Deputy registrar flags violations as residents allege prolonged administrative inaction.
Despite intervention by the Deputy Registrar (Firms, Societies and Chits), a large number of residential welfare bodies in Noida and Greater Noida continue to operate without holding mandatory elections, raising serious concerns over transparency, accountability, and prolonged misuse of power.
An increasing number of residents have lodged complaints alleging that several Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Apartment Owners Associations (AOAs) have overstayed their mandated two-year tenure. In many instances, elections have not been conducted for five to six years, allowing certain groups to retain control over housing societies.
Residents across multiple sectors have highlighted the issue, pointing to administrative negligence and a breakdown in governance. At Jaypee Aman Society in Sector 150, elections have been pending for a long time. Arun Jha, a resident, said the continued delay in AOA elections has triggered concerns about corruption and inefficiency. “We’re stuck without elections, which is leading to multiple problems and a complete lack of accountability,” he said.
A similar situation exists at Antriksh Golf View 2 in Sector 78, where resident Brijesh Sharma said no AOA elections have ever been held due to ongoing disputes between the builder and authorities. As a result, residents are facing significant difficulties in managing daily affairs. Sharma has urged the District Magistrate to intervene and resolve the matter at the earliest.
In Mahagun Modern Society, resident Jay alleged irregularities in the election process. He said residents had demanded elections for a full 10-member AOA, but the existing body—allegedly supported by the builder—conducted elections for only three positions. Although a complaint was filed and the Deputy Registrar directed that elections be held for all seats, the order has yet to be implemented.
Supporting these concerns, N.P. Singh, President of the District Development Residents Welfare Association (DDRWA), said many societies in the region have still not conducted elections, causing hardship for residents. He called on authorities to take strict action against defaulting RWAs and AOAs.
Deputy Registrar Vaibhav Kumar acknowledged the issue, stating that societies are expected to conduct elections within the prescribed timeframe. “If they fail and the matter comes to our notice, we intervene, take charge, and ensure elections are held,” he said. Kumar added that around 70 to 80 such societies have been identified in Noida, although detailed reports are still pending for several. So far, about 40 elections have been conducted during his tenure.
He further said that notices are being issued to societies to determine the status of their elections, and necessary action will be taken in cases of non-compliance. Regarding Jaypee Aman Society, Kumar said he is not yet fully aware of the issue but assured that it will be examined and appropriate steps will be taken.
The delay in holding elections and the subsequent failure to form a functional Apartment Owners Association (AOA) has triggered widespread resentment among residents, who allege a sharp decline in maintenance standards despite paying upwards of Rs 50,000 annually.
Frustrated homeowners have levelled serious accusations against state government officials, claiming they are “in cahoots” with the current AOA functionaries. According to these residents, the election process is being deliberately stalled to allow the existing body to remain in power, allegedly in exchange for illicit monetary benefits shared with local authorities.
Officials said a list of societies with pending elections is being prepared, after which polls will be conducted as per the Uttar Pradesh Apartment Act and the Societies Registration Act, 1860, which cap AOA tenure at two years. The move follows last year’s audit to track societies and their election status, directing those exceeding their tenure to hold polls. Authorities say the initiative aims to improve transparency and accountability.
While RWAs and AOAs usually conduct their own elections and inform the registrar, the department can intervene, supervise the process, and appoint observers in cases of disputes or delays.
The publication also attempted to contact the CEO of the Noida Authority and the District Magistrate, but calls went unanswered.