A Resident Welfare Association (RWA) is a
non-governmental organization that represents the interests of the residents of
a community or society. RWAs are created to manage the welfare of a community,
including ensuring a safe, peaceful, and well-maintained living environment.
These are responsible for managing common areas, facilitating communication among residents, liaising with external authorities, addressing community matters, such as maintenance and social events, overseeing expenses and ensuring they are used for the residents' well-being and development. RWAs are legal entities with their own rights and legal duties. They are set up under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 or State Acts. RWAs will have the Office Bearers who play various roles, such as President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Executive Members as per the approved byelaws
Criticisms towards Residential
Welfare Associations often center around their perceived arbitrary rule
enforcement, discriminatory practices, lack of transparency, potential
corruption and overreach into residents' personal lives, sometimes
imposing rules that are seen as overly controlling and discriminatory based on
various factors.
Key criticisms are arbitrary rules
and enforcement: RWAs are often accused
of creating and enforcing rules based on personal biases or whims, rather than
established guidelines, leading to unfair treatment of residents depending on
the governing body's interpretation.
Discrimination
based on personal characteristics: Some RWAs have been known to bar
tenants based on factors like marital status, gender, or even religion,
creating discriminatory practices within the community.
Lack of
transparency and accountability: The decision-making process within RWAs
can be opaque, with residents often not having access to detailed information
regarding financial management or rule implementation, leading to concerns
about potential corruption.
Moral policing
and overreach: Some RWAs tend to interfere excessively in residents'
personal lives, dictating social behavior and imposing restrictions on
activities that are not necessarily detrimental to the community.
Power dynamics
and intimidation: Residents may feel pressured to comply with RWA demands
due to the power they hold over basic amenities and services within the
community, leading to a fear of retaliation for voicing dissent.
Poor handling
of disputes: Internal conflicts within a community can be poorly managed
by RWAs, leading to escalation of issues and lack of resolution for residents
with grievances.
Exclusion of
tenants: In some cases, RWAs prioritize the concerns of property owners
over tenants, leaving renters with limited voice in decision-making processes
and potentially facing unfair treatment.
Examples of criticism against RWAs: Unequal treatment of residents i.e. favoring certain residents or groups within the community over others in decision-making or enforcement of rule and most importantly not following the approved byelaws in terms of convening EC Meetings and AGMs vis a vis conducting Elections and mandatory reporting to the Registrar concerned as required under law.
- Y Babji, Past President of SRNWA
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