As working parents, the primary reason for anyone to rent or buy a house in a gated community is the safety and security of their loved ones. Mygate’s Child Security feature provides real-time information to the parents when their children step outside the main gate of their gated community.

The Child Security feature on the Mygate app will help parents be aware of and give approval for the movement of their children when they step out of the community, unaccompanied by them. This would also apply when a child caretaker or a designated adult is taking a child out of the community.

In an everyday scenario, when a child wants to step out of the gated premises alone or accompanied by support staff (like maid, driver), the security guard may or may not reach out to the parent on the community EPBX system to take approvals to let the child out. This process has proven to be disastrous as most communities do not have EPBX systems deployed and the parents are generally unavailable to attend calls.

Our latest feature instantly notifies parents on the Mygate app if their children are trying to get out of the gated premises. The children are let out by the guard only upon approval by the parents on the app.

Here’s how you will benefit…

• You will get notified every time your kid attempts to leave the premises
• If you are allowing your kid to exit in the next few hours on the app, the guard will immediately be notified of this when he attempts to seek your permission

Gated community security is often costly, chaotic, and increasingly inadequate, especially at the busy main gate which handles a constant stream of household staff, delivery agents, visitors, and residents. For a 400-flat complex, this can mean over 1,000 entries per day. Managing such high traffic manually is overwhelming, prone to human error, and a risk to community safety.

Traditional fixes like hiring more guards or deploying standalone hardware such as RFID cards, biometric scanners, or boom barriers only add costs and complexity. These tools are limited in scope, do not integrate well with other processes, and still fail to address challenges like managing delivery staff, service providers, and visitor verification.

Mygate provides a better way. It is not just a security app but a complete ERP platform designed to simplify and digitize the entire operations of a gated community. By replacing outdated manual methods, Mygate brings order to the entry gate, automates visitor authentication, logs every entry and exit digitally, manages staff attendance, enables vehicle access, tracks deliveries, and integrates resident services. All of this happens without heavy investment in physical infrastructure.

The platform also ensures quick onboarding and training of security and facility staff at no extra cost, allowing Resident Welfare Associations to achieve efficiency and cost savings together. Mygate is more than a security upgrade. It is an all-in-one ERP system that transforms gated communities into smarter, safer, and more connected living spaces.

It was about two years ago when I crossed paths with the leadership at MyGate and was deeply influenced by the problem under discussion, and the solution being built at scale. While the idea was still being nurtured, the vision was clearly embedded in our minds… Simplifying Urban Living!

I started out as an individual contributor within the operations team. Today, as I lead the Account Management Team and look back to the day I began my journey with MyGate, I have come to realise that my time at the company has been transformational. I can proudly claim that I help MyGate stay at the top of its game on a daily basis.

Consistent Innovation

None of this can be imagined without the right blend of customer-centric design and robust tech foundation. I have witnessed the solution evolve constantly. From a bare-bones application to a disruptive force simplifying life for over half a million homes in India, we have embraced innovation to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage.

Equally essential is the need to put the right structure in place that systematically pursues and champions innovation. Mission-specific teams, working towards measurable outcomes, and a culture that encourages experimentation to align to changing customer expectations, ensures that the company remains a pioneering force in its space. Even with an aggressive emphasis on sales and marketing, the focus on improving the product has never deviated.

Valuable Exposure

MyGate has helped me broaden my horizon of being valuable and strong by investing trust in my abilities. I have always had the freedom to voice my opinions and share feedback based on my first hand experience of interacting with customers. The synergy between my personal growth and the company is flawless… I have enriched my skills and crafted a compelling persona, which helps me emerge as a stronger and wiser individual.

Being an integral cog in the wheel at MyGate, I can easily advocate that the company offers a plethora of opportunities to showcase how one can add value, both to the business and the community as a whole. I have received unconditional support, knowledge, wisdom, and time to deliver both as an individual contributor and now as a team lead.

Company Mindset

For any business to achieve success, a lot depends on the collective company psyche, as in how a company thinks, decides and acts. The reason I was able to identify and grab growth opportunities here is the predisposal to customer centricity, problem solving and execution excellence. The traits are infused in the company’s culture and therefore one can always see young energy and ideas brewing.

Great ideas can flow in from anywhere. And, with the right support and structure, they can go onto becoming the cutting-edge solutions of the future. This is how MyGate has retained its innovative streak for over three years – and why I believe it will continue to do so for the long term.

Looking for your next great role? Click here!

