Planning to start a society or NGO in West Bengal? Whether it’s for social welfare, education, health, culture, or community development, registering a society is essential for legal recognition and operational benefits. Here’s everything you need to know about the Society Registration process in West Bengal, along with a list of documents required.
✅ What is Society Registration?
Society registration is the process through which a group of individuals come together for a common charitable or non-profit purpose and get legally recognized under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961. A registered society can open a bank account, own property, receive donations/grants, and operate lawfully in India.
📑 Documents Required for Society Registration
Below is the list of documents needed to register a society (NGO) in West Bengal:
Minimum 7 Members Required
A society must have at least 7 founding members (above 18 years of age).
Identity Proof of Members
Each member must submit self-attested copies of:
AADHAAR Card
PAN Card
Voter ID
Along with 2 passport-size photographs each.
Details of Members
Prepare a document containing:
Full names of all members
Their occupations
Designations (President, Secretary, Treasurer, etc.)
Their signatures
Address Proof of Registered Office
Submit Municipal/Corporation/Panchayat tax receipt for the society’s office location.
This must include the landowner’s signature.
Name, Address, and Objectives of the Society
Clearly mention:
Proposed name of the society
Full address of the society’s registered office
Objectives and mission statement
AADHAAR Card of Land Owner
A self-attested copy of the AADHAAR card of the landowner where the society office is located.
Witness Identity Proof
At least one witness’s AADHAAR card is required for the signing process during application submission.
📝 Important Tips
Ensure all documents are clear, updated, and self-attested.
Names and designations of members should match across all documents.
Check for any name conflicts with already registered societies.
Get help from a legal consultant or registration expert for faster processing.
📍 Where to Apply?
You can register your society at the Registrar of Societies Office in your district or apply through authorized facilitation centres.
✅ Benefits of Society Registration
Legal recognition
Tax exemption eligibility
Ability to open bank accounts
Eligibility for government grants/funding
Transparency and trust with donors
📌 Conclusion
Society registration is a crucial step toward making your social or community initiative legally viable and structured. Make sure all members are on board, documents are in order, and your objectives are clearly defined. Once registered, your society can officially work towards the greater good.