Introduction

In the colorful state of Rajasthan, where there is a long history of people and social welfare, creating a society is a popular method of getting people together for a cause. Whether for altruistic pursuits, arts and culture promotion, or educational purposes, a registered society offers a legal structure and many advantages. This blog post is a detailed guide to registering a society in Rajasthan, from the fundamental definition of a society to a step-by-step registration process.

What is a Society?

Under the Rajasthan Society Registration Act, 1958, a society is an association of seven or more persons who come together for a common purpose, that is mostly non-profit in nature. These purposes can be charitable, educational, scientific and literary etc. Once registered, a society gains legal recognition and is treated as a separate legal entity from its members.

The Purpose of a Society

The Rajasthan Society Registration Act, 1958, offers a structure for a broad range of not-for-profit ventures. The main reason for establishing a society is to unite a set of persons who are devoted to a shared objective beneficial to the community.

1. Charitable Purposes: This is one of the general categories that constitute the backbone of most societies. Charitable purposes involve activities such as the operation of orphanages, old people’s homes, homeless shelters, distribution of food and clothes to the needy, and relief during natural disasters. A registered society can systematically gather and disburse aid, thereby ensuring it ends up where it is needed most.
2. Promotion of Science, Literature, and the Fine Arts: Rajasthan, being a culturally rich state, is an ideal soil for arts and science societies. This may include staging literary festivals, art shows, and concerts; encouraging Rajasthani folk arts; setting up artists’ workshops; and sponsoring scientific studies and publications.
3. Dispensing Knowledge and Political Education: Societies can play an important role in education. This can vary from setting up schools, colleges, and vocational centers to conducting public awareness campaigns on key social matters. The aim is to equip citizens with skills and knowledge.
4. Creation of Museums and Libraries: For the preservation and spread of knowledge and culture, societies can be created to create and support public libraries, reading rooms, museums, and art galleries. These organizations are useful assets for the community, providing access to information and greater insight into our common heritage.
5. Military Orphan Funds: One particular and altruistic cause is establishing funds for the families and children of killed soldiers, giving them education and economic aid.

The Benefits of Registration

Whilst an informal group can and indeed does do good work, registering a society under the Rajasthan Society Registration Act, 1958, opens up a multitude of important advantages that can enhance your impact and guarantee the survival of your organization.Legal Recognition and Permanent Existence: On registration, a society is a legal entity independent of its member individuals. This is to say the society is able to:

1. Own Property: Acquire and maintain property, including real estate and buildings, in its own name.
2. Enter into Contracts: Binding contracts with other people, organizations, and governmental agencies.
3. Sue and Be Sued: Bring legal actions in order to safeguard its interests and can also be sued in a court of law.
4. This legal status also confers perpetual succession, i.e., the society remains in existence even if its original members depart or are substituted, so that the mission of the society is not disrupted.
5. Tax Exemptions and Financial Benefits: This is perhaps the strongest advantage. A registered society is eligible to apply for:
6. Section 12A Registration: This frees the income of the society from income tax, which enables you to reinvest all the proceeds back into your goals.
7. Section 80G Registration: This enables persons and organizations making donations to your society to claim tax relief for their donations. This is a significant donor incentive and can greatly enhance your fund-raising efforts.
8. Access to Funding and Government Grants: Most government departments and agencies provide financial grants and aid to social welfare, cultural, and educational initiatives. Registration is largely a required prerequisite to qualify for these schemes. This provides an essential source of funding that is not available to unregistered organizations.
9. Increased Credibility and Public Trust: A registration certificate is a stamp of approval from the government. It shows that your society is working under a defined code of conduct and is under legal supervision. This openness generates credibility and trust among the public, prospective donors, partner organizations, and beneficiaries, facilitating an easier time to secure support for your cause.
10. Limited Liability for Members: The members of a registered society are protected by limited liability. This implies that their individual assets are secure and cannot be employed to discharge the debts or lawful liabilities of the society. Their liability extends only to the sum of their unpaid subscription or a guarantee, if any, as specified in the bylaws of the society.

Step-by-Step Registration Process in Rajasthan

The registration of societies in Rajasthan can be done online through the RajSahakar portal. Here is a step-by-step guide based on the user manual for online registration:

Step 1: Go to the Website and Log in to SSO- Visit the official website of the Cooperative Department, Government of Rajasthan at https://rajsahakar.rajasthan.gov.in  and click on “Login SSO”.

Step 2: Login or Register on Single Sign-On (SSO)- If you already have an SSO ID, log in with your credentials. If not, register for a new SSO ID on https://sso.rajasthan.gov.in/signin 

Step 3: Access the RAJSAHKAR App- After logging into your SSO portal, click on “Citizen Apps (G2C)” and then select the “RAJSAHKAR” application.

