How Society Committee Members Can Scam or Influence PMC Voting

 

Did you know that nearly 70% of stalled redevelopment projects in urban societies are linked not to legal issues, but to internal politics within the managing committee? Choosing the right Project Management Consultant (PMC) is one of the most critical decisions in a redevelopment journey, yet the process is often tainted by favoritism, bulk voting, and misuse of power. For residents, this can mean years of delay, financial stress, and poor project outcomes.

Let’s break down three eye-opening scenarios that reveal how committee members can influence voting in ways that harm the entire society.

Scenario 1: Bulk Voting Without Knowledge

In one society, the wife of a managing committee member convinced her family and close friends—who were also residents—to vote en masse for a particular PMC. Shockingly, many of them had never attended the official briefings nor understood the proposals on the table. The voting was driven purely by personal loyalty rather than project merit. The result? A PMC with weak credentials was appointed, leaving the society to struggle later with delays and lack of professionalism.

Scenario 2: The Rival Gang Takeover

Another society faced a unique challenge where five members ganged up to topple a highly capable secretary. The secretary had done his homework and was recommending a PMC with a proven track record. But internal rivalries overshadowed logic. The majority was swayed against him, and he eventually resigned. The new "rival gang" that took over lacked both expertise and commitment. Instead of pushing the redevelopment forward, the project reached a dead end. No real follow-up was done, and the residents suffered due to lack of direction.

Scenario 3: The Kickback Trap

In a shocking misuse of power, a managing committee member allegedly negotiated under-the-table benefits with a PMC. The selection was pushed through despite objections, sidelining other better-qualified PMCs. Once the project began, it became evident that the PMC was more interested in cost-cutting and serving the interests of a few than protecting residents’ rights. The entire society ended up facing poor construction quality, extended timelines, and hidden expenses that could have been avoided with transparent decision-making.

Also Read - What Role Does the Managing Committee Play in Appointing a Project Management Consultant (PMC)?

Housing Society Redevelopment: Managing Committee’s Role in Choosing a PMC

Inside Society Committee Power Games: PMC Voting Scams Exposed

Eye-Opening Tips for Residents

• Attend All Meetings: Never skip briefings—your vote should be based on facts, not hearsay.
• Demand Transparency: Ask for detailed PMC profiles, past project records, and financial reports.
• Insist on Secret Ballot Voting: This reduces peer pressure and undue influence.
• Seek Legal Guidance: Engage independent legal and technical experts to review PMC proposals.
• Document Everything: Keep written records of meetings and decisions to avoid disputes later. Members should even ask for meeting recordings and not just minutes which are circulated on WhatsApp

Conclusion

Housing society redevelopment is not just about construction—it’s about trust, transparency, and safeguarding the interests of every resident. Committee politics and misuse of power often derail projects before they even begin. By demanding accountability and staying actively involved, residents can ensure that the PMC selection truly serves the collective good.

Change begins when residents refuse to stay silent. Your one informed vote can decide whether your society thrives or stalls.

Disclaimer

The scenarios discussed are illustrative and meant to highlight common issues in housing society redevelopment. They do not represent any specific society, committee, or individual. Residents are advised to seek professional legal and technical guidance before making decisions.