Different Types of Society Registration in India

Table Of Content

What is Society Registration?

Society Registration is governed by the Societies Registration Act of 1860, which allows a collective of individuals to establish an organization aimed at charitable, cultural, educational, religious, or social objectives. Registration confers a legal identity upon the society, enabling it to open bank accounts, acquire property, and function as a recognized entity.

It also supports transparency, accountability, and credibility, which enables societies to benefit from governments’ benefits, grants, and tax exemptions in achieving their objectives.

What are the types Of Societies? 

The Societies can be classified on the basis of interest & Housing Societies. 

On The Basis Of Work: 

1. Tribal Society: A Tribal Society is characterized as a small unit that speaks a common language living in an isolated area. These Societies mostly engaged with the activities of food collecting such as agriculture, hunting,etc, for their livelihood.
2. Agrarian Society: 
The primary means of occupation for this society is agriculture. Majority of the population of the Agrarian Society perform farming. Alongside the agricultural industry are various other economic activities, including weavers, artisans, blacksmiths, potters, etc.Tribal & Agrarian Society both are considered as Pre-Industrial Society as they depend only on unskilled people.
3. Industrial Society: Industrial Societies are centered around production and machinery. The widespread use of technology & the development of large scale industries can be easily seen in Industrial society. Industrial Society raises factory work & helps in the growth of urban areas. 
4. Post-Industrial Society: Post-Industrial Society mainly focuses on service, information, knowledge based industries, etc and a shift away from the traditional manufacturing and agricultural industries. In modern industry, the new social structure can be seen in post-industrial society. 

On The Basis Of Interest: 

1. Charitable Societies: The main motto of charitable societies is to uplift the underprivileged section of society and thus undertake projects which would support their welfare. It focuses on issues related to the alleviation of poverty, providing healthcare, education, relief to the disadvantaged, and other charitable activities.
2. Educational Societies: Educational societies were formed for the advancement and distribution of knowledge through educational institutions. Educational Societies include schools, colleges, universities, and other training institutions. These societies function towards the improvement of accessibility as well as quality in the education provided to the students.
3. Cultural & Art Societies: The main intention behind the formation of the Cultural and Art Societies is the preservation, development, and promotion of the cultural heritage of India. Events, seminars, and other activities are also held to promote cultural activity, art, literature, music, dance, Creativity, etc.
4. Environment Societies: Environment Societies: These Societies engage in work related to ecological protection, sustainable development, as well as creating an awareness of matters related to Environment. These Societies also engage in activities related to promoting Eco-friendly Practices, protection of natural resources, as well as encouraging Environment Policies.
5. Health & Medical Societies: Organizations under the health and medical umbrella involve issues related to public health, health services, and health/medical research. The entities work in partnership with medical professionals, the government, and NGOs in an effort to enhance health facilities and health campaigns.
6. Women’s Empowerment Societies: Women’s empowerment Societies are formed to ensure women’s equality in society. These Societies aim at promoting women’s rights, education, and participation in different fields.
7. Sports Societies: Sports societies are created to encourage sports activities, sports events, and sports fitness. Such societies promote sports activities and assist in grooming sports talent at a young age.
8. Societies for Youth Development: Youth development societies work on overall development and improvement of young minds. They develop a platform through different skill development approaches and opportunities, leadership training, career guidance, and entrepreneurship initiatives for youth.

On The Basis Of Housing Societies:

1. RWAs:Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) is a non-government organization who looks over the interest and welfare of a residential society of a colony or a city. Under the society registration act, 1860 Resident Welfare Associations registered. The Resident Welfare Association plays a vital role in maintaining and shaping the quality of life for residents.  RWAs are governed by certain rules & laws and they can not operate according to one’s own will, if it is registered under the society registration act, 1860. RWAs are responsible to operate and implement all the necessary changes and policies within the society. RWAs works as a bridge between resident and local authority in order to enhance the infrastructure, waste management, sanitation, security, and other essential services.
2. AOAs:AOA stands for Apartment Owners Association, is a voluntary organization generally formed by apartment owners. AOA works for the welfare of the residents. Activities such as maintenance of amenities, enforcing regulations, etc, are the responsibility of the Association. Apartment Owner Association may or may not be registered, At the time of registration all the owners of the apartment should gather at one place. Legal benefits and powers are enjoyed by the registered apartments although registration is not important but unregistered apartments are not able to enjoy these benefits. 

