Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) of various colonies are expected to take care of activities for the welfare of residents of the colony. Many RWAs are facing financial crunch because many resident families refuse to become members of RWA and pay for such activities. In order to manage their budget and expenses, RWAs often resort to increase in annual charges. Increase in annual contribution is resented by few residents who regularly pay as they believe that they have to bear the burden of non- paying members or residents who refuse to become members of RWA. Now in some colonies, few paying residents are insisting that RWA should make everyone contribute or become member or they will not pay increased charges.
RWAs are responsible for two kinds of activities. There are common services that are related to security and safety, park maintenance, cleanliness, ensuring civic amenities -power, water, sewerage etc. Every resident, family of the colony enjoys these services. Then there are activities that are related to events, functions, get- together etc. organized during the year which are optional as not all the residents are interested in them.
It is logical and fair that every resident family of the colony contributes towards the common services managed by RWA. Contributing for events and functions (optional) could be by choice. This will ensure that every resident family contributes for the services it enjoys.
As in case of co-operative societies and condos developed by builders, where every flat owner has to contribute by way of monthly maintenance charge, in case of residential colonies in Delhi, DDA should bring in legislation whereby all residents of colonies developed by DDA, L&DO, DLF etc. making it mandatory for each flat / house owner to become member of respective RWA and contribute towards cost of common services.
The proposed legislation, should also regulate functioning of RWAs and make them accountable, and only those RWAs be allowed to function and collect membership fee which regularly submit audited annual accounts and hold transparent, free and fair elections. The legislation will also address the issue of multiplicity of RWAs.
GKRA may raise the issue with DDA for the legislation notification to make colonies healthier, harmonious, better maintained and cooperative living places and help RWAs get more funds for the services they wish to provide to residents.
