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PUNE: Following the launch of a fully online cooperative society registration system by Maharashtra’s cooperation department two months ago, 23 housing societies in the state have successfully completed the approval process via the Aaple Sarkar portal. This marks a significant transition from the cumbersome paperwork-intensive method that required multiple visits to deputy registrar offices.
As of Friday, officials from the state cooperation department informed TOI that the portal has processed 304 applications for society name reservations—the initial step in the registration process. Out of these, 113 applications received approval, while 34 were rejected. A total of 23 societies have now completed both the name reservation and final registration processes after obtaining the necessary permissions for bank account openings and submitting documents online.
Housing societies from Pune, Ratnagiri, Amravati, Kolhapur, and Sangli are among the first to use this digital service.
“The initiative aims to streamline the lengthy, paperwork-laden process, minimize visits to deputy registrar offices, eliminate middlemen, and expedite approvals,” stated Deepak Taware, cooperation commissioner.
This online registration system, accessible through the Aaple Sarkar portal, covers all types of cooperative societies, including housing societies. Officials indicate that this initiative will primarily benefit urban areas like Mumbai and Pune, where many housing societies are unregistered due to procedural delays, overwhelming documentation requirements, and insufficient cooperation from builders.
Deputy registrar (IT) Mahendra Magar noted that the portal is now integrated with the government’s accounting framework, allowing applicants to pay the ₹2,500 registration fee online and track their application status in real time.
“We have observed a positive response since the launch,” Magar added.
Moreover, the digital process has cut down the number of required documents from 29 to 19. While essential documents regarding land ownership, construction approvals, promoter details, and registered agreements remain necessary, documents such as zoning certificates, title search reports, development agreements, business projection plans, and various affidavits have been removed.
Applicants must create a user ID on the Aaple Sarkar portal and pay ₹50 to start the process. This platform offers a single-window access for services including society name reservations, permission for opening a bank account, and document uploads.
After the society name is approved, applicants can establish a cooperative bank account and deposit the share capital. Proof of this deposit, along with other required documents, is then uploaded online before proceeding to the final registration stage.
Officials indicated that registrars review applications digitally and may raise queries online; applicants are expected to respond within a designated timeframe. The entire process is anticipated to conclude within two months, with a digital registration certificate issued within 30 days after meeting all requirements.
According to data from the cooperation department, approximately 1.25 lakh housing societies are currently registered in Maharashtra, while numerous buildings, particularly in urban settings, remain outside the formal cooperative framework.
Taware mentioned that the department aims to incorporate more societies into the official system. “Once registered, societies can better manage their finances, facilitate repairs, apply for conveyance, and access government services,” he explained.
Advocate Shreeprasad Parab, expert director at the Maharashtra State Housing Federation, noted that the reform could enhance transparency and accountability by digitally documenting each step of the process.
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