What is RWA (Resident Welfare Association)? | Roles and Responsibilities

by Kasturi Gulhane
What is RWA

As a resident of the modern world, Housing Communities and Societies are everywhere. And with that, we also have the RWAs. If you’re new to the concept, you might wonder, what is RWA and what role does it play in our daily lives? 

This blog will break down the role of an RWA, its responsibilities, and why it’s important for residents living in housing societies.

What is RWA?

RWA stands for Residents Welfare Association. It is a voluntary association formed by the residents of a gate community or a housing society whose primary motive is to ensure that the needs and requirements of the residents are met. They are the representative body of the residents. RWAs are typically registered under the respective state laws, and have an elected governing body consisting of a president, secretary, treasurer, and other members.

Functions of RWA

Now that we know what an RWA is, let’s look at its key functions:

Maintaining Common Spaces: RWAs are responsible for ensuring that common Community spaces are clean, organized and functional. This includes lifts, lobbies, parks, swimming pools etc. 

Security: RWAs manage security of the Community – they work closely with security agencies to implement visitor management systems, surveillance cameras and other security aspects to ensure a safe and secure Community. 

Community Finances: RWAs maintain the books of the accounts of the Community. They create a budget, track expenses and collect maintenance and utility bills from the residents. They ensure that the Community funds are properly utilized. 

Community Activities: RWAs organize festivals and other celebrations in the community. They help maintain a lively community environment by celebrating religious festivals, national holidays and other community activities such as dance, sports, music etc. 

Resolving Resident Issues: RWAs act as mediators to resolve conflicts and ensure peaceful living between the residents. They often conduct meetings where residents can raise concerns, which are then addressed collectively.

Rules and Regulations: RWAs create and enforce community guidelines regarding waste management, parking, use of common facilities, and more which is important for a happy living in a community.

Members and their responsibilities:

The President’s Role:
The president holds the authority to represent the association in any legal proceedings initiated against it. Additionally, the president has the power to initiate legal action on valid grounds. They are responsible for making decisions regarding the approval and execution of contracts presented by the committee. The president must maintain a comprehensive outlook, ensuring that all residents and members are satisfied, with no unresolved concerns. Monitoring the association’s expenditures is also a key responsibility, ensuring that funds are utilized judiciously.

The Treasurer’s Role:
The treasurer oversees the financial management of the association. They are entrusted with the safe-keeping of the association’s funds and important documents. Given the significance of this role, it is typically assigned to someone with substantial experience and strong management capabilities. The treasurer is responsible for calculating monthly and yearly expenses as well as managing the overall income. By regulating the flow of funds consistently, they help ensure financial stability for the residents.

The Secretary’s Role:
The secretary is responsible for presiding over general body meetings and taking detailed minutes of the proceedings. They review all the information discussed and presented during these meetings. The secretary also plays a key role in fostering active participation from all residents by addressing any concerns raised.

These three positions—President, Treasurer, and Secretary—are the most crucial in any RWA.

How Does an RWA Get Formed?

Once the association is formed, it must be registered. Each state has its own laws under which your RWA has to be registered to be recognized legally.
Here are the basic steps to form an Association:

  1. Identify interested people: A group of residents interested in forming the RWA voluntarily comes together. They may already have informal meetings to discuss issues or organize small activities.
  2. Drafting a Constitution: This group drafts a constitution that outlines the objectives, rules, responsibilities, and functioning of the RWA.
  3. Elections: The core group holds elections to form the governing body, including positions like President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
  4. Registration: The RWA is then registered with the appropriate government authorities, giving it the legal authority to function and manage the community.

Conclusion

RWAs play an indispensable role in ensuring the smooth running of residential communities. From handling Community finances to resolving Resident disputes and organizing internal events, they are essential to a well-functioning society. Now that you know what is RWA, it’s easy to see why being involved in one can enhance the quality of life in your community.

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