Purpose of Resident Welfare Association

Resident Welfare Association (RWA) is an association of persons living in a society or a colony.

How are they recognized under the law?

The RWAs are registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, with every state having their respective amendments. It is essential for the RWA to be registered as only then will it be entitled to certain rights as conferred by law.

What are the Legal Rights of a registered Residents Welfare Association?

• Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) are usually registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Each state may have its own state-level amendments. They are governed by constitutional documents such as a Memorandum of Association which contains their objectives and functions.

• They are voluntary associations made by residents and they don’t have any statutory powers. This means that an RWA cannot interfere with your ownership rights over your property. Their powers extend to collecting maintenance sum, organizing cultural events etc.

• As societies, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) also pass their own rules and regulations to define their powers, functions, governance structure, names of dignitaries etc. 

Since it is a society, RWA is a legal person and can sue and be sued as well. Taking care of society’s by-laws, addressing any disputes over management of the colony or maintenance of common areas, etc. is the work of an RWA.