Step 4: New Registration- For a new society registration, click on “New Registration/Profile Update” and then “Add New Society or Profiling”.

Step 5: Choose the Act and Fill the Form- Select the “Society Registration Act 1958”. You will then need to fill in the “Basic Details of Society” and attach the required documents for the “Society Profile”.

Step 6: Application Type- Choose “New Society Registration” as the “Application Type”.

Step 7: Generate BRN/SAN Number- If you have a Business Registration Number (BRN) or Society Application Number (SAN), enter it and click “Validate”. If not, click on “Generate SAN” to get a new number.

Step 8: Submit the Form- After entering the BRN/SAN number, fill in the required details on the screen and click the “Submit” button for online submission.

Step 9: Application Forwarding and Payment- Once submitted, your application will be forwarded to the Deputy Registrar’s Office (DRO). After verification by the DRO, the payment option will be activated.

Step 10: Fee Payment- To pay the registration fee, go to the “Society fee payment” section on your dashboard and click the “PAY” button.

Step 11: Track Your Application- You can track the status of your application by going to the “Society Menu” and clicking on “Track Your Application”.

Step 12: Download the Certificate- Once your application is approved and the registration is complete, you can download the digitally signed certificate. Select the “DOWNLOAD” option on your dashboard, choose your society, and download the certificate.

Documents Required for Registration

Before starting the registration procedure, have the following documents prepared:

1. PAN Card: PAN card of all members of the proposed society.
2. Residence Proof: Residence proof of all the members, either their Aadhaar card, passport, bank statement, driving license, or a utility bill.
3. Memorandum of Association (MoA): This includes the name, objects, and the names, addresses, and occupations of the members of the governing body.
4. Rules and Regulations: This includes the rules for membership, meetings, the office-bearers’ role, and other guidelines for operation.
5. Cover Letter: Letter signed by all the founding members declaring the purpose for which the society is being established.
6. Address Proof of Registered Office: Documented proof of the registered office address, along with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord in case the premises are rented.
7. List of Members: List of all the members of the governing body with their signatures.
8. Declaration: Declaration by the president of the society that he/she is willing and capable to serve in the position.

Fees for Society Registration

The competent authority decides the fee for society registration in Rajasthan. The fee for online application via an e-Mitra is Rs. 74, according to one source. Another source suggests a fee of ₹10,000 for the majority of societies with lower fees for certain types such as Gaushala committees (₹100) and Nehru Yuva Mandals (₹250).

By doing these things and having all your papers in place, you can register your society in Rajasthan successfully and embark on your path of striving for your desired social, charitable, or cultural goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many people are required to form a society in Rajasthan?

A minimum of seven individuals who have attained the age of eighteen are required to form a society in Rajasthan.

2. Can a society be registered for any purpose?

No, a society can only be registered for specific purposes as outlined in the Rajasthan Society Registration Act, 1958. These primarily include charitable, educational, scientific, literary, and cultural objectives, as well as the promotion of fine arts, Khadi, and village industries.

3. Is it mandatory to register a society?

While you can operate as an informal group, it is highly recommended to register your society. Registration provides legal recognition, allows the society to own property, and makes it eligible for tax benefits and government grants, which are not available to unregistered bodies.

4. What is the difference between a Memorandum of Association (MoA) and the Rules and Regulations?

The Memorandum of Association (MoA) is the society’s charter. It defines the society’s name, its objectives, and the names and details of the initial governing body members. The Rules and Regulations, on the other hand, are the internal operating manual. They detail the procedures for membership, meetings, elections, roles of office-bearers, and the day-to-day management of the society.

5. Can the name of a society be anything?

No, there are restrictions. The name of the society must be unique and should not be identical or too similar to an existing registered society. Furthermore, it should not suggest any patronage of the state or central government or violate the provisions of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.

6. How long does the registration process take?

The official time limit for the registration of a society in Rajasthan is 30 days from the date of application, provided all documents are in order and the application is complete.

7. What is the cost of registering a society in Rajasthan?

The fee can vary. For online applications through an e-Mitra, a fee of around Rs. 74 may be charged. For most other societies, the fee is ₹10,000, but there are lower fees for specific types like Gaushala committees (₹100) and Nehru Yuva Mandals (₹250).

8. Can a registered society be dissolved?

Yes, a registered society can be dissolved. The procedure for dissolution is laid out in the Rajasthan Society Registration Act, 1958, and typically requires the approval of at least three-fourths of the society’s members.

9. Can a foreigner be a member of a society in Rajasthan?

Yes, foreigners can be members of a society in Rajasthan, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.

10. Where can I track the status of my society registration application?

You can track the status of your application online through the RajSahakar portal by navigating to the “Track Your Application” section after logging into your SSO account.