Society Registration

In India, a society is a non-profit organization formed by a group of people who come together for a common purpose such as social welfare, charity, education, or promotion of arts and culture. Registering a society is a legal process that involves filing the necessary documents with the Registrar of Societies in the respective state. In this writeup, we will discuss the steps involved in registering a society in India.

Step 1: Choose the Name of the Society The first step in registering a society is to choose a name for the society. The name should be unique and not similar to the name of any other registered society in the same state.

Step 2: Prepare the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Rules and Regulations The next step is to prepare the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Rules and Regulations of the society. The MoA should include the name of the society, its registered office address, the aims and objectives of the society, and the names, addresses, and occupations of the members of the governing body. The Rules and Regulations should outline the internal management and functioning of the society, such as the procedures for holding meetings, election of office bearers, and handling of finances.

Step 3: Hold a General Body Meeting The next step is to hold a General Body Meeting (GBM) of all the members of the society to approve the MoA and Rules and Regulations, elect the office bearers of the society, and authorize them to sign the registration documents.

Step 4: Submit the Registration Application Once the MoA and Rules and Regulations have been approved by the GBM and signed by the office bearers, the registration application can be submitted to the Registrar of Societies in the respective state. The application should be accompanied by the following documents:

• Copy of the MoA and Rules and Regulations
• List of office bearers and their contact details
• Consent letters from all the office bearers agreeing to hold office
• Declaration by the office bearers stating that the society is non-profit and that its funds will be used solely for the promotion of its objectives
• Address proof of the registered office of the society
• Any other documents as may be required by the Registrar of Societies

Step 5: Obtain Registration Certificate Once the registration application has been submitted, the Registrar of Societies will review the application and issue a Registration Certificate if everything is in order. This certificate serves as proof that the society has been legally registered and is authorized to conduct its activities.

Step 6: Open a Bank Account After obtaining the Registration Certificate, the society can open a bank account in its name and start its operations.

In conclusion, registering a society in India involves several steps, including choosing a unique name, preparing the MoA and Rules and Regulations, holding a GBM, submitting the registration application with the Registrar of Societies, obtaining a Registration Certificate, and opening a bank account. It is important to follow these steps carefully to ensure that the society is legally registered and can operate successfully. It is also advisable to seek the guidance of a qualified professional to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.    

List of documents required for registering a society in India:

1. Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Rules and Regulations of the society
2. List of office bearers and their contact details
3. Consent letters from all the office bearers agreeing to hold office
4. Declaration by the office bearers stating that the society is non-profit and that its funds will be used solely for the promotion of its objectives
5. Address proof of the registered office of the society (such as property tax receipt, electricity bill, water bill, etc.)
6. A copy of the society's PAN card or PAN application acknowledgement
7. A copy of the society's bank statement or cancelled cheque
8. Passport size photographs of all office bearers
9. Any other documents as may be required by the Registrar of Societies

It is important to note that the specific documents required may vary depending on the state in which the society is being registered and the nature of the society's objectives. It is advisable to consult a qualified professional or the Registrar of Societies to ensure that all necessary documents are submitted as part of the registration process.