UP CM Yogi Adityanath Seeks New Law to Replace 1860 Societies Registration Act

Lucknow, Sep 1 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has emphasized the urgent need to replace the colonial-era Societies Registration Act of 1860 with a more practical and modern law. The proposed legislation aims to bring in greater transparency, accountability, property protection, and faster dispute resolution for societies and trusts operating in the state.

The announcement came during a high-level review meeting attended by Finance Minister Suresh Khanna and senior officials, where the chief minister underlined the limitations of the existing law and the pressing need to update it in line with contemporary requirements.

Why Reform Is Needed

The Societies Registration Act of 1860, introduced during the British colonial era, has governed the registration and functioning of societies for over 160 years. However, Adityanath pointed out that the Act lacks clarity on crucial aspects that are essential in today’s governance framework.

Some of the major shortcomings include:

• Absence of strong transparency and accountability mechanisms
• Lack of proper safeguards for institutional properties
• Prolonged delays in resolving disputes related to membership, elections, and management
• Weak financial discipline and audit compliance norms
• No effective provisions for dealing with inactive or suspicious institutions

Adityanath warned that unless reforms are made, there is a risk of arbitrary sale of institutional properties, misuse of funds, and weak governance structures, all of which could compromise the interests of members and the public.

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Key Provisions of the Proposed Law

The new law is expected to introduce stringent and forward-looking measures to strengthen how societies and trusts are registered, managed, and monitored. Some of the highlights include:

• Property Protection: Legal safeguards to prevent the unauthorized or arbitrary sale of institutional assets.
• Transparent Registration & Renewal: Fully online, KYC-based processes that are time-bound, ensuring efficiency and reducing corruption.
• Financial Accountability: Mandatory audits and stricter financial checks to prevent mismanagement or diversion of funds.
• Independent Management: Empowering management committees to regulate societies with minimal government interference, thus ensuring greater autonomy.
• Dispute Resolution: Establishing mechanisms for speedy and time-bound resolution of disputes, helping societies avoid prolonged legal battles.
• Dissolution of Inactive Societies: Strong provisions for identifying and dissolving inactive or dubious organizations, while securing their properties against misuse.

By addressing these key concerns, the law aims to create a more robust governance structure that encourages societies to function with fairness and accountability.

Scale of Impact

Uttar Pradesh has more than eight lakh registered institutions, making it one of the states with the largest number of societies and trusts in the country. These institutions operate in diverse sectors, including:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Rural development
• Industry
• Social welfare and harmony
• Sports and cultural development

Given the wide scope of their activities, Adityanath stressed that a modern governance framework is essential to ensure these organizations can contribute effectively to social development. A streamlined law would not only enhance their efficiency but also safeguard the interests of millions of people who rely on their services.

Towards Transparency and Good Governance

One of the important aspects highlighted by the chief minister was the issue of government intervention in the functioning of societies. He noted that the current practice of appointing government administrators in cases of disputes is inappropriate and often undermines the autonomy of these institutions.

Instead, he proposed that societies should be empowered to resolve disputes independently through their management committees, with the government playing only a minimal and supervisory role.

“The new law must safeguard transparency, accountability, and the interests of members, while ensuring minimum interference from the administration,” Adityanath stated.

This approach aligns with the broader vision of the Uttar Pradesh government to promote good governance, decentralization of authority, and community-driven management.

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The Way Forward

Adityanath has instructed officials to expedite the drafting process of the new law, ensuring that all essential provisions are included. The focus will be on creating a practical and enforceable framework that addresses the challenges societies face today while preparing them for future demands.

The proposed legislation will not only streamline registration and renewal but also ensure that financial transparency, accountability, and property protection become integral parts of the system.

Experts believe this move could serve as a model for other states as well, as several regions across India continue to function under the outdated 1860 Act without adequate safeguards for modern-day challenges.

Conclusion

By seeking to replace the 165-year-old Societies Registration Act, the Uttar Pradesh government is taking a decisive step toward modernizing the governance of societies and trusts. The new law is expected to bring in transparency, efficiency, and accountability, while safeguarding institutional assets and reducing disputes.

If implemented effectively, this reform could not only protect the interests of members but also strengthen the role of societies in social welfare and development across the state.

In the long run, the move reflects the government’s broader vision of ensuring that institutions whether in education, healthcare, or social welfare operate in a manner that upholds the values of fairness, accountability, and good governance.