In today’s digital age, the process of registering a society in India has become more streamlined and accessible through online platforms. Societies play a crucial role in promoting social welfare, cultural activities, and community development initiatives. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the online registration of societies in India, covering the steps involved, key requirements, and the benefits of online registration.
Introduction to Society Registration
Society registration is governed by the Societies Registration Act, of 1860, which provides for the formation, regulation, and dissolution of societies in India. A society is an association of individuals who come together for a common charitable, educational, cultural, religious, or philanthropic purpose. Registering a society provides legal recognition and enables it to operate effectively in carrying out its objectives.
Read: How to Start an NGO in India
Steps for Online Society Registration
1. Choose a Name
The first step in registering a society online is to choose a unique name that reflects its objectives and purpose. The name should not be identical or similar to any existing society or registered trademark.
2. Prepare a Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Rules & Regulations:
Draft a Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Rules & Regulations of the society outlining its objectives, rules governing its operations, and the rights and responsibilities of its members.
3. Create an Account on the Online Portal
Visit the official website of the concerned Registrar of Societies or the Nation Government Services Portal and create an account on the online portal designated for society registration.
4. Fill Online Application Form
Fill out the online application form providing details such as the name of the society, its objectives, address, details of members, etc.
5. Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of the Memorandum of Association (MOA), Rules & Regulations, and other required documents such as address proof, identity proof of members, etc.
6. Pay Registration Fee
Pay the prescribed registration fee online through the designated payment gateway.
7. Submit Application
Review the filled application form and documents for accuracy and completeness. Once verified, apply online.
Key Requirements for Online Society Registration
- A minimum of 7 members is required to form a society.
- The society must have a registered office address in India.
- Members must be Indian citizens or registered entities.
- The objectives of the society must be charitable or non-profit in nature.
- The Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Rules & Regulations must comply with the provisions of the Societies Registration Act, of 1860.
Benefits of Online Society Registration
- Convenience: Online registration eliminates the need for physical visits to government offices, saving time and effort.
- Efficiency: The online process is streamlined, reducing paperwork and processing time.
Transparency: Applicants can track the status of their application online and receive updates at each stage of the registration process. - Accessibility: The online platform makes society registration accessible to individuals and organizations across India, including rural areas.
- Cost-Effective: Online registration reduces administrative costs associated with manual processing and documentation.
Documents Required for Society Registration in India
The documents required for society registration in India include:
⇒ Memorandum of Association (MOA)
The MOA is a legal document that outlines the objectives and aims of the society, as well as the rules and regulations governing its operations. It must be signed by all founding members of the society.
⇒ Rules & Regulations
The society must draft its Rules & Regulations, also known as the Bylaws, which provide detailed guidelines on the functioning and management of the society, including membership criteria, roles and responsibilities of office bearers, meeting procedures, etc.
⇒ Address Proof of Registered Office
Documentary evidence of the registered office address of the society, such as a rental agreement, lease deed, or property ownership documents, is required to establish the physical location of the society.
⇒ Identity Proof of Members
Identity proof documents of all members of the society, including PAN card, Aadhar card, passport, or voter ID card, are needed to verify their identities.
⇒ Passport Size Photographs
Passport-size photographs of all members of the society, along with their signatures, are required for the registration process.
⇒ Letter of Authorization
In case the application for society registration is submitted by an authorized representative or agent on behalf of the members, a letter of authorization from the members authorizing the representative to act on their behalf is required.
⇒ Minutes of the Meeting
Minutes of the meeting where the decision to form the society was taken, along with the resolution passed for its registration, must be documented and submitted as part of the application.
⇒ No Objection Certificate (NOC)
In some cases, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner of the premises where the registered office of the society is located may be required.
⇒ Application Form
The prescribed application form for society registration, duly filled and signed by all founding members, must be submitted along with the supporting documents.
⇒ Payment Receipt
Proof of payment of the prescribed registration fee, as per the schedule mentioned in the Societies Registration Act, 1860, is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a society registration?
Society registration is the legal process of establishing an association of individuals or organizations for a common charitable, educational, cultural, religious, or philanthropic purpose under the Societies Registration Act, of 1860.
Who can register a society in India?
Any group of seven or more individuals associated with a lawful purpose can register a society in India. The members must be Indian citizens or registered entities.
How long does it take to register a society in India?
The registration process typically takes 15-30 days from the date of submission of the online application, subject to verification and approval by the Registrar of Societies.
Can a registered society operate in multiple states in India?
Yes, a registered society can operate in multiple states in India by complying with the provisions of the Societies Registration Act, of 1860, and registering its branches or chapters in respective states.
Is there any renewal requirement for society registration?
No, once registered, a society continues to exist until it is dissolved as per the provisions of the Societies Registration Act, of 1860. There is no renewal requirement for society registration.
Can foreign nationals be members of a registered society in India?
No, only Indian citizens or registered entities can be members of a registered society in India.
What are the consequences of non-registration of a society?
Non-registration of a society may result in the association not having legal recognition, making it ineligible to avail tax exemptions, government funding, or other benefits available to registered societies. Additionally, non-registered societies may face limitations in entering into legal agreements or owning property in the name of the association.
