The Unsung Role of RWAs in Urban Governance
Courtesy: The Hindu One thing that has particularly emerged during this ongoing COVId-19 pandemic is the fact that the role of Residents Welfare Association (RWA) in urban governance in Indian cities like Delhi cannot be overlooked. Even though RWAs are not part of any formal governance structure, they often end up as the backbone of city governance in India, acting as facilitators for effective implementation of centre/state/local bodies’ policies. In efforts like cleanliness, waste management, rain water harvesting and other social initiatives, the role of RWAs has become crucial in ensuring community participation to achieve the desired goals at the broader level. This was the primary idea behind introducing the Bhagidari scheme in early 2000 by the then Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD). The aim of Bhagidari was to create an effective and target oriented citizen-government partnership between RWAs and the state government, hence institutional