Strong opposition has emerged against the state government’s proposal to shift the office of the deputy registrar (firms, societies and chits) from Ghaziabad to Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida). Resident groups warn that the move could create serious inconvenience for thousands of societies, NGOs and welfare bodies that depend on the office for routine administrative work.
Currently, the Ghaziabad office handles registrations, renewals, audits and compliance matters for both districts. With nearly 15,500 registered organisations across Ghaziabad and GB Nagar, residents say relocating the office to another district will impose unnecessary travel, delays and additional costs.
Majority of Societies Located in Ghaziabad
Local representatives argue that the decision ignores ground realities. Of the total registered bodies, about 10,000 are in Ghaziabad, compared to roughly 5,500 in Noida, making Ghaziabad the primary beneficiary of the existing office location.
Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) say shifting the office despite this imbalance is impractical. Many office-bearers, often volunteers or senior citizens, would be forced to travel long distances for simple paperwork and approvals.
Demand for Separate Offices Instead of Relocation
Several groups, including the Social Awareness Society, have urged authorities to appoint separate deputy registrars for both districts rather than moving the existing office. Letters highlighting public inconvenience have reportedly been sent to senior officials, including the Prime Minister and Chief Minister.
Residents argue that strengthening the current setup with more staff and better facilities would be a far more effective solution.
Infrastructure and Digitisation Concerns
Another major issue raised is the lack of digitisation. Officials acknowledge that many records are still maintained manually and infrastructure upgrades are ongoing. Critics say relocating the office without first modernising services could worsen delays and confusion.
There is also uncertainty over whether officials will conduct weekly sittings in Ghaziabad after the move — a factor that adds to residents’ anxiety.
Government Cites Future Growth in Noida
Officials have indicated that Gautam Buddh Nagar is expected to witness rapid expansion in high-rise housing and new societies, which may justify the proposed relocation. However, residents insist that future growth should not come at the cost of present convenience.
For now, the issue has sparked a broader debate on urban planning, administrative accessibility and citizen-centric governance in the rapidly expanding NCR region.
