RTI for Cooperative & Housing Societies (2025 Guide)

Cooperative societies and housing societies manage large member-based funds, loans, and allotments. Mismanagement or lack of transparency often leads to disputes. The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 empowers members and citizens to demand certified records from cooperatives registered under the Cooperative Societies Acts.

Where RTI Applies in Cooperative & Housing Societies

• Membership Records: Get certified details of membership approvals and rejections.
• Housing Allotments: Request allotment lists, draw results, and waiting lists for housing societies.
• Loans & Credit: Access loan sanction orders, repayment registers, and NPA (non-performing asset) data in cooperative banks.
• Fund Utilization: Demand audited accounts, budgets, and utilization certificates of cooperative funds.
• Management Elections: Obtain election notifications, voter lists, and results for society governing bodies.

Sample RTI Queries for Cooperatives

• Please provide certified copy of membership register of housing society ___ as on date ___.
• Please provide list of flats/houses allotted in draw held on date ___ by cooperative society ___.
• Please provide certified copies of loan sanction orders and repayment schedule for loan no. ___ issued by ___ cooperative bank.
• Please provide certified copy of audited balance sheet and utilization certificate of society funds for year 2024–25.
• Please provide certified copies of election voter list and final results of cooperative society elections held on date ___.

Authorities You Can File With

• Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS): For housing, credit, and multi-purpose cooperatives.
• Cooperative Banks: For loan, NPA, and member fund records.
• Housing Societies: For allotments, membership, and elections.
• State Cooperative Departments: For policy, budgets, and disciplinary action records.

FAQs on RTI for Cooperative & Housing Societies