IP Extension societies hold out threat to boycott polls

Alleging discrimination in matters taxation and other levies, the Federation Cooperative Housing Societies of IP Extension in East Delhi that represents 97 RWAs gave a call to its 60,000-odd voters to boycott the upcoming assembly elections if their demand to ease the burden of taxes on them is not met.  

Calling for implementation of the Building Amendment Act of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the societies have decided not to bear unwanted charges any more. 

Explaining the stand of the federation, a senior member of Vikalp Apartment RWA and general secretary of the federation, Madan Khatri, said that the societies have followed the rules of registration laid down by Delhi Cooperative Society Act 2003 (DCS) for far too long, even after an amendment has rendered the Act obsolete. 

Since the amended law has not been implemented, the societies are still forced to bear unwanted charges for roads and street lights which do not cover their residential area.

Khatri said "We are asking for implementation of the redevelopment plan as the government did in Kidwai Nagar and Sarojni Nagar so that the societies could maintain their expenses in a much better manner. The government gives everything to unauthorised plotted housing for free, why then should we shell out huge amounts of taxes from our hard-earned money.” 

Listing the liabilities of the societies, he said, “Sewer, water charges and street lights maintenance etc., we pay for everything, street and common area charges are included. 

What will be the New Building Plan

In the redevelopment plan, the group housing societies will be modified into multistoried buildings. Every building will have a shopping mall, a salon, grocery shop and many more. The Government can authorise the societies' elected members to allot the shops. Vikalp society will be the first to implement the redevelopment plan.