Maharashtra is poised to overhaul the way its 0.125 million co-operative housing societies—home to about 20 million people—are run. The Draft Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Rules, 2025, released for public comment on 15 April, promises digital-friendly governance, clearer redevelopment norms and less day-to-day State intervention. Below are the key proposals.The one-off society registration fee would double to Rs 5,000, reflecting higher administrative costs. Annual General Meetings could be held online, provided at least two-thirds—or twenty—members join, and resolutions would need a simple majority of 51 per cent.Managing committees could authorise urgent spending up to Rs 0.3 million without convening a general body, and fill casual vacancies without registrar approval. A formal name-reservation process replaces the old ad-hoc system.For redevelopment, societies may raise bank finance up to ten times the land value, strengthening their bargaining power and supporting self-redevelopment. Every redevelopment meeting must give fourteen days’ notice, be video-recorded and include a registrar’s representative when appointing a builder.A new “premised society” category would fold shop and office units into the co-operative so that they gain a statutory share in future redevelopment benefits.Service charges for common areas would be split equally across flats, irrespective of size, while water charges would depend on tap count. Non-occupancy levies remain capped at ten per cent of service charges. Annual collections must include a sinking fund of at least 0.25 per cent and a repair fund of 0.75 per cent of construction cost.Interest on overdue member dues is slated to fall from 21 per cent to 12 per cent, easing financial pressure on residents. A “provisional member” status would give a deceased owner’s nominee voting rights until legal transfer of title.After public feedback is incorporated, the rules will go to the Co-operation Department for vetting and subsequent notification, paving the way for virtual AGMs, faster decisions and transparent redevelopment across the State.