Century Saras: Bengaluru’s Trailblazing All-Women Apartment Management Committee | Bengaluru News
CHALLENGE TO CHANGE: All woman-management committee of Century Saras Apartment in Yelahanka, Bengaluru
In a city where society management committees are dominated by men, Century Saras apartment in Yelahanka has walked off the beaten track. The 128-unit housing society has an all-woman management committee (MC) comprising three office bearers and three members. Four of them are homemakers, while one is an HR professional and the sixth is a doctor. Padmashree C Pai, president of the MC, has no qualms in admitting that the committee did not know how to conduct annual general body meetings (AGMs) or handle structured govt processes when it took charge last July. “But challenges were turned into opportunities for learning and growth, and we have carried on with a sense of accountability and shared purpose,” says Padmashree, who works for a shipping company.
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Century Saras Apartment led by the all-woman MC
The MC won the hearts of residents with timely maintenance of common areas, improved housekeeping standards, and waste management practices. Sindhu Sanjay Shenoy, secretary recalls that the successful celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi was a key milestone that reflected the unity of the MC. Key matters were brought to the larger forum of owners to enable collective decision making. “Initially, there were doubts whether an all-woman team could handle technical and operational challenges, but we addressed them through collaboration and expert consultation,” says Pooja Shashi, an MC member. Managing Finances “We collect just Rs 2.60 per sq.ft. as maintenance charges, the lowest in our neighbourhood , while continuing to provide all the facilities, including gym, swimming pool, clubhouse, and Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and Water Treatment Plant (WTP) management,” said Sindhu Mallya, treasurer. She said maintenance costs were reduced through strict cost control measures, preventive maintenance, prudent spending, and firm negotiation with vendors, particularly for electrical and utility services. Sindhu believes financial discipline and community building should go hand in hand. She has strengthened a permanent cultural activities corpus through increased sponsorships and additional revenue to avoid using maintenance funds for cultural expenses. Resident-manager bridge Dr Sujata Amit Gaitonde, an MC member and a dentist who has taken a career break to raise her toddler, said: “The patient communication skills acquired at the clinic allowed me to effectively bridge the gap between residents, estate managers, and technicians-especially when navigating complex quotes and major project oversight, and managing daily operations.”
Dr Sujata Amit Gaitonde
The committee has moved from “inside-gate management” to neighbourhood-level civic engagement. “Active coordination with BBMP and ward engineers resulted in faster road repairs and approval for resurfacing,” notes Satish Mallya, president of Bangalore Apartments’ Federation, who is also a resident of Century Saras. The MC has also initiated Rajakaluve (stormwater drain) cleaning to prevent flooding and mosquito breeding. These interventions, according to residents, have enhanced safety and infrastructure reliability, and resulted in appreciation of property value at Century Saras. Pratibha Devashetty, an MC member, summed up the journey, saying: “Together we reflect true Naari Shakti-empowering and uplifting one another.” VOICE BOX The MC has introduced personal liability insurance to protect members against potential legal claims arising from accidents within the premises, such as visitor injuries, lift malfunctions, and falling debris.
Satish Mallya
This reflects preventive financial planning. The all-woman committee has strengthened governance by introducing measurement tools to monitor water supply, storage systems, and treated water management. Satish Mallya, PRESIDENT, BANGALORE APARTMENTS’ FEDERATION AND CENTURY SARAS RESIDENT
