Members First: Maharashtra Recasts Society Redevelopment

Redevelopment is the most consequential decision a cooperative housing society takes. A developer typically demolishes the ageing building, rehouses members in new flats, and funds the project by selling additional units built from available Floor Space Index (FSI) and Transferable Development Rights (TDR). That bargain determines where members live, what they receive, and who rebuilds their homes.

The Government Order of 30 September 2026,¹ issued under Section 79A of the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960 (MCS Act), vests authority over redevelopment in the general body and replaces the July 2019 framework and every circular issued under it² with a single, mandatory procedure.

Three changes define the Order. Decisions once reserved to managing committees now need approval by at least 51% of the total membership (i.e., not merely of those present at the meeting); a representative of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies attends the developer-selection meeting; and