The average Indian home consumes 350 litres of water every day. Plenty of this usage is reckless – and also expensive. In the summer, areas experiencing water shortage may end up spending up to Rs.2500 per month. Much of this can be optimised – with ease. This article will tell you, both, how to decrease your dependence on private suppliers, through rainwater harvesting, and give you several tips about conservation of water.

So let’s begin:

What is rainwater harvesting?

Rainwater Harvesting, also referred to as RWH, is a simple method of collecting rainwater and deploying the same for further usage. This is an increasingly important water conservation method in apartments and gated complexes. It is popular because it can result in significant savings and is easy to implement.

For example, in Panchsheel Park Colony in Delhi, a community of 1000 residents, pooled in Rs. 800 per flat in June 2004 to build a rainwater harvesting system. Today, they harvest more than 170 million litres of water annually – and this with Delhi’s meagre rainfall.

Expert water conservation tips

This is the best and most effective method of harvesting rainwater for apartments as it is less expensive and if implemented efficiently, helps in augmenting the groundwater level of the area. This is a system of catching rainwater where it falls. In this method, the roof becomes the catchment, and rainwater is collected from the roof of the building, which can either be stored in a tank or diverted to an artificial recharge system.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHF-DItDCkQ

Watch well-known conservationist, Solar Suresh, discuss a few easy, cost-effective ways for societies to conserve water

Components of rooftop rainwater harvesting

The process involves transporting rainwater through pipes and drains, filtration and storage for reuse/recharge. Here are some common components involved in these stages:

1. Catchments

Surface which directly receives the rainfall and provides water to the system. It can be a paved area such as a building terrace or courtyard, or an unpaved area such as a lawn or an open ground. A roof made of reinforced cement concrete (RCC), galvanised iron or corrugated sheets can also be used.

Vikas Complex Cooperating Housing Society in Thane (W), successfully collected 59,1260 litres of water from a Catchment area of about 296 square metres (sq. m). Whereas, the average annual rainfall in Thane is about 2350 millimetre (mm).

2. Channels

Water is collected around the edge of a sloping roof in channels and is carried to a storage tank. The size of the channel depends on the flow during heavy rain. It is advisable to make them 10 to 15% larger. They can either be made from plain galvanised iron (GI) sheet, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or even bamboo trunks.

3. Conduits

Pipelines or drains that transport rainwater from the catchment area to the harvesting system. Conduits can be of PVC or galvanised iron.

4. First-Flushing

A valve that ensures that runoff from the first spell of rain is flushed out and does not enter the system. This needs to be done since the first spell of rain carries a relatively larger amount of pollutants from the air and catchment surface.

5. Filter

Removes suspended pollutants from rainwater collected over the roof. A filter unit is a chamber filled with filtering media such as fibre, coarse sand and gravel layers to remove debris and dirt from water before it enters the storage tank or recharge structure.

6. Storage Facility

There are multiple options available based on the shape, size and material of construction.

• Shape: Cylindrical, Rectangular and Square
• Material: Reinforced cement concrete (RCC), ferrocement, masonry, plastic (polyethylene) or metal (galvanised iron) sheets
• Position of the tank: Depending on space availability, these tanks could be constructed above ground, partly underground or fully underground. Some maintenance measures like cleaning and disinfection are required to ensure the quality of water stored in the container.

7. Recharge Structures

Rainwater may be charged into the groundwater aquifers, an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock, rock fractures or unconsolidated materials such as gravel, sand, or silt, through any suitable structures like dugwells, borewells, recharge trenches and recharge pits.

• Recharge trenches and permeable pavements: These recharge structures promote the percolation of water through soil strata at shallower depth.
• Recharge wells: These structures conduct water to greater depths from where it joins the groundwater.
• Recharge pits: The excavated pit, 1.5m to 3m wide and 2m to 3m deep, is lined with a brick/stone wall with openings (weep-holes) at regular intervals. The top area of the pit can be covered with a perforated cover. Design procedure is the same as that of a settlement tank.

Types of filters

• Charcoal water filter: A simple charcoal filter can be made in a drum or an earthen pot. The filter is made of gravel, sand and charcoal, all of which are easily available.
• Sand filter: Sand filters have commonly available sand as filter media. Sand filters are easy and inexpensive to construct. These filters can be employed for treatment of water to effectively remove turbidity (suspended particles like silt and clay), colour and microorganisms.
• Rainwater Purification Centre (RainPC): A system designed for the conversion of rainwater to drinking water. Coming in a small compact 26 kg unit, the RainPC offers an affordable solution.

