If you want a member of your RWA to become a part of the resident advisory council (RAC), you must rush your applications by April 5, as mandated by the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA).
RAC, which will also members from the industry, real estate, services, labour associations and civil society, is meant to ensure better coordination among officials and residents, and also allow speedy redressal of issues related to the development of the city.
GMDA CEO V Umashankar explained, “Participation of people from various walks of life will help in development and planning. We have invited applications and the process has begun.”
The council will have a maximum strength of 15 and a minimum count of 10 members.
According to the norms, the RWA should be registered under the Haryana Registration and Regulation of Societies Act, 2012; have duly audited annual accounts for the financial year prior to the year of consideration; have not fewer than 50 members; no office-bearer convicted by any court of law; and it must have its own website with its rules or by-laws.
The GMDA will select three RWA members through a draw of lots — one member from the sectors developed by HUDA, one from the colonies under private areas and one from the areas with the municipal jurisdiction.
Residents, however, are not enthused.
Dharam Sagar, president of Federation of residents’ welfare associations of Urban Estate, said, “The GMDA has shown the least progress in terms of development in the past nine months. Why select only three members from over 300 RWAs? There should at least five members from the three specified areas. This is a futile exercise, but we’ll send our nominations.”
“I believe very few RWAs have websites and account audit details,” added RS Rathee, president of Qutub Enclave RWA, which represents DLF City, said.
