up-plans-overhaul-of-1860-s-society-act-for-better-governance

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called for the replacement of the colonial-era Society Registration Act, 1860, with a modern law aimed at enhancing transparency, governance and accountability in registered institutions across the state.

 

Chairing a meeting on Monday in the presence of Finance Minister Suresh Khanna, the Chief Minister said the existing Act lacked clarity on key issues, including transparency, accountability, property protection, cancellation of inactive or suspicious institutions, and the swift resolution of disputes concerning membership, management and elections.

 

He added that the current provisions on audits, financial discipline and preventing misuse of funds were inadequate for today’s needs.

 

“The law must safeguard transparency, accountability, and the interests of its members,” CM Yogi said. He stressed that whether it is a trust or a society, there must be a strong mechanism to prevent the arbitrary sale of institutional properties for vested interests.

 

He also termed the appointment of administrators in disputes “inappropriate”, insisting that management committees should regulate institutions independently with minimal interference from government or local administration.

 

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Highlighting that more than eight lakh institutions are currently registered in Uttar Pradesh in sectors such as education, healthcare, social harmony, rural development, industry and sports, the Chief Minister underlined the urgency of streamlining their operations.

 

He said the new law would introduce strict provisions for dissolving inactive or dubious institutions, protecting their properties, and ensuring time-bound dispute resolution.

 

CM Yogi further directed that the registration and renewal processes be made fully online, KYC-based and time-bound, with stronger frameworks for accountability and financial audits.

 

He instructed officials to expedite drafting of the new Act and incorporate all necessary provisions to ensure that registered institutions can function more effectively, contribute to social welfare, and uphold transparency and good governance.