Noida RWAs Delay Elections, Residents Raise Governance Issues

• Many RWAs and AOAs have not held elections for up to 5–6 years
• Around 70–80 societies identified with election delays in Noida
• Residents allege poor maintenance despite high annual charges

Noida: Growing frustration is emerging across residential societies in Noida and Greater Noida as residents protest prolonged delays in conducting elections for Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Apartment Owners Associations (AOAs). Despite clear legal mandates and repeated complaints, several societies continue to function without elected bodies, raising serious concerns about transparency and accountability.

Under the Uttar Pradesh Apartment Act and the Societies Registration Act, 1860, AOA and RWA bodies are required to conduct elections every two years. However, residents allege that in many societies, elections have not been held for five to six years, allowing the same groups to remain in control without oversight.

Officials from the Deputy Registrar’s office have acknowledged the issue. According to Deputy Registrar Vaibhav Kumar, nearly 70 to 80 societies in Noida have been identified where elections are pending. While around 40 elections have been conducted during his tenure, several cases are still under review. Authorities have begun issuing notices to defaulting societies and are preparing a detailed list to ensure compliance.

Residents, however, say the pace of action is too slow. In Jaypee Aman Society, elections have reportedly been delayed for years. Residents claim the absence of a functioning AOA has led to poor governance and a lack of accountability. One resident highlighted that critical decisions related to maintenance and financial management are being taken without transparency.

A similar situation has been reported in Antriksh Golf View 2, where residents allege that elections have never been conducted due to disputes between the builder and authorities. The absence of an elected body has made it difficult for residents to address everyday issues such as maintenance, security, and facility management. Residents have urged district authorities to intervene and resolve the matter at the earliest.

Concerns have also surfaced in Mahagun Moderne Society, where residents claim irregularities in the election process. According to complaints, elections were conducted for only a limited number of positions instead of forming a full governing body. Even after intervention from the registrar directing proper elections, residents say the orders have not yet been implemented.

Resident groups, including the District Development Residents Welfare Association (DDRWA), have raised alarms over the issue. Representatives say that delays in elections are directly impacting residents’ quality of life, especially as many homeowners pay annual maintenance charges exceeding ₹50,000. Despite this, complaints of poor upkeep, mismanagement, and lack of accountability continue to surface.

Some residents have also made serious allegations, claiming that certain officials and existing AOA members are working together to delay elections. According to these claims, postponing elections allows current bodies to remain in power for longer periods, allegedly benefiting from unchecked financial control. Authorities have not officially confirmed these allegations but have assured action where violations are found.

The Deputy Registrar’s office has stated that it can intervene in cases where societies fail to conduct elections within the prescribed timeline. This includes taking administrative control, appointing observers, and ensuring elections are conducted fairly. Officials have reiterated that strict action will be taken against non-compliant societies once the verification process is complete.

Experts say timely elections are critical for maintaining transparency in housing societies. An elected AOA ensures proper financial audits, efficient maintenance management, and representation of residents’ concerns. Delays not only weaken governance but also create mistrust between residents and managing bodies.

With a growing number of complaints and rising public pressure, authorities are expected to speed up the election process in the coming months. For residents, the demand remains clear—fair, timely elections and accountable governance in their housing societies.