Introduction

Society registration in Chhattisgarh provides legal recognition to non-profit organizations and is governed primarily by the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Below is a comprehensive guide covering the introduction, benefits, stepwise registration process, and how to register a society online in Chhattisgarh.

Society registration is a legal step required for forming association of individuals with charitable, social, cultural, literary, or scientific objectives in Chhattisgarh. This status is necessary  for any group or association that wants to function lawfully and avail various legal rights and benefits.

What is a Society?

The state of Chhattisgarh adopted the Societies Registration Act 1860. A society is an association of persons that has been formed for literary, scientific, charitable, or social objectives, not for profit, and operates as a separate legal entity distinct from its members.

Benefits of Society Registration.

1. Legal recognition as a distinct legal entity, which enables societies to enter into contracts, acquire property, and open bank accounts.
2. Enhanced credibility and trustworthiness for the purpose of fundraising, donations, and partnerships.
3. Limited liability for members and eligibility for income-tax exemptions, improving financial sustainability.
4. Ability to sue or be sued, supporting enforcement of obligations and rights.

How to Register your Society in Chhattisgarh?

The following are the steps to be followed for society registration as per the Government of Chhattisgarh, available at https://rfas.cg.nic.in/Reports/society_guidlines.aspx 

1. For online registration go to https://rfas.cg.nic.in/User/user_index.aspx 
2. Create your account and get your user ID & password.
3. Login to the portal with this user ID & password just created.
4. After logging in, click on society from the dashboard. Then, click on new society registration.
5. On the society registration page, fill your society registration details.
6. After filling the necessary details, upload all the scanned copied of the required documents
7. Then pay the Registration fees through e-Challan (Head no: 1475-00-200-0000 under Department of Commerce & Industries).
8. After all steps are completed you will be able to see the preview of the filled details.
9. After cross-checking if all the details are correct then, click on the submit button. If any detail is incorrect then click on the edit button to make the changes.
10. If the submission of  the details have been successfully done, you will receive a confirmation message on your registered mobile number about the Society Registration.

Later, the Department verifies all data entered and documents submitted by the user, then a computer generated certificate is issued to the Society.

Documents required for society registration in Chhattisgarh

 For Society Registration you need :-

1. ID proof of founder members
2. Affidavit of witness.
3. Address proof of founder members.(Not Applicable for government societies)

Departmental verification Step-by-Step Process

1. The Dealing Assistant reviews every application and checks each attached document before forwarding it to the Approval Authority.
2. The Approval Authority acts based on the Dealing Assistant’s suggestions and may approve, reject, or raise objections to the application.
3. If the Approval Authority requires more clarity on a remark given by the Dealing Assistant, they can request justification from them.
4. If approved, the digitally signed certificate becomes available on the Applicant’s dashboard.
5. In case of objections, the Applicant must resubmit the application after making the necessary corrections.

How long will society registration take in Chhattisgarh? 

The approximate time taken to complete the process of Society registration in Chhattisgarh is 15 days. 

Conclusion

Society registration in Chhattisgarh not only formalizes the functioning of such non profit groups but also gives multiple legal and administrative advantages, such as legal recognition, eligibility for tax exemptions, credibility for fundraising, and simplified operational procedures. By following the above online registration process and ensuring proper documentation, societies can secure long-term sustainability and transparency for their activities. 

For further information refer https://rfas.cg.nic.in/pdf/UserManual/SocietyRegistration_V2.pdf or contact InstaFiling for smoother and efficient society registration. 

FAQs

1.How many members are required to form a society in Chhattisgarh?

A minimum of seven members is required to register a society.

2.Can a society own property in its name?

Yes, a registered society can acquire, own, and manage property in its name.

3.What documents are required for registration?

Memorandum of Association, Rules & Regulations, affidavit, identity/address proofs, NOC from property owner, and proof of payment of registration fees.

4.How to apply for society registration online in Chhattisgarh?

Visit https://rfas.cg.nic.in, create an account, fill the online application, upload documents, and pay fees through e-Challan.

5.How long does the registration process take?

The process generally takes around 15 days from application submission to certificate issuance.

6.What if my application is rejected or an objection is raised?

Correct the deficiencies as listed by the authority and resubmit the application for further review.

7.Is there a government fee for society registration?

Yes, applicants must pay a registration fee through e-Challan as specified by the Department of Commerce & Industries, Chhattisgarh

8.How will I receive the registration certificate?

Upon approval, a digitally signed certificate will be available for download on the applicant’s dashboard.

9.Can foreign nationals become members of a society?

Yes, but the majority of founding members should be Indian citizens. Foreign nationals may join as ordinary members unless prohibited by local regulations.

10.Can the name of a registered society be changed?

Yes, the society can change its name after registration by following due procedure and taking prior approval from the Registrar