Authorities in the National Capital Region have started intervening in the functioning of Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Apartment Owners’ Associations (AOAs) after several complaints that governing bodies continued in office beyond their mandated tenure.

 The deputy registrar (firms, societies and chits) department said it will now supervise elections directly in societies where polls have not been held for years, a TOI report stated.

Complaints of delayed elections trigger action

Residents from several housing societies had approached authorities claiming that RWA office-bearers remained in power even after completing the prescribed two-year term. In some societies, elections were not conducted for more than five to six years.

Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad together have more than 1,000 registered RWAs and AOAs. These bodies manage daily affairs in housing societies, including maintenance, security and common facilities. However, disputes related to leadership, finances and decision-making have also emerged in several societies.

"In the last eight months, elections were conducted in around 30 societies in Noida and 20 in Ghaziabad after our intervention," said Vaibhav Kumar, deputy registrar for the two districts. "In several cases, the RWAs had overstayed their tenure for years."

Department to supervise polls where needed

RWAs and AOAs usually organise their own elections and inform the registrar’s office after a new governing body is formed. However, if disputes arise or polls are delayed repeatedly, the department can supervise the election process and appoint an independent observer.

Officials said such interventions have already taken place in multiple