Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 4: A day before the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sainik Co-operative Housing Building Society (SCHBS) Limited, residents of Sainik Colony staged a strong protest against what they termed as “anti-resident” proposals being pushed by the Society’s management.
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The protesters raised objections to several agenda items likely to be tabled at the AGM scheduled for July 5, particularly the proposed amendments to the Bye-laws that would restrict the transfer of plots and shops to civilians and nominees. Residents alleged that the current management seeks to revoke earlier amendments which had broadened membership eligibility to include legal heirs and civilians, initially limited to defence personnel only.
“The proposed rollback would not only devalue properties in the colony but also create complications in inheritance and transfer procedures, especially in families with multiple legal heirs,” a protesting resident said. He warned that the move could trigger unnecessary litigation and internal disputes among families.
The residents also raised serious concerns about the denial of voting and election rights to a large section of the colony’s members. They pointed out that only 1st and 2nd class members are granted voting and election rights, while 3rd class members—despite being legitimate residents—are denied any role in the democratic processes of the Society. Calling this classification unjust and undemocratic, protesters demanded equal rights for all residents.
In addition, residents opposed the imposition of maintenance charges at the rate of Rs 1 per square foot—amounting to Rs 3,000 annually for a 10 marla plot and Rs 6,000 for a one kanal plot. They questioned the rationale behind such charges when municipal bodies like the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and Public Works Department (PWD) are already handling road and drainage maintenance in the area.
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