sole owner of the said property. After this, you could execute a will in favour of the person you want to turn into a nominee. This means that it would come under effect after, due to an unfortunate turn of events, something happens to you. After that, they would become the sole owners.

Societies try to dot the i’s and cross their t’s when it comes to record-keeping and paperwork, but there are some hits and misses every now and then. Many societies forget to (or simply don’t know that they have to) issue share certificates of society to their members on time or use the housing society share certificate transfer form at the time of resale.

Here’s all you need to know about the share certificate of housing society format and the society share certificate transfer procedure.

What is a housing society share certificate?

A society share certificate is a legal certification given by a housing society that a certain member is the registered owner of shares in the cooperative housing society. It is to be given to the member free of charge. Model bye-laws state that, “Share Certificate, prescribed in bye-laws, bearing distinctive number and indicating the name of the member, the number of shares issued and the value paid thereon, shall be issued by the society to every member for the shares subscribed by him, within six months of the allotment of the shares.” The Registrar decides at the time of the society’s registration the total authorized capital, which is divided into Rs. 50 per share, and share certificates are distributed to the members. The member is issued 10 shares (worth Rs 500), as the total share capital need not be the same as the actual number of shares issued.

Why do you need a society share certificate?

While your sale deed is the proof that the property has been legally transferred in your name, a share certificate is legal proof that you are the rightful owner of the co-operative housing society’s shares. The managing committee must issue share certificates after due diligence. According to the society share certificate rules, in the case of a transfer, the share certificates should be issued to transferee within a period of one month of receipt of the instrument of transfer by such Company.

Checklist for issuing the society share certificate

The society share certificate has to be collected by the member himself in person.
The member’s property should be clear of lieu.
The conveyance deed from the builder should be in possession of the society.
Every housing society’s share certificate should have the seal of the society and be signed by the Chairman, the Secretary and one member of the committee, and authorised by the committee before being issued by the Secretary.
The name and the order of names (for primary/associate member) should appear exactly as it is on the original sale agreement between the member and the builder.
The member has to indemnify the society against any loans against its name, finish any paperwork and clear any arrears that have to be paid to the society.
The society has to ensure that the member provides an indemnity bond stating that he has not transferred the share certificate to anyone else or created any charge or mortgage on the share certificate in favour of any bank, employer, any person or finance agency.
The member has to present the original sale agreement while collecting the housing society share certificate.

Transfer of share certificates in case of a resale

In case of a resale, if a person needs to transfer the share certificate, all of the paperwork and necessary requirements pertaining to the transfer of shares must be completed on time. It is the new member who needs to pay the transfer premium and ensure that all the dues are cleared by the previous homeowner.

In case of transfer/resale, the original share certificate has to be given to the society along with the other documents needed. If the share certificate is being transferred to a new member after resale, they have to finished all paperwork prior to handing the share certificate, including the required transfer of shares procedures.

When the ownership of the shares is being transferred to another person, the new member has to pay the transfer premium, produce applications/documents required by the society while it has to ensure that no dues are pending by the former member. In the event of the death of the original member, the heirs have to apply within 6 months of the death for the share transfer to the nominee, along with the issuance of a new share certificate of the society.

Readymade share certificate booklets are available online, from housing federation offices or at book printing agencies.

If the members’ arrears are duly paid, and the documents requested by the society are submitted in proper condition, the society MUST issue the share certificate within the prescribed time limit after allotment of actual shares. If not, the member has the right to file a legal notice/injunction against the society.

Issuing a duplicate housing society share certificate

It is advisable to keep your original housing society share certificate in pristine condition in a safe place. Getting a duplicate society share certificate is not as simple as walking into the society’s office and getting a duplicate copy on the same day. If your share certificate is soiled, misplaced, stolen, destroyed, or lost, you can ask your housing society to issue a duplicate share certificate after following the procedure.

File an FIR at the local police station, registering a report that the original share certificate has been lost, misplaced or stolen. Retain the copy of FIR acknowledged by the Police.
Send a written application to the society stating that the original has been lost, misplaced, stolen (is not traceable) and request the society to issue a duplicate share certificate. Also, attach the acknowledged copy of the FIR with the application.
Submit an indemnity bond of Rs 200 to the society, indemnifying the society of all cost/ results of issuing a duplicate share certificate. The Indemnity Bond should be duly notarized and attached along with the application and FIR copy.
Once the society receives the application, it is placed before the managing committee in the next general body meeting. In the same meeting, the society examines the application and attached paperwork and approves the request for a duplicate share certificate.
The society puts out the notice on the society’s notice board and also published notices in two local newspapers (with respect to issuing a duplicate share certificate).
The society waits for 15 days for any objections after putting out the notice on the society’s notice board and the advertisement in the newspapers.
If no objections are raised, the society issues a duplicate share certificate to the member. The cost of publishing notices in newspapers has to be borne by the member.

