Thursday, April 4, 2013

For Bhandaris, it was a matter of principle

NEW DELHI: When the Bhandaris, O P and Aruna, of Munirka Enclave were dragged to court in 2006, they did not foresee becoming the face of a judgment that would bring the working of most residents' welfare associations (RWAs) in the city under the scanner. The couple took a stand to not pay their RWA for services provided by civic agencies. A local court's recent judgment in their favour will have ramifications for not only Munirka Enclave but also other RWAs across the city. 

The Bhandaris' legal battle started in 2006 when the then RWA president, H C Saroha, filed a case in court. O P Bhandari, 72, says he refused to pay the RWA its Rs 200 maintenance charge as its services were "just artificially created". In 1990, when Bhandari shifted to Munirka Enclave, the charge was Rs 50; it has since increased to Rs 500 per month. 

"I completely agree that there should be a body that looks after colonies," says Bhandari, a former employee of India Tourism Development Corporation. "It should look after common areas like staircases and shafts. But no such services are being provided". 

He says the RWAs have no business charging for services like garbage collection, maintenance of parks, repair of drains etc as these jobs are done by the MCD. "RWAs have become bodies that collect funds from residents and waste them on unnecessary things. They have harassed us many times in between." 

But the RWA denies these allegations. Its office bearers say they charge for services not provided by the civic agencies. They are contemplating contesting the court's verdict. "We have lost the case on some technical points but we do plan to contest it," said a senior functionary of the RWA on condition of anonymity. 

"The Bhandaris do not pay for the colony's security that's not provided by DDA or MCD. Also, municipal workers are not always there for cleaning and maintenance," he added. 

Saroha, the complainant, says the RWA funds ensure proper cleaning of the common areas. "The civic agencies look after roads and horticulture, but common areas like chutes, quarters for labourers, chowkidars etc are taken care of by the RWA. And the Bhandaris do not pay for these services," he said.


with thanks : Times of India : LINK

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