1. RWA AS ATOOL FOR URBAN GOVERNANCE AND ITS IMPACT ON SOCIAL STRUCTURE
April 2010
Nipesh P NarayananNipesh P Narayanan
Ravi KumarRavi Kumar RR

2.  Development process is driven by
‘Governance’
 RWA : Grass-root level of urban governance
 RWA is a registered society and does not
have the obligation to work for development,
or participatory governance.

3.  Why RWA is Non-Democratic?
 Indian idea of democracy – One Person One Vote
 RWA’s idea of democracy – One Household One
Vote.

4.  Then why RWA gained importance in Delhi?
 Exclusion of Delhi from 74th
CAA (1998) &
introduction of Bhagidari (2000)
 Bhagidari & elevation of RWA.
 Delhi Jal Board & BSES (2006) agitation.
 Chief Minister’s explanation & Media hype.
 RWA as a social hero.

5.  RWA and Politics
 Conflicts between RWA & Councilors
 RWA’s self-fund generation
 Dilution of Elected representatives role – RWAs
seeking representation in Local Government

6.  Prime minister’s Assassination - 1984
 Anti-Sikh riots in Delhi Neighborhoods.
 Formation of Neighborhood Groups for
protection.
 After Riots – Security concerns, Boundary walls,
Gated communities etc.

7.  Delhi Apartment Ownership Act of 1986
 Mandatory ‘management committee’ for
common facilities’ maintenance.
 Laying of basic rules for committee to get
registered under ‘Societies Registration Act-1860’
 RWAs formalized and kept on changing their role.

8.  Global Cities & Local Development
 Economic crisis of India -1991
 IMF loan by Govt. – change of Govt. at Centre
 Liberalization of Economy & increase in GDP
from 1.25% to 7.5% in a decade.
 GDP (65%) dependent on urban economy
 Pressure on quality of urban infrastructure and the
need for ULBs.
 74th
Constitutional Amendment (1992)

9.  RWA in politics
 Conflicts between politicians and RWA on slums
 Politicians say – representatives of rich and poor.
 Bhagidari increasing RWA’s power
 Hostile relations encouraging RWAs to enter
politics

10.  Inequalities in RWA
 Difference in functioning due to political back up
 Mutual interest for power and development.
 Investing in Middle Class neighborhoods –
expansion of voter base
 Greater financial & executive powers due to
policies on decentralization

11.  What RWA means in Urban Development
 Govt. recognizing RWA – providing assistance-
ship to develop neighborhoods.
 Exclusive group for exclusive development.
▪ Slum Eviction
▪ Gated communities
▪ Restriction on Mixed Use

12.  Issues related to RWAs
 RWAs viewed as a body for common man but it
includes only residents, others are ignored.
 RWAs of Unauthorized colonies not recognized
resulting court orders leading to slum eviction.
 Association members enjoying power for decades
– misappropriation of funds.
 RWA system is dependent on proactive members

13.  How to achieve inclusive participation?
 How to strengthen grass-root level
democratic governance?
 How to define “Public Interest”?