FAQs on housing society share certificate

What is the importance of share certificate in housing society?

The ownership of a share certificate is extremely important for a property owner in a cooperative housing society. It acts as a legal document for your rights as well as proves the allotment of shares of that society on your name.

How do I get a share certificate from society?

As a resident in your cooperative housing society, you have to apply for share certificate as per Cooperative Housing Society Act of your state.

What happens if society does not transfer share certificates?

If the housing society refuses to issue a share certificate to member, then he/she can file a legal notice against the housing society if there is no pending bill.

When can society issue share certificates?

After verification of all the submitted documents, society has to issue society share certificate with in 6 month from the date of shares allotment.

Housing societies aren’t always the safe and trouble-free utopias we imagine them to be and do have their own share of woes and travesties, as does everything else in life. Some problems have a way of appearing, reappearing, and recurring in the life of an average housing society resident. Some of the problems faced by co-operative societies are loud neighbors, tyrant committee members, careless service staff, irresponsible builders… the list goes on. But for every problem, there is a failsafe solution, provided some foresight and a lot of proactiveness is applied. Find out more about the common nuisances in housing society problems and their solution.

1. High maintenance charges

There are predefined components for which the member has to pay maintenance charges, such as water, service, common electricity, etc. However, in many cases, it has been observed that the managing committee bills members randomly and illegally for surplus charges under false pretexts, such as charges for keeping pets, using elevators for transporting new furniture, etc.

Solution: While getting into an agreement with the developer, check the calculation of maintenance charges, i.e equal distribution, per sq feet calculation or hybrid charge. Also check your society’s model bye-laws to be aware of the components to be legally paid, and if you are being charged incorrectly, bring it to the notice of the managing committee immediately. In case if the MC refuses to cooperate, you have the right to file a complaint to the Registrar and finally to the District Collector.

2. Parking woes

One slot is allowed per member to park their four-wheeler, unless specific arrangements are made by the society, for which it charges extra. A member is allowed to park either a commercial or a personal vehicle. When there is a shortage of slots, a draw is used to determine the parking arrangements. If the owner does not have a parking slot and rents out his residence, it is his responsibility to make available a parking spot for the tenant. Visitors are also legally allowed to park their vehicles inside the society, except the percentage allotted to guest parking has been reduced from 25% to 5% now.

Solution: If you are facing parking problems, approach the managing committee with a written complaint to be granted your rights within the statutes. If no solution is found, approach the Registrar, Co-operative Court or Consumer Forum.

3. Corrupt committee members

It is no secret that corruption runs rampant where power is centralised. In the case of the managing committee of housing societies, certain dishonest members or office bearers embezzle funds for personal benefit and some committee members pay no heed to such malpractice. Incidents such as misappropriating society’s funds and showing falsified statements, charging members with unnecessary bills, writing off pending dues from certain members, embezzling funds from redevelopment loans, bribing officials for fraudulent expenses, etc. are commonly registered as complaints. In many cases, managing committee charges massive non-occupancy charges from unsuspecting residents even when the apartment is occupied by a close relation or is locked.

Solution: As a proactive and vigilant member, you should be aware that you have the legal right to inspect any and all of the society’s financial books and statements. If your society denies this right, it is liable to pay Rs 25,000 in penalty. Attend the annual general meeting to take stock of the society’s financial transactions. Ensure that the Auditor who performs society’s annual audit is hired from government approved panel. Appoint an honest internal auditor from within the society. Finally, approach the Registrar or the court (as RTI action) to highlight unresolved cases of financial debauchery.

4. Unfair/irregular elections

Dictatorial behaviour by the committee members is noticed in many Indian societies where the sitting Managing Committee refuses to conduct a fresh election (to be held every five years). Same members retain their position and misuse their authority to bully or manipulate members out of their rights. When they do conduct an election, certain votes are neglected and members favoured by MC are given preference for qualifying rounds. Certain chairpersons/secretaries elect the entire managing committee by themselves, disregarding member votes.

Solution: A housing society operates on the laws of democracy, where the members have the right to contest in an election or nominate a candidate of their choice. One member has one vote. Election procedure is to be supervised by an unbiased govt authorities in larger societies. You should make a complaint to the managing committee, which should ideally respond to your objection in 15 days. If no remedy is found, you have the right to approach the local Registrar or the co-operative court.

5. Encroaching of space/ illegal construction

This is a common conflict that is often faced by the managing committee. Many members occupy common spaces in the vicinity of the apartment/home, turning it into a shed, garden or parking slot. Illegal apartment extensions are also built from within the residence, occupying extra dimensions than allowed by the society. This is a violation of the rights of the neighbors and flouting the rules of the society as a whole.

