𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Role, Power & Rules Of RWAs

A Resident Welfare Association (RWA) exists in every Residential Society. As its name implies, its main goal is to promote the general well-being of all members of a certain residential society.

A number of guidelines, obligations, and duties are also in place to guarantee the efficient operation of a certain sector. You can use this article to learn more about resident welfare associations and their roles in India. 

What is a Resident Welfare Association (RWA)?

A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) called a Resident Welfare Association looks out for the welfare and interests of a residential society or colony in a city.

Under the Societies Registration Act of 1860, resident welfare associations are registered. Every state in India might have numerous revisions that are unique to each other and evolve over time. The RWAs cannot operate against one’s will when a building is registered under the Societies Registration Act since they are subject to particular governing documents. 

The paperwork confirms that the RWAs possess specific authority, verified as necessary. Both suing and being sued are options for this. This is a legal entity with the authority to exercise all legal rights.

In a given society, there are a number of issues that need to be addressed, and this is where the RWA or the president of the RWA comes in. The resident welfare association is responsible for enhancing the shared amenities and facilities, including the state of the internal roads, street lighting, drainage, water harvesting, general cleanliness, and civic amenities like power and water. 

In well-known civilisations, the RWA may need to perform a lot more work. For instance, in large societies, resident welfare associations oversee and control business operations in the society’s bazaars, stores, transit hubs, and banks nearby.

What are the Roles of the Members of RWA?

A president, general secretary, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, financial adviser, and a number of executive members would be positions that each RWA would have. The following is a brief outline of the duties and authority of RWA Functionaries:

The President

• Oversees all meetings of the governing body and the general body.
• They are allowed to cast a vote in a draw.
• Overseeing the work that various officeholders conduct.
• May manage the society’s financial institutions.

The Vice-President

• Provide every necessary assistance to the president.
• When the president isn’t around, act like one.

Gen. Secretary

• Serving as society’s representative in a private or public office.
• Keep track of the member’s and society’s records.
• May manage the society’s financial institutions.

The Secretary

• In their absence, assume the general secretary’s position.
• If necessary, aid the general secretary of the RAW.

The Treasurer

• Receipt of donations, membership fees, grants, and other gifts from members and the general public.
• Keep the essential financial records for the funds belonging to the society. It is required that these specified money be kept at a particular bank.
• Managing the bank account for the resident welfare association.

The Members

• Helping with the everyday tasks of society.
• According to Section 4 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860, filing the list of office holders with the Registrar of Societies whenever necessary.

What Powers Does Resident Welfare Association Have?

 The RWA alone determines the subscription cost for each and every society member. Although any resident may request RWA membership, the RWA has the ability to reject such requests with justification. 

Suppose the majority of RWA members demand his or her termination for a legitimate reason. In that case, the RWA may also revoke the membership of any resident who has passed away due to failure to pay the subscription costs or who has acted in a way that is against the interests of the society. 

Additionally, it is the RWA’s duty to oversee and carry out all relevant programs and regulations inside the Resident society. All members of the affected society are eligible for RWA membership and may apply for it.

How is the Resident Welfare Association Fund Managed?

A specific RWA’s funds must be kept in a designated bank. The RWA’s president, treasurer, or general secretary can manage the account. The governing body must hire a trained auditor to examine all of the RWAs’ financial records.

Selection Process for the Members of Resident Welfare Association

The general body meets to elect the society’s governing body for a set time. During the meeting, residents can cast their votes by raising their hands. The number of office holders on RWA’s final list should not be less than seven. They must be submitted to the societies’ registrar with three outgoing bearers’ attestations.

What are the Rules of Resident Welfare Association Membership?

For RWA, the following membership policies apply:-

• Any person or individual may be denied membership by RWA in writing. The concerned party should receive the written application.
• A person’s employment may be terminated if they are not meeting RWA’s goals and objectives.
• A person will lose their job if they miss three consecutive meetings. It’s possible to do this without providing written notification.

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How Can We Make Amendments to RWA Rules?

It is possible to change the RWA rules. The Memorandum of Association may be amended, and any amendments must be carried out in accordance with the method outlined in Sections 12 and 12A of the Societies Registration Act of 1860

Is Resident Welfare Association Mandatory?

A resident’s welfare association (RWA) must be founded in a housing society within three months of the majority of houses being reserved, according to the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. The legal owners of the Residential society have the right to establish such a body if a developer does not follow the appropriate procedures to organise an RWA for such a society.

Does RWA have any Statutory Powers?

The right to your property cannot be affected by RWAs because they are voluntary groups with substantial power. Cooperative housing societies, in contrast, have more authority.

However, it must be emphasised that the Resident Welfare Association does not have the authority to interfere with any homeowner’s right to free speech or privacy. An RWA uses its authority or restriction to oversee any workshops held on the society’s property and the upkeep and operation of the building and society.

What are the Main Objectives of Resident Welfare Association?

Working for the citizens’ collective welfare is the primary goal of RWA in India. However, disagreements between residents and RWA members happen frequently. Among the frequent grievances that RWA members file are:

• Roadside trash-throwing
• Encroachment on a shared space
• Abuse of the WhatsApp group
• Disagreements regarding parking
• Too many plants are kept on the balcony.  

Conclusion

An RWA (Residents Welfare Association) is a significant group that looks out for the welfare and interests of the community. After reading this complete article, you will be fully informed about resident welfare associations. This information might be valuable if you dwell in a residential community.

FAQ’s about Resident Welfare Association (RWA)