Role of Societies

Societies have a significant impact on how human societies grow and function. From a variety of viewpoints, including social, cultural, economic, and political ones, the function of societies can be understood.

• Social cohesion and identity: Societies give their members a sense of identity and belonging.
• Culture and knowledge transmission: Societies are in charge of transmitting cultural legacy, traditions, and information from one generation to the next.
• Governance and politics: Governments and political institutions within societies serve to maintain order, protect rights, and provide public services.
• Social support and welfare: Social safety nets and welfare programs are frequently created by societies to protect the weak and deal with issues like unemployment, healthcare costs, and poverty.

Role of RWA & AOA Office Holders 

RWAs

Resident Welfare Association have different officeholders such as President, Vice-president, General Secretary, Secretary, Treasurer & Executive Members. Different officeholders play different roles in the association. Roles Of Resident Welfare Association Officeholders are as follow: 

• President: President looks over all the meetings of the general body & governing body. The President of RWAs supervises all the work done by association members. He has the voting right on a draw also he may operate the society’s bank account. It is the top most position in RWAs.
• Vice-President: Vice president works under the guidance of the president or assisted by the president. In the absence of the President he acts like a president. \
• General Secretary: General Secretary is considered as a representative of the society in public or private offices. He is responsible for maintaining records and lists of members. He may also operate society’s bank account. 
• Secretary: Secretary assists the General Secretary in some cases. Also he works as General Secretary in his absence. 
• Treasurer: Treasurer operates Resident Welfare Association’s bank account. He also maintains a collection of subscriptions, grants, donations & gifts from the members and general public. 
• Executive Members: Executive Members assist the daily work of the society. Executive Members can file the list of office bearers with the registrar of societies whenever needed. 

AOAs

The members of AOAs are quite similar with RWAs as AOAs include presidents, Vice president, Secretary & Treasurer. But their roles are quite different. The roles of AOAs officeholders are as follow:  

• President: The President of AOA ensures the maintenance of society. He defends Apartment Owners Associations and its members from any legal actions. 
• Vice President: The vice president guides the president in executing society tasks. As well he acts as a President in his absence.  
• Secretary: AOAs secretary is responsible for conducting all the general body meetings.  The Secretary of AOAs also takes care of society’s executive administration. 
• Treasurer: Treasurer of AOAs & RWAs work the same. They are both known as financial experts. He maintains a collection of subscriptions, grants, donations & gifts from the members and general public.

Selection Of RWAs & AOAs Members: 

RWAs

The General Body meets to elect the society’s governing body. During the meeting, residents have the right to cast their votes by raising their hands. The number of officeholders in the Resident Welfare Association final list should not be less than seven. They must be submitted to the societies’ registrar together with three outgoing bearers’ attestations. 

AOAs

The apartment's residents vote in unanimity to choose the association's members. Re-elections are held once a year or in the middle of the year if all members agree. The chosen association members serve terms of one year.

Conclusion

Societies have an important role to play in meeting many needs of society and carrying out welfare activities. Obtaining registration certificate under the Societies Registration Act provides these societies with a legal entity to function in the right manner.

The Resident Welfare Society & Apartment Owners Association plays a vital role in the maintenance of society. Whereas RWAs look after the welfare and interests of the society of its members, solving disputes and providing useful services, etc. ,the Apartment Owners Association handles property management and maintenance issues. For more information on society registration, you may reach out to Professional Utilities for the same.