Residents of multiple apartment complexes developed by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) have come together to formally request a standardized procedure for establishing resident associations. This collective move aims to bring clarity and uniformity to a process currently mired in confusion.
Joint Representation Highlights Lack of Framework
In a joint representation submitted to the BDA chairman on November 27, the flat owners expressed their concerns. While they welcomed the authority's recent advice to form associations for handling daily maintenance and housekeeping, they highlighted a critical gap. The BDA has not issued any official framework or reference document detailing how such associations should be constituted within its housing projects.
The absence of a defined procedure has created significant confusion on the ground. Different groups of residents are following their own interpretations of the process, leading to disagreements and friction within communities. The representation also noted that even BDA officials often rely on informal methods due to the lack of standard operating guidelines.
Resident Voices Detail On-Ground Challenges
A resident from Kaniminike Apartments in Kumbalgodu explained the core issue. "Our biggest challenge is the complete lack of clear guidelines for forming an association in BDA apartment complexes," they stated. The confusion spans multiple critical areas: which Act to register under, the specific responsibilities the association must assume, and the formal process for handover of management from the BDA.
This ambiguity has led to conflicts among residents, repeated elections, and disagreements over whether to follow the 1972 Act or the Societies Act. The resident further pointed out that even registered associations in other BDA complexes are struggling to understand what a proper handover entails without a standard process.
Formal Requests and Official Response
The collective of BDA flat owners has urged the authority to issue standard guidelines or an official notification. This document should specify the legal basis for registering associations, clearly outline roles and responsibilities, define election procedures, and detail the transition process from BDA management to an owners' association.
To ensure consistency and proper implementation, they have also requested the BDA to appoint a nodal officer for each cluster of apartments.
Responding to the concerns, BDA Chairman Haris N.A. assured that the authority is working on a solution. "We will be coming up with guidelines in the next 2 months for forming associations," he said. He emphasized the importance of these buildings being maintained with the same efficiency as projects managed by private developers.