Advantages of implementing rooftop rainwater harvesting:

1. Promotes water conservation and reduces water bills
2. Mitigates on-road flooding and soil erosion within your complex
3. The system is less expensive, easy to implement and requires less maintenance
4. Diminishes the usage of potable water for varied purposes
5. Reduces water consumption by as much as 40%

DIY water conservation tips

Did you know we use about 27% of water for bathing and toilet use. Here are 10 simple DIY tips that come in handy and if practiced diligently, can help conserve water.

1. Don’t waste the waste

Utilise RO waste water for other household purposes.Reuse grey water and reroute the runoff from your clothes washer and use that water for things like flushing the toilet or washing your car.

1. Don’t waste the waste

Utilise RO waste water for other household purposes.Reuse grey water and reroute the runoff from your clothes washer and use that water for things like flushing the toilet or washing your car.

2. Fix faulty faucets

A leaky faucet that drips at the rate of 1 drip per second can waste more than 11,360 litres per year. That’s the amount of water needed to take more than 180 showers!

3. Keep tabs on the taps

Don’t let the faucet running while cleaning veggies. Turning off water while brushing teeth saves 9.5 litres a minute.

4. Install showerheads and aerators

Shower heads control the water flow rate, which helps in reducing the amount of water consumed. A low-flow shower can help you save 34,540 litres per year, given a 10-minute shower time per day.

5. Switch to a low-flush toilet

Install a cistern displacement device to reduce the volume of water used in each flush.

6. Install a water meter

Monitor water consumption to control usage. What’s more, it is also helpful in detecting leaks.

7. Broom the sidewalks

A single sidewalk wash consumes about 303 litres of water, use a broom instead!

8. Water plants during mornings

Watering your plants during the day increases water consumption due to evaporation. Save 95 litres each time you water your plants either early mornings or late evenings.

9. Don’t run half-filled washing machines

Avoid half cleaning rounds and allow your washing machine to be filled before you get them spinning.

10. Don’t run the hose while washing your car

About 230 litres of water is consumed per car wash, make each drop count.

In 2016, the government enacted The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, commonly known as RERA, that came to be implemented in May 2017 all over India. Its purpose is to encourage and develop the real estate sector while also protecting the interests of home buyers, bringing every activity of the buyer and the seller under one regulatory central and standardised legislation. RERA was established to do away with project delays, malpractice, irregularities in norms and increase transparency and accountability from builders and homebuyers both.

Various states of India have been allowed to create their own regulatory practices in compliance with the Act. At the end of December 2018, around 35,000 projects were registered under RERA and the number is only growing. Maharashtra and Gujarat are considered the most RERA-compliant states and other states who have interim RERA are expected to follow suit. Let’s understand the highlights of the landmark act that has positioned the real estate sector on an upward trajectory, bringing in standardisation that never before existed in India.

Salient features of RERA

• RERA is applicable and mandatory to all residential and commercial properties in all the states of India (excluding Jammu and Kashmir). All projects are required to be registered under RERA, whether they are in the launch or construction phase (provided the land is over 500 square metres or eight apartments).
• Any changes in the design or plan of the property have to be implemented after the permission of the (two-thirds of the) allottees and the authorities.
• The act lays down clear instructions about the carpet area (usable area within the walls). The buyer only pays for the carpet area and not the super built-up area.
• 70% of the funds acquired from the buyers are required to be kept in a separate bank account and utilised for the development of the project.
• The project completion date has to be clearly mentioned in the agreement and strict measures are implemented to have the project finished on time.
• All project details have to be made available to buyers other than the sale deed, including financial statements, registration copy, project prospectus, design/plan of the flat, among others.
•  RERA websites publish lists of developers and their ongoing projects (as well as complete project repertoire), including certificates, project litigation, FSI details, plot bearings, certifications, etc.in order to give buyers an in-depth look at the developer’s credibility and their projects.
• In case of any delay, both the parties (buyer and seller) will pay the same interest which is 2% above SBI’s Marginal Cost (of funds based) Lending rate.
• Each state is mandated to form a real estate appellate tribunal that is responsible to resolve disputes between buyers and sellers within a time period of 120 days.
• Builders are not allowed to demand more than 10% of the total cost of the property as an advance payment/booking amount before they sign the final sale agreement.
• If there are any malfunctions or defects in the building, the residents have one year to bring it to the notice of the builder who then is responsible to fix the problems within 5 years of possession, free of cost.
• The builder is not allowed to publish any advertisement related to the project unless he has registered the project with RERA (state or central RERA). Advertisements must mention the registration status and the details of the project are published on the RERA website as well.
• To file any complaints under RERA, you can visit the ‘Complaint Registration’ section on their website.

