Mumbai: City-based housing societies have welcomed a Bombay high court order allowing housing societies to directly employ security staff and not through a contractor. The societies are of the view that this will result in better security.

In a major relief for cooperative housing societies, the HC recently overruled an order of the labour court which forced societies to employ security staff through a contractor, in turn leading them to pay 18 per cent GST.

“It’s a good move and by direct employment, societies can save some money. The staff appointed by the contractors does not provide the service well since they are not paid well. The contractor takes his commission from their salaries,” said Commander Kalawat, secretary of Kharghar CHS. “If we directly employ security staff, GST payment will be exempted and better salaries, too, can be given to the staff for quality work,” he added.

“Sometimes, the contractor overworks the staff with the same person being made to do multiple shifts, affecting the quality of service and compromising on the security of the premises,” said Amit Kuyeskar, secretary from a CHS in Dahisar.

Amit Wadhwani, managing director, Sai Estate Consultants Chembur Private Limited, said, “This is definitely a landmark move as it will reduce the cost incurred by societies, in turn brin-ging down maintenance costs. Also, it will help many unemployed staff members an opportunity to earn a livelihood.”