Pune: Housing Societies Race to Hold AGMs Before September 30 Deadline

Pune, 16th September 2026: With just two weeks left for the September 30 deadline, more than 7,222 registered housing societies under the jurisdiction of the city’s Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies offices No. 3 and 6 are racing to hold their annual general meetings (AGMs) for 2025-26.

Under Section 75 of the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, societies must hold their AGM within six months of the end of the financial year. Management committees are therefore preparing notices, agendas and financial reports ahead of the deadline.

Societies must give members at least 14 clear days’ notice of the AGM, specifying the date, time, venue and agenda. The meeting must take up the previous AGM minutes, management committee report, audited financial statements, audit report, compliance report, budget and appointment of the auditor, among other mandatory items.

The new housing society rules introduced this year also allow members to participate in general meetings through video conferencing or other audio-visual means. Societies, however, must comply with prescribed requirements for member identification, quorum and recording of votes during online participation.

Another key change is the cap on interest charged on maintenance arrears. The maximum rate has been reduced to 12% simple interest per annum, from the earlier ceiling of 21%.

Failure to hold the AGM by September 30 can invite action under Section 75(5) of the Act. The registrar can disqualify responsible office-bearers or committee members from holding office for up to five years, after giving them an opportunity to explain their position.

The registrar can also convene the AGM himself or through an authorised officer if necessary.

“An AGM is an important part of the functioning of a cooperative society. Societies that have not yet held their annual meetings should organise them immediately. Failure to do so can lead to action under Section 75(5) of the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act,” said Vitthal Suryawanshi, Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Pune Office No. 6.

Cooperative expert Adv. Ajit Borade said the AGM was not merely a formality and that societies must ensure timely notices, audited financial statements and other mandatory reports were ready.

“An AGM must be held before September 30. Avoiding the meeting can lead to legal action against the society’s management committee,” said Sanjeevan Sangle, president of the Society Federation.