This document discusses residential welfare associations (RWAs) in Delhi and their impact on urban governance and social structure. It notes that while RWAs were intended to promote grassroots participation, they have become non-democratic bodies that primarily represent homeowners. The document traces the rise of RWAs in Delhi due to their role after 1984 anti-Sikh riots and subsequent policies. However, RWAs have also become political actors and exacerbated inequalities by prioritizing development in middle-class neighborhoods over slums. The document concludes by questioning how to make RWAs more inclusively participatory and strengthen grassroots democracy.

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”?