Concerns Over Unjustified Hike and Lack of Transparency
Residents of Casagrand Supremus are challenging the ₹2.40 per sq. ft. maintenance charge, raising concerns about unjustified financial burden despite a closing balance of ₹6,10,140 as per the 2023-2024 audited accounts. With no apparent financial shortfall, residents are demanding clarity, accountability, and fair budgeting from the association.
1. Financial Status: Is the Maintenance Charge Justified?
- The closing balance for 2023-2024 is ₹6,10,140, indicating that revenues covered all expenses.
- Additional charges are typically required only in case of a financial shortfall, which does not exist in this scenario.
2. Budgeting & Expense Adjustments
- Budgets should be planned based on estimated income, ensuring that expenses remain within revenue.
- In the current model, income is determined by expenditure, meaning there should be no surplus at year-end.
- If there is a positive closing balance, increasing maintenance charges is unnecessary, even if some expenses exceeded projections.
3. Issues with the ₹2.40 Per Sq. Ft. Maintenance Charge
Incorrect Accounting of Expenses
- No 2024-2025 funds were used for 2023-2024 expenses, meaning all previous obligations were settled.
- March expenses (payable in April) have been wrongly included, creating a false deficit.
Revenue & Collection Estimates
- Total area considered: 931,588 sq. ft.
- Projected maintenance collection formula:
- 931,588 × ₹2.40 × 3 months = ₹6,288,219
- Key Issues:
- No provision was made for the previous quarter’s maintenance charges, despite this being standard practice.
- The society collection provision is only ₹3,00,000 for three months, even though ₹2,25,000 was collected in a single month previously, questioning the accuracy of financial estimates.
4. Additional Burden on Residents
- Residents already paid maintenance charges in January, along with an ₹8,260 property tax (including GST).
- Another payment is due in February, making this additional charge an unfair financial strain.
- Many believe that an artificial deficit is being created to justify increased maintenance, leading to mistrust in financial management.
5. Residents Demand Immediate Action
Residents are urging the association to:
- Reconsider and withdraw the ₹2.40 per sq. ft. maintenance charge, given the existing surplus balance.
- Provide transparent documentation explaining how this charge was calculated.
- Ensure fair and justified financial decisions to prevent unnecessary increases in maintenance fees.
Additionally, residents question why previous defaulters were allowed to vote and contest elections, while those unable to pay this increase may face penalties.
6. Conclusion: Transparency and Fair Budgeting Needed
The imposition of a ₹2.40 per sq. ft. maintenance charge despite a surplus balance has raised serious concerns about financial transparency.
Residents are demanding clear communication, responsible budgeting, and fair financial governance to ensure they are not burdened with unnecessary maintenance hikes.
Will the association justify this charge, or will they listen to residents and withdraw it? The community awaits answers.
