In a major administrative move aimed at improving transparency in housing societies, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced that elections will be conducted in several housing societies across the National Capital Region (NCR) where Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Apartment Owners Associations (AOAs) have remained in power beyond their prescribed tenure.
Officials from the deputy registrar (firms, societies and chits) department said the administration will now directly supervise elections in such societies after receiving multiple complaints from residents.
Complaints of RWAs Continuing for Years Beyond Tenure
Authorities said several RWAs in housing societies across Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad have continued in office long after the mandated two-year term.
In some cases, elections had not been held for five to seven years, allowing certain governing bodies to remain in control without fresh mandates from residents.
The NCR region has witnessed rapid growth in residential housing, with more than 1,000 registered RWAs and AOAs managing maintenance, security, and civic services in neighbourhoods and apartment complexes.
Administration Already Conducted Elections in Several Societies
According to officials, the registrar’s office has already intervened in multiple cases to restore democratic functioning within resident associations.
“In the last eight months, elections were conducted in about 30 societies in Noida and 20 in Ghaziabad after administrative intervention,” said Vaibhav Kumar, deputy registrar for the districts.
Normally, RWAs conduct their own elections and simply inform the registrar’s office about the newly elected governing body. However, when elections are repeatedly delayed or disputes arise, authorities can appoint an independent observer to oversee the process.
Several Societies Witnessed Long Gaps in Elections
Officials highlighted examples where elections were held only after long delays.
At Supertech Capetown in Noida, elections were conducted after a gap of five years. Similarly, in Gaur Homes and Beta-2 sector in Greater Noida, elections took place after more than seven years.
Residents of Alpha-1 sector have also filed complaints claiming that RWA elections have not been conducted for nearly 15 years, leading to growing dissatisfaction among residents.
Authorities Preparing List of Societies with Overdue Polls
Officials said the administration is currently compiling a list of societies where elections are overdue. Once the list is finalised, elections will be conducted under provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Apartment Act and the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
Under these laws, governing body members of an association can hold office for only two consecutive years.
Move Aims to Improve Transparency and Accountability
The push for fresh elections comes after a recent administrative audit that created a database of housing societies in Noida and Greater Noida. The audit recorded details of governing bodies and the dates of their last elections.
Authorities believe the move will help resolve disputes related to financial transparency, leadership control, and maintenance issues that residents frequently raise during public hearings.
Officials said the upcoming elections are intended to ensure that resident bodies remain transparent, accountable, and representative of the communities they serve.
