What is Society?

A society is a union of individuals united by mutual consent to consider, determine and cooperate for everyday purposes. Societies are usually registered to promote charitable activities such as education, health, environment, arts, religion, culture, music, sports, etc. Societies are characterized by models of connections (social relations) between individuals who share a unique culture and institutions; a given society may be described as the total of such relationships among its constituent members.

Society Act, 1860

Under the Societies Registration Act in India, the Society undertakes specific procedures for registration and operation. The Act was enacted to increase the legal conditions of society’s registration to promote free education, free treatment, fine arts, science to promote the poor and awareness for plentiful purposes. Many state governments have accepted the Societies Registration Act, 1860, with or without further amendment.

Purpose of Cooperative Society Registration

A society registration can develop free education, free treatment, literature, fine arts, science or literature, or the dissemination of objective knowledge of political knowledge. As per section 20 of the Societies Act, 1860, a society registration can be done for the following purposes:

• Promotion of Fine Art
•  Diffusion of Political Education
• Grant of Charitable Assistance
• Promotion of Science and Literature
• Creation of Military Orphan Funds
• Maintenance or Foundation of Galleries or Public Museum
• Maintenance or Foundation of Reading Rooms or Libraries
• Promotion or Diffusion or Instruction of useful knowledge.

Memorandum of Association

The memorandum, along with the rules and regulations of the society, must be signed by each established member, gazetted officer, notary public, chartered accountant, oath commissioner, advocate, magistrate, a first-class or chartered accountant with their official stamp complete address. The memorandum should include the names, addresses, designations and occupation details of the members of the society. The following documents have to be prepared, submitted and signed for registration:

• Requesting society registration by providing a letter signed by all established members.
• Keep a duplicate copy of the Society’s Memorandum of Association along with the verified copy.
• A copy of the rules and regulations of the society along with a duplicate copy duly signed by all established members.
• The address of the registered office of the society as well as the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the landlord.
• The affidavit given by the secretary or the president of the society declares the relationship between the subscribers.
• A few minutes of meeting about the Society registration by providing some necessary documents.

Documents Required to register a society In India

Following are the documents required for the Society Registration in India:

1. PAN Card of members
2. Residence Proof of members
3. Memorandum of Association
4. Articles of Association
5. A covering letter
6. Address proof for proposed address of society
7. Governing Body
8. A declaration