Solution: Inform the violating member of the problem and educate them about the society’s rules after involving the managing committee who should ensure that the encroaching of space is immediately stopped. In case the builder or a member constructs an unauthorized structure within the premises of the society, the MC should notify the local municipal authority as a legal action against him.

5. Encroaching of space/ illegal construction

6. Safety neglect

Some societies are careless about their security measures, due to which the residents become victims of theft, vandalism and occasionally graver crimes. At times, the security framework is lax or the security guards are missing/neglectful, resulting in the unnecessary nuisance to members by vendors and salesmen. Even in the case of the society installing CCTV systems, the equipment is not upgraded or repaired when it stops working. Additionally, in common areas such as the parking lot, staircase, swimming pool, community hall, garden, there are broken light bulbs, open manholes, structural damage, broken pipes, glass that often lead to accidents and injuries. Some buildings do not have up to date fire fighting equipment, emergency drill routines and are not earthquake resistant.

Solution: The managing committee members who are in charge of hiring security guards should screen, vet them thoroughly or hire them from a recognised manpower agency and train them on how to perform their duties. They should also be regular in carrying out the necessary annual maintenance contracts with vendors for fire fighting equipment, lift maintenance, etc. Members should promptly notify the committee of broken or dysfunctional amenities that could cause serious inconvenience or injuries to the residents. As a homebuyer/builder ensure the building is in compliance with safety laws, certified by inspectors, engineers and local authorities. Instead of relying solely on manual security, it is highly recommended to install CCTV cameras and equipment and have it upgraded at regular periods. A structural audit is mandatory for buildings at regular intervals.

7. Builder not doing his due diligence

You may have come across cases of negligence or profiteering on behalf of the builder/developer such as selling of empty parking lots, renting of common spaces within society premises without authorization, not procuring Occupation Certificate, Completion Certificate, not making available building plans to the society, not executing conveyance and property card in the name of society. At times, they do not share the profit accrued from selling hoarding spaces or mobile tower space on the terrace, unfairly using the building FSI/TDR for other constructions.

Solution: Before the builder handover, ensure every required document and certificate is obtained in due time. There are several authorities you could approach for such illegal actions. Based upon the type of violation, file a complaint with Urban Land Ceiling Department for Conveyance issues, approach the Consumer Court for service related defects, the Criminal Court for cheating or fraud, the civil/city court for an injunction against using FSI/TDR, the BMC to blacklist the builder.

7. Builder not doing his due diligence

8. Fraudulent/Incomplete Audits

Some societies appoint morally dishonest Auditors who turn a blind eye to the misappropriation of funds by the managing committee, taking a cut from the funds. Even if the Auditor is honest in reviewing the finance, thousands of societies in Mumbai and other cities do not submit the audited accounts to the authorities, resulting in de-registration and penalties. Mismanagement of financial statements and cash books results in ineffective audits. Bad bookkeeping on behalf the committee prevents the auditors as well as the residents from a clear and fair view of the society’s financial undertakings.

Solution: Elect reliable and conscientious committee members who manage the books responsibly. Appoint a clean internal auditor to oversee the finances. Accept the services of a certified Auditor who is empaneled with the Registrar in order to carry out an efficient annual audit.

9. Nuisance caused by residents

This problem comes in many shapes, sizes and forms. Check any complaint board websites of almost any state in the country, you will find members complaining about unruly neighbours such as loud music at ungodly hours, blaring stereos in cars, littering society premises, throwing food scraps from the pantry, feeding birds in balconies, children and sometimes adults playing cricket and other sports extremely noisily after prescribed play hours in gardens, members getting in scuffles with watchmen and other staff, tenants or even homeowners behaving in unsavory and disrespectful ways, smoking and drinking in society premises, among others. The list is seemingly endless and even renewed with new complaints describing strange and uncivilised behavior by the residents

Solution: Silence is not the best approach. Confront politely the person causing inconvenience to you and voice your concerns. If the behaviour continues, highlight it to the Secretary of the society or file a written complaint. But be sure to follow up on your grievance. The society usually lays down a code of conduct for its residents or at least puts up the list of ‘dos and don’t dos’ on its notice board which usually suffices for those of us who are more self aware.

Uncivilised behavior is largely accepted in India as citizens would rather mind their own business, be apathetic and tolerate distasteful behaviour instead of taking real action. There are cases where repeat offenders have been reprimanded, penalised and even expelled from the society on account of cruel and intolerable behavior. The final legal remedy is to approach the Police in case of irresolution of the problem.

