An RWA or Resident Welfare Association is a non-governmental organization that represents people in a residential area or building. It may or may not be a multi story building housing society. The primary objective of an RWA is to work for the interests of residents in a specific residential area. It acts as a bridge between residents and authorities, managing and improving the overall living experience within the community.
We also make a resident welfare association website in case you are interested. In addition we also have RWA software. You can use this as a society maintenance software or a complete housing society management software.
Role of a resident welfare association
As mentioned above the main objective of an RWA is to work for the welfare of residents in an area. It can be a housing society or a housing colony but the key objectives do not change. RWA collects maintenance from the residents and spends the money to maintain the facilities. The role and responsibilities of a resident welfare association include following:
- Hiring security guards
- Water supply maintenance
- Small Electrical repairs
- Maintenance of parks in the society
- Connecting with local authorities
- Ensuring cleanliness in the society common area
- Installation and maintenance of fire extinguishers and other safety equipment
- Regular maintenance of the building and repair work
Who elects members of Resident Welfare Association
RWA members are elected by the residents. The members are either self nominated or by other residents.
Total RWA Posts & Profiles
RWA members are elected by the residents of a housing society. Some people come forward to take responsibility for the housing society which is like social work in the beginning. These people announce general elections for RWA formation. The process is very simple and can be completed in as low as 3 steps. The date of election is also announced along with the last date of nomination. People also announce an election officer to execute the entire process.
1- Nominations
After the announcement of the elections, the process starts with nomination. Any resident (house owner) can nominate themself for any post in the RWA. Residents can either be self nominated or by other residents can nominate them.
2 – Election / Voting
Once the nomination process is complete people cast their votes on the day of election. 100 percent voting is not necessary but people vote for each position. For example: President & Secretary are two different posts and for each one of them voting happens.
3 – Counting & Result
Once the voting is complete the election officer counts the votes and announces winners for each post.
Key positions in an RWA
Generally, nomination happens for these posts during RWA formation.
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Vice Secretary
- Accountant
- Members
Residents may also choose at least 2-5 members. The number of members depends on how many people are there in the housing society. It is important to pass on the information to all the residents to make sure they are aware of the RWA elections. After the nomination, residents participate in the voting and whoever gets the most votes wins depending on the profile he or she is contesting.
Why it is important to form an RWA?
In most residential colonies, gated societies or residential societies with shared facilities. Due to this, it is important to maintain these facilities. For example: if the generator fails, a large portion of houses may face power back up related issues. Therefore, it is important to form an RWA.
What is the salary of Resident Welfare Association members
Normally in case of small resident welfare associations members of an RWA do not get any salary. However, in big societies monetary and other benefits are attached that attract people to be members of an RWA.
Why do people fight to become RWA members if there are no monetary benefits?
It is true that large societies offer monetary benefits to the RWA members. But in small societies there are no direct benefits. Still people want to become members of RWA. It is because there are many other benefits of becoming a member. For example: people enjoy the power of making rules for others and implementing them with force. Another benefit is social recognition. Similarly there are more benefits of becoming a member of a resident welfare association.