Inactive Auditor of Cooperative Housing Societies Removed!
Order issued by Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Housing Societies, Nilam Pingale
Audit process set in motion for 13 cooperative housing societies in the city
Pune | Special Correspondent
The office of the Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Pune City (3), has adopted a firm stance regarding the delays and non-compliance with regulations concerning the audits of cooperative housing societies. Deputy Registrar Mrs. Nilam Pingale has removed an auditor who failed to commence audit work despite being appointed and has immediately appointed a new auditor; this move is expected to accelerate the pending audits of 13 cooperative housing societies in the Pune city area.
Under Section 81(1)(a) and Section 75(2A) of the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, 1960, it is mandatory for every cooperative society to appoint an auditor during its Annual General Meeting and inform the Registrar’s office of this appointment within 30 days. However, the Deputy Registrar’s office intervened *suo motu* after noticing that the concerned societies had failed to complete this process even five months after holding their annual meetings.
Previously, Mr. Somnath Hariba Shendra had been appointed from the panel of auditors via an order dated March 30, 2026. However, it came to light that he had not visited the concerned societies or commenced the actual audit work following his appointment. Taking serious note of this, Deputy Registrar Nilam Pingale immediately issued a new order appointing an alternative auditor.
Appointment of Mrs. Rima Sontakke
Exercising the powers conferred under Section 81(1)(a) of the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, 1960, Deputy Registrar Nilam Pingale has appointed Mrs. Rima Rajendra Sontakke (Auditor Panel No. 13342, Class-B) as the new auditor. Consequently, it is expected that the pending audits will now be expedited.
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Inclusion of 13 Housing Societies
Thirteen cooperative housing societies in the Chinchwad, Wakad, Pimpri, and Punawale areas will benefit from this order. These include Shantiban, V.G. Estate, Manohar, Darshnagari, Sagar, Shraddha Garden, Chirantan, Smruti, Jyotiling, Makarand, Shivsada, Premsada, and DSK Kunjban.
Strict Conditions for Auditors
The Deputy Registrar’s office has laid down specific terms and conditions for the appointed auditors. Accordingly, it is mandatory to complete the audit promptly and submit the report to the society, the Registrar, and the District Special Auditor’s office within the prescribed timeframe. A report detailing the rectification of errors and deficiencies found during the audit must be submitted. If serious irregularities are detected, a separate special report is required. A detailed report must also be provided if criminal action is warranted. Audit fees may only be charged in accordance with the rules. If an uncertified (Class-C) auditor is found to have been appointed by a society with more than 100 members, the society must immediately inform the office.
Warning to Society Office-Bearers
Deputy Registrar Nilam Pingale has issued clear instructions to the chairpersons and secretaries of the concerned societies to immediately make the necessary records and documents available to the appointed auditors. The order also warns that action will be taken in accordance with the rules if the audit is not completed within the stipulated period. This firm stance taken by the Deputy Registrar’s office is considered crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability in the cooperative sector, and the move is viewed as an effort to effectively address the issue of pending audits in cooperative housing societies.
“The auditing of cooperative societies is not merely a legal formality but a crucial mechanism for ensuring financial transparency and safeguarding the interests of members. It is the responsibility of every society to complete the audit within the stipulated timeframe. If the audit work remains pending even after the appointment of an auditor, the matter will be viewed seriously. Strict adherence to regulations is essential to maintain transparency, discipline, and accountability within the cooperative sector. No form of delay or irregularity will be tolerated.”
– Smt. Nilam Pingle, Deputy Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Pune City (3), Pune.
