Sreedhar S Sharma is a housing activist and consultant for housing societies. He is the chairman of Revathi Memorial Foundation

After recent fire incidents in a mall and in a residential building, the managing committee (MC) of our society has proposed to put up some fire safety equipment in our building.
However, even after several meetings we can't reach a consensus. Can the MC decide on its own without waiting for others to agree?
- Laxman Nair
It is in the interest of all the members, therefore the General Body should support the MC in this decision. A special General Body Meeting may be called if necessary to debate / decide the issue. The agenda can be passed with the majority. Before buying the fire safety equipment, the MC can also consult the Mumbai Fire Brigade, who can advise them properly in this regard. Also, get your building insured against fire / earthquakes and other perils.

We live in a new building. This was made after our builder made the SRA building. However, for the past two years the members in the SRA building keep coming up with problems whenever the officials come to check the amenities so that they can give it the OC. As a result, we can't get the OC for our building. Please tell us how can we attain the OC, even if the SRA project doesn't have it.
- Ravi Kulkarni
Your SRA Project has one building for the old tenants and the other meant for open market sale in which you stay. The builder has to comply with all the IOD / CC conditions. Only after he does that will the SRA autorities give the OC to the first building. The OC for your building will come only after that.
In case you have specific complaints against the builder, you can submit in writing your grievances to the Chief Executive Officer of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority.

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