PCMC Elections 2026: How Housing Societies Are Encouraging Residents to Vote

Pimpri Chinchwad, 10th January 2026: Ahead of the upcoming municipal elections, residents of several housing societies in Pimpri Chinchwad have introduced a novel incentive to encourage higher voter participation by linking it to concessions on monthly maintenance charges.

Two housing societies in the Ravet area have formally approved the initiative during their recent general body meetings. The move aims to motivate families to ensure that all eligible members exercise their right to vote.

Legacy Fortune Exotica Cooperative Housing Society was among the first to adopt the measure. Explaining the decision, society chairman Rahul Salunkhe said voter participation from the society had been poor during last year’s Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.

“Our society has around 200 registered voters across 83 flats in one wing. After reviewing the low turnout in previous elections, members felt something needed to be done to motivate residents. The proposal was discussed in detail and approved unanimously,” Salunkhe said. He added that candidates and political parties tend to take societies more seriously when voter participation is high. “A strong voting presence gives residents a collective voice to raise local issues,” he noted.

Under the scheme, the society, which charges a monthly maintenance of ₹4,200, will offer a concession of 25 percent, amounting to ₹1,000, to flat owners whose family members vote. Residents are required to share photographs showing the indelible ink mark after voting on the society’s internal communication group.

A similar step has been taken by Sai Platina Cooperative Housing Society in the same locality. Chairman Amol Kalekar said the society decided to introduce a one-time 50 percent concession on monthly maintenance for families that ensure all eligible members vote.

“Our society has around 100 flats, and the monthly maintenance is ₹2,000. We decided to offer a ₹1,000 rebate for one month to encourage participation. The idea was accepted without any opposition,” Kalekar said. He clarified that the initiative is strictly non-political. “We are not influencing anyone’s choice. The only appeal is to participate in the democratic process,” he added.

Ravet, one of the fast-growing residential pockets of Pimpri Chinchwad, has a significant population of professionals working in corporate and industrial sectors. Salunkhe said many residents were earlier registered as voters in their native places. “We encouraged them to transfer their voter registration to Pimpri Chinchwad. The response has been encouraging, and more than 90 percent of residents are now registered voters at their current address, as per Election Commission records,” he said.

The initiatives reflect a growing trend among urban housing societies to actively promote civic participation, especially in local body elections that directly impact everyday civic amenities and infrastructure.