RESIDENT WELFARE ASSOCIATIONS

 THE FIRST SCHOOLS OF DEMOCRACY

India is considered the largest democratic Country in the world. Unlike other Countries in the world, the Governance and Administration of a large and highly populated, democratic  Country like India is a challenge for an elected Government. The constitution of India provides for a three-tier system of Governance and administration. The Union Government at the center at the first level, State Governments at the second level, and Corporations, Municipalities, and  Panchayaths at the third level.

Though the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) is a voluntary body,  considering their yeomen service towards people-centric issues and their contribution to civic management we should acknowledge their status as another level of democracy.  

Resident Welfare Associations- An overview

In Bengaluru and similarly, in several other cities in India, we can see the formation of the Resident Welfare Association in every layout to take care of the welfare of the residents. These welfare associations are registered bodies under the respective State Societies Act. The Office bearers of the RWA are elected through the democratic process of the franchise by way of a  secret ballot. These resident welfare Associations are purely voluntary bodies to look into improving the amenities and shared facilities, looking after the condition of the civic amenities like internal roads, street lights, drainage, water harvesting, overall cleanliness, electricity drinking water, etc., In addition to these the welfare associations also facilitate as a forum for sharing socio-cultural interactions

Powers & Functions of a Resident Welfare Association

Kasturinagar Welfare Association

The Kasturinagar layout is one of the oldest layouts formed by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). The Welfare Association was founded way back in the year 1993-94 by a few residents and the same is registered under the Karnataka Societies Act. The main objective of the Association is to promote socio-cultural interactions among the resident members. The Association has been rendering exemplary service to the residents of the layout. The Office bearers of the Association have a synergy with the civic authorities, Police dept, elected representatives of the Corporation, Members of the Legislative Assembly, and members of parliament including the Ministers of State and the Union for facilitating the quick resolution of the grievances of the residents. The Association also acts as the single window channel on behalf of the residents of the layout in respect of implementing people-centric schemes,  programmes, and initiatives of the State and Central Government.

Silverlining of Kasturinagar Club

The Kasturinagar Club which was established in the year 1995 under the aegis of the Kasturinagar Welfare Association has completed its silver jubilee. The Club which started in a small way has grown to join the band of a few high-ranking clubs in Bengaluru. The club, in addition to conducting regular Socio-cultural activities, is providing state-of-the-art sports facilities like a multi-gym,  Badminton Courts, Table Tennis, etc.,  for use of its members. With the objective of nurturing budding sports talents the club also conducts regular coaching camps for different sporting events.

CONCLUSION

In a larger setup with more people, it is becoming difficult for the Administrative authorities of the Government to reach the people  The Resident Welfare Associations are well-connected with the residents and are true representatives of the Community. Therefore the Govt authorities should take the Resident Welfare Associations into confidence in the implementation of any new projects. It is often noticed that whenever any work or project is undertaken by the government in the public domain, the involvement of the community and the role it can play is discussed. In the context of the community, the question arises as to who or what is the community.

RWAs have surely in recent times emerged as a true representative of the ‘community’. They have evolved into a useful link between government and citizens. In fact, the 74th amendment to the Indian Constitution which is about the devolution of powers mandates that ward committees which are the apex institutions to oversee the development process at the ward level should have a minimum of two members from RWAs. However, ensuring  the implementation of this mandate is a challenge.

Author: Adv.Talekana.Krishnadas Rai

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