Documents needed for Registration under RERA

• As mentioned earlier, each state has its own requirements for which the state government maintains RERA websites where you can find exact specifics. However, below is the commonly needed paperwork for project registration.
• Authenticated copy of the PAN Card.
• Photograph, contact details, address of the builder and partners, chairman, etc.
• Builder’s Income Tax Returns of the last three years and balance sheet.
• Legal title deed attested by an Advocate.
• In cases where the builder is not the land owner, any agreements made between the owner and the builder are done with the owner’s consent letter.
• Documents related to the project such as sanctioned plan/floor plans, proposed plan, parking area arrangements, carpet area, TDI/FSI details, proposed numbers of buildings/wings, aggregate area of the open common spaces.
• Architecture and Design Standards, Type of Construction Technology, Earthquake Resistant Measures.
• Name and number of contractors, architects, engineers, and any other professionals involved in the construction.
• Details of the total duration of the project and completion date.

How does a builder register under RERA?

• Fill an application for registration along with the required documents and registration fees. The fee amount is calculated on the basis of project type and square meters (detailed fee structure is available on RERA websites). The RERA Maharashtra project registration fee is Rs.10 per square meter or minimum of Rs. 50,000 only and maximum up to Rs.10,00,000 only.
• After the application, you will receive a RERA registration number, which is to be displayed in every advertisement of projects.
• The process of granting registration may take up to 30 days.
• The project can receive extension in case of natural calamities or any other case if deemed reasonable by RERA (extended period is usually one year).
• RERA holds the right to cancel the registration if the builder defaults, violates the laws, misrepresents facts, conducts unfair practices or falsely advertises services.

Penalties imposed by RERA

• Non-registration penalty is 10% of the estimated cost of the project. Further non-compliance with respect to registration may lead up to imprisonment for three years with or without a fine.
• False presentation of information is penalised at 5% of the total cost of the project.
• Non-compliance or contravention of any RERA order is calculated on the basis of defaulted days and may add up to 5% of the cost of the project.
• Not abiding to the decision of the appellate tribunal may lead to imprisonment of three years with or without a fine leading up to 5% of the total cost of the project.

What are the benefits of RERA for homebuyers?

• Buyers will get what they pay for in terms of carpet area. Earlier they used to be conned by false promises of builders who used to advertise higher carpet area and then hide behind technical definitions.
• All the project details and progress reports will be made available to the buyers on RERA websites, making them aware of every aspect of the construction.
• There will be fewer projects being stalled, more projects will be completed on time.
• The buying decisions will be faster. Dispute resolution will no longer be delayed for months or years, as the appellate tribunal will be responsible for a verdict in 120 days.
• Projects will not run out of funds as the builders will not be allowed to move funds from one project to another and maintain transparency about the fund allocation.
• Builders will be accountable for a botched job on the construction and will be held responsible to fix the problem for free.
• The government has decided to start a common online platform for RERA authorities of all states so that buyers can exchange views, seek advice and discuss their problems.
• Advertising and promotional materials will not contain any misleading information so the buyers will be well-informed about their prospective purchases.
• In case of default of payment by the buyer, the interest rate to be paid by the buyer to the builder was high, whereas if the builder delayed the project, the interest paid by him to the buyer was less. Now the same interest rates are applicable to both parties.

Benefits of RERA for builders

• The buyers are expected to occupy the residence within 2 months of Occupation Certificate. This is good news to builders as it reduces unoccupied properties.
• Lenders will be more willing to provide flow of money to the builders due to renewed faith and transparency provided by RERA norms.
• RERA mandates regular payments from the buyers, including registration fees, maintenance charges, taxes, installment payments, water/electricity charges etc. This is a relief to builders who often used to bear the brunt of defaulted payments quite often.
• The real estate sector will be more organized as there will be fewer fraudulent and unreliable builders who made the burgeoning sector otherwise unorganized. Such spring cleaning will increase buyer trust in the builders and the credibility of all registered developers will see an increase.
• There will be less incidents of insolvency, bankruptcy in developers as the 70% of the funds will be correctly engaged in the project and not moved around for other projects.

In all fairness, RERA has only been enacted for two years so its progress and outcome are still to be measured in entirety. However, states that have shown compliance and quick implementation have already seen the initial fruits of accountability and stable growth. RERA not only benefits buyers massively, it also provides strict and necessary guidelines for builders and real estate developers to contribute positively to the economic growth of the country.

