Chandigarh, Nov. 29 -- In a move aimed at bringing greater transparency and accountability in the societies operating in the state, the Punjab cabinet on Friday gave its nod to the Societies Registration (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2025, amending the historic Societies Act of 1860. Among the major provisions of the Act is bringing all the registered societies under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Industries and power minister Sanjeev Arora said the new legislation modernises the regulatory framework governing societies, especially those engaged in health, education, sports, social welfare and charitable activities. "The amendments bring all societies under a uniform, transparent regime, ensuring responsible use of public funds and tax-exempt resources. According to the new act, all registered societies in Punjab will now be mandatorily covered under the RTI Act, ensuring public scrutiny, transparency in decision-making and greater public trust," said Arora. He said the Act also empowers registrars to seek any information or records from societies to ensure compliance with law and prevent misuse of funds or deviation from stated objectives. Arora said after the Act is passed in the Vidhan Sabha, 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," said Arora. The minister also disclosed that a name of the society already in use within the same jurisdiction, or a deceptively similar name that may mislead the public, won't be allowed. "Few people use names and words such as anti-terror front, government or any other word with an aim to deceive the people. That won't be allowed under the new act," said Arora. The Act also prohibits societies from selling, transferring or disposing of immovable property without the prior approval of the registrar, thus preventing unauthorised transactions and safeguarding public assets. In another major regulation, the deputy commissioners (DCs), in areas where societies are registered, 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," said the