CHANDIGARH, MAY 1 —To overhaul the governance of charitable and social organizations, the Punjab Legislative Assembly passed the Societies Registration (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2026. Presented by Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, the bill aims to bring all societies under a uniform and transparent regime to prevent the mismanagement of resources and property.
The amendment mandates that all societies must re-register under the new framework within the next twelve months. Minister Arora stated that the legislation addresses a long-standing need for periodic verification, requiring all entities to renew their status every five years. He affirmed that this ensures management committees remain active and their objectives remain aligned with public interest.
“Our government’s objective is to curb misuse of society structures, ensure democratic and transparent functioning as well as protect public assets,” Sanjeev Arora declared. He maintained that the inclusion of societies under the RTI Act is a landmark step toward total accountability in the state’s social sector.
A key feature of the bill is the enhanced oversight by district administrations. Deputy Commissioners are now empowered to initiate inquiries through Tehsildar-level officers upon receiving complaints of financial irregularities. Arora stated that if a society fails to correct its conduct, an SDM-level Administrator will be appointed to take charge. He affirmed that democratic leadership must be reinstated through fresh elections within a half-year window.
The Minister also noted that the law prohibits the registration of societies with misleading or duplicate names within the same jurisdiction. He stated that by strengthening monitoring for health and educational bodies, the government is protecting the integrity of institutions that provide essential services. Arora maintained that these reforms are essential for maintaining the dignity and efficacy of Punjab’s charitable landscape.
