Chandigarh-In a major governance reform aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability and proper functioning of societies operating in Punjab, the Government of Punjab has introduced the Societies Registration (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2025, amending the historic Societies Act of 1860 under the dynamic leadership of National Convenor of AAP Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Punjab S. Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Cabinet Minister Shri Sanjeev Arora informed that the new legislation modernises the regulatory framework governing societies, especially those engaged in health, education, sports, social welfare and charitable activities. The amendments also bring all societies under a uniform, transparent regime ensuring responsible use of public funds and tax-exempt resources.
He highlighted that all registered societies in Punjab will now be mandatorily covered under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, ensuring public scrutiny, transparency in decision-making and greater public trust. Registrars have been empowered to seek any information or records from societies to ensure compliance with law and prevent misuse of funds or deviation from stated objectives.
Furthermore he stressed that all societies will be required to renew their registration every five years to ensure active functioning, accurate records, and periodic verification of their objectives and management. All existing societies in Punjab must re-register under the amended Act within one year from its enforcement, bringing them under the new compliance and transparency framework.
He stated that societies cannot be registered if a name already in use within the same jurisdiction, or deceptively similar name that may mislead the public. No society is allowed to sell, transfer or dispose of immovable property without the prior approval of the Registrar, preventing unauthorized transactions and safeguarding public assets.
Societies will be oversight by Deputy Commissioners (DCs) in areas where societies are registered. DCs have been empowered to order inquiries through an officer of the rank of Tehsildar in case of complaints. If wrongdoing is detected and not corrected within the prescribed time, appoint an SDM-level Administrator to take charge and restore proper functioning. This will lead to strengthen governance & accountability.
Moreover he stated that if an elected managing committee is dissolved or an administrator is appointed, fresh elections must be conducted within six months, ensuring democratic functioning of societies.
Minister Arora said that many charitable institutions avail income tax benefits by registering as societies. This Act ensures such organisations follow strict compliance and accountability norms to continue receiving such exemptions in order to safeguard public & charitable institutions.
The amendments particularly strengthen monitoring of societies engaged in Health services, Educational institutions, Sports bodies and other public-oriented charitable activities. Our government's objective is to curb misuse of society structures, ensure democratic and transparent functioning as well as protect public assets and charitable resources. The Societies Registration (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2025 will improve governance in key social sectors, he added.
He revealed that this act has been drafted by Secretary Industries and Commerce K K Yadav led team Director Industries Saurabhi Malik and Punjab Development Commission Vice Chairperson Sema Bansal in a time bound manner.