What are the different types Of Societies in India?

There are different types of societies in India that promote various Social, Charitable, Educational, Cultural, etc. Registration of a society is governed by the Society registration Act, 1860, in India, which provides a legal framework for the formation and operation of the societies. Societies work smoothly and carry out their objectives under the Society Registration Act. 

Table Of Content

What is a Society?

A society is a union of individuals united by mutual consent to consider, determine and cooperate for everyday purposes. Societies are characterized by models of connections (social relations) between individuals who share a unique culture and institutions.

A given society may be described as the total of such relationships among its constituent members. Societies are usually registered to promote charitable activities such as education, health, environment, arts, religion, culture, music, sports, etc.

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: Charitable Societies aim to uplift the underprivileged section of society and undertake projects to support their welfare. It focuses on addressing issues related to poverty alleviation, providing healthcare, education, relief for the disadvantaged, and other charitable activities.
2. Educational Societies: To advance and disseminate knowledge through educational institutions Educational Societies established. Educational Societies involve schools, colleges, universities, and vocational training centers. These societies work to enhance the accessibility and quality of education for students across the country.
3. Cultural & Art Societies: Cultural and Artistic Societies are established for preserving, promoting, and nurturing India’s diverse cultural heritage. To foster cultural exercise, appreciation of art, literature, music, dance, Creativity, etc, events, exhibitions, workshops and seminars are organized by Cultural & Art Societies.
4. Environment Societies:  These Societies work on ecological conservation, sustainable development, and environmental awareness. Environment Societies undertake projects to promote eco-friendly Practices, protect natural resources, and advocate for environment policies.
5. Health & Medical Societies:  Health and medical societies are concerned with public health, healthcare services, and medical research. These societies collaborate with medical professionals, government bodies, and NGOs to improve healthcare facilities and awareness campaigns.
6. Women’s Empowerment Societies: To promote gender equality, empower women economically, socially, and politically Women’s empowerment Societies establish. They work towards enhancing women’s rights, education, and representation in various sectors.
7. Sports Societies: To promote sports activities, tournaments and physical fitness, sports societies are formed. Sports Societies encourage participation in sports and help in nurturing young talent. 
8. Youth Development Societies:Youth development societies focus on the overall growth and development of young individuals. They provide platforms for skill development, leadership training, career guidance, and entrepreneurship initiatives.

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 Officeholders 

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 play a vital role in addressing various societal needs and promoting welfare activities. By registering under the Societies Registration Act, these entities gain legal recognition, enabling them to operate effectively.
Resident Welfare Society & Apartment Owners Association both play a crucial role in society maintenance. RWAs look after the interests and welfare of the society of its members, including solving disputes, providing valuable services, etc. While Apartment Owners Association primarily handles property management and maintenance issues. To get more information about society Registration, you can connect with Professional Utilities for the same.

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What is a democratic society?

A Democratic Society is a system where people have the power to elect representatives and participate in decision-making processes.

What is a Consumer Society?

A consumer Society is a society heavily focused on consumption and materialism, where the acquisition of goods and services plays a significant role in people’s lives.

What is the purpose of a Society?

The Purpose of society is to promote a good and happy life for its individuals.

What consequences could come from claiming ineligible ITC?

It is clear from the above that if ITC is improperly claimed or used, a penalty is due. Therefore, even if ITC is improperly claimed but not used, a penalty of 10% or 100%, as appropriate, will be assessed.08-Oct-2022.

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