CHANDIGARH, MAY 1 — The Punjab Vidhan Sabha approved the Societies Registration (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2026, on Friday, introducing a modernized regulatory framework for organizations operating across the state. Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, who presented the bill, stated that the amendments to the historic 1860 Act are designed to ensure transparency and the responsible use of public funds in sectors such as health, education, and social welfare.
Under the new provisions, every registered society in Punjab is now mandatorily covered under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Minister Arora affirmed that this move will subject decision-making processes to public scrutiny and foster greater trust in charitable institutions. Furthermore, the legislation grants Registrars expanded powers to demand records and verify that funds are not being diverted from their stated objectives.
“This bill will modernise the regulatory framework governing societies, especially those engaged in health, education, sports, social welfare and charitable activities,” Sanjeev Arora stated. He maintained that the government’s goal is to ensure that organizations receiving tax exemptions adhere to strict compliance norms.
The bill introduces a requirement for societies to renew their registration every five years to verify they remain active. Existing organizations must re-register within one year of the Act’s enforcement. To protect public assets, the law stipulates that societies cannot sell or transfer immovable property without prior approval from the Registrar.
Minister Arora affirmed that Deputy Commissioners would now oversee societies in their respective jurisdictions, with the power to appoint administrators if wrongdoing is detected. He stated that in cases where a committee is dissolved, fresh elections must be held within six months to restore democratic functioning. He maintained that these measures would curb the misuse of society structures and safeguard resources meant for public benefit.