Some housing societies who may be struggling with efficiency in management or financial losses may choose to amalgamate with another society, divide into smaller segments or transfer its shares and liabilities to another society. Such decisions are taken strategically to benefit the original society as well as the society it wishes to amalgamate with. But proper checks and balances are put in place by the government in such scenarios. Let’s delve deeper in the procedure of amalgamation.

Cooperative housing societies are allowed to do the following:-

• Amalgamate with another society
• Transfer its assets and liabilities, in whole or in part, to any other society
• Divide itself into two or more societies
• Convert itself into another class of society (e.g convert from an individual society to a multi-cooperative or federal society).

Societies co-operative acts, Muti-cooperative act and Society Registration Acts all have provisions and guidelines for amalgamation of housing societies. For the purpose of this article, we will use the terminology from two of the most well-defined state co-operative acts which are Maharashtra and Delhi.

Procedure for amalgamation

1. File an application

The society is required to send an application to the Registrar with full details of the intention, whether it is a decision to amalgamate, transfer assets and liabilities, divide itself or to convert to another class of society.

2. Registrar approval

The Registrar gives permission to members, shareholders, creditors and any other person who may have an objection to such a decision and may be affected by it. They may ask for additional information or particulars from the cooperative society, and after a thorough examination, gives his approval.

3. Special General Meeting

The society has to convene a Special General Meeting by giving a 15-day notice to its members & creditors. The resolution to amalgamate can only be passed if there is a two-thirds majority vote by the members.

4. Resolution and statements

The resolution should contain a detailed purpose of why the society intends to amalgamate, transfer or divide along with proposed plan or scheme demonstrating how such a transformation is in the interest of the society. The proposed scheme for the transfer of liabilities and assets to another society should also be clearly laid out if such is the intention of the housing society and a statement is to be submitted with the application. If the plan consists of the transfer of liabilities or assets, the co-operative society is mandated to give written notice to all the members, creditors and any other person who are likely to be affected by such a decision.

5. Options for all parties involved

Creditors are given a chance to secure their dues from the society after the notice is put out. Members/shareholders have the opportunity to become part of a new society, or continue being part of the amalgamated society. At the same time, if the member/shareholder wishes to discontinue their involvement, they are allowed to receive payment for their shares and other dues.

6. Notice of amalgamation in Delhi

The notice shall also be published in at least one newspaper in English and Hindi and one in vernacular language in circulation in the National Capital Territory of Delhi and a copy thereof shall be exhibited on the notice board in the office of the co-operative society and the office of the Registrar. The State Government may decide against such a notice depending on the society’s financial capability and the extent of its liabilities and other pertinent factors.

7. One month waiting period

Within one month of the passing of the resolution, creditors and other people who may be affected by the amalgamation can raise objections and clear their dues. The society takes the necessary resolutions for each objection (if any raised). The amalgamation procedure cannot be completed if there are any unresolved disputes from members, creditors or other persons. If any of the parties involved fail to raise objections or demand their dues within this one month, it is automatically assumed that they have consented to the amalgamation.

8. Society’s Report

The society is required to submit a report to the registrar recounting the actions it has taken with regards to clearing dues and objections and request a decision for amalgamation, transfer or division, whichever the case may be. The new or amalgamated society has to be registered and the existing registration has to be cancelled.

9. Registration approval

After inspecting the society’s report, the Registrar if thoroughly satisfied with the proceedings, will register the amalgamated, divided or converted society and cancel the registration that was filed for the society previously.

Things to remember

• In the case of determining the member’s share value during the entire process, the calculation will be determined on the financial position of the society based on the last audited balance sheet, but it will not exceed the actual amount the society had received from the member.
• On the very same date that the amalgamated, divided or converted society gets registered, the old registration is considered cancelled.
• Even if the society amalgamates, transfers its shares liabilities, divides or converts itself, it does not affect any legal proceedings that the society may have started against someone or if any such proceedings were started against the society by another party. The newly transformed society will still continue the same processes legally.
• The registration itself is enough conveyance to vest the assets and liabilities of the original society.
• Even when the society has not intention to amalgamate or divide, the Registrar has the power to cause amalgamation, division or reorganisation of societies if it considers that such an action is in the interest of the general public and the co-operative movement and that it will lead to better management of the society. However, the registrar sends a copy of the proposed order to each society in question. The Registrar also makes modifications based on the suggestions or objections received by the society within a period of two months. The members willing to opt out still receive their share amount and the creditors will receive their dues even if the Registrar decides for amalgamation, division, or reorganisation.