10. Water shortage

There are a sizeable number of buildings that supply 24/7 water while in the case of others, the municipality provides water at fixed hours throughout the day. In such cases, the residents fix water tanks overhead to store water. However, only the specified size of water tank is approved to be fit as per the rules of the society so as to not hoard. When the buildings do not have overhead tanks and the water supply is governed by the society, it has been observed that the managing committee cuts off the water supply throughout the day or during busy hours such as mornings and evenings without giving prior notice to the member. When the supply is given, in some cases, it is not enough for a family to go about their routine. Other issues that have been highlighted include water leakage due to improper maintenance and supply of unhygienic water due to lack of water tank maintenance.

Solution: Since societies are equipped with underground water storage tanks, if they refuse to provide adequate water or make unequal distribution, the member can approach the municipality or the co-operative court. The MC should be prompt to fix leaking water pipes and ensure clean water to its residents.

No one party is always to be blamed entirely when any conflict occurs. After all, a housing society is a collaborative endeavor that requires participation from both sides. It is the duty of the members to elect the right representatives who would be willing to resolve problems effectively for the sake of the collective. The committee members, in turn, should perform their duties without expecting any material or intangible privileges. Peaceful dialogue should be the first and foremost choice of both parties involved. Approaching authorities is the final and inevitable option.

Around 34-35% of India’s total population lives in urban areas while the rest is split between villages, districts, hamlets, and small towns. More recently, due to migration to big cities and the penetration of technology in regional areas, the distinction between rural life and urban life is slowly but surely blurring. Even though the differences and similarities between the two include a gamut of cultural, commercial, and socio-political angles, in this post, we’ll examine Rural vs Urban difference in lifestyle in the context of community living.

Features comparison Rural Vs Urban living

Rural	Urban
1Livelihood characterised by agriculture, cattle breeding, handicrafts, and cottage industries.	Livelihood is unlimited to any commercial avenues, corporate opportunities, and natural resources in the city.
Mobility is restricted to smaller circles.	Unlimited mobility and wider scope of sociability.
Development is limited to necessary facilities like hospitals, schools, and government offices.	High-intensity development in all spheres including transit modes, recreational and business establishments
Clean, natural surroundings.	More pollution and waste management issues compared to rural areas.
Introduction of new technology limited to the need in occupation and some personal use.	Widespread adoption of technology in almost all walks of life.

What are the differences in culture, lifestyle, and community environment?

The community experience in rural and urban areas is largely self-organized (albeit within the purview of the local authorities and the national judicial system) since the formation of a Co-operative Housing Society has to be registered by law.

In rural areas, the administration of common affairs is handled through the Panchayat, responsible for providing infrastructure convenience to rural residents via street lights, roads, drainage, freshwater supply, and waste management.

Technically, a housing society can be formed in rural set-ups as we have seen many residential establishments in even remote industrial towns.

In urban areas, community living is mostly characterized by housing societies, apartment owners associations that function on cooperative principles and are subject to the state-specific Cooperative Rules set by the Registrar of Cooperative Societies.

Differences in the way of lifestyle

1. Rural community living

Fewer cases of theft and robbery which correlates to lesser security measures.
Less pollution and waste, natural surroundings.
Transactions of rental/lease nature agreed upon based on faith as opposed to written contracts.
Organic way of living, with an inclination towards naturally derived products and less reliance on quick-fix solutions.
More harmony concerning knowledge and resource sharing among inhabitants as the bond of camaraderie is stronger and the alienation is almost non-existent.
Housing is more affordable in rural areas and the cost of living is less compared to cities. This is due to more availability of land and less demand for real estate which keeps the cost of living low, a reason why many city dwellers have started moving to the countryside.

2. Urban community lifestyle

Every property deal, be it commercial, industrial, or residential rental/purchase/sale is done strictly by the law and rarely based on trust. The code of conduct is defined by written bye-laws in practice.
Lifestyle is fast-paced and dynamic with many avenues of growth and professional success.
There is less availability of space as the population density is higher in urban areas, evident in tightly cramped living structures and subsequent explosion of high-rise buildings.
Standard of living is high in general as residents’ earning potential is higher due to multiple work opportunities and availability of superior healthcare, technology, and infrastructure services like an expansive network of public transport, entertainment, and commercial complexes, etc.
The measure of convenience in urban landscapes is far more evolved than in rural areas as everything is nearby like pharmacies, petrol pumps, daily needs stores, cabs, rickshaws, and ATMs at every corner. The roads, pavements, streets, waste management, and sewer systems are abundant and fully operational. Water supply is delivered at home along with amenities like LPG, gas pipeline, high-speed internet connection, IoT devices, smart security systems, and on-demand services like plumbing, cleaning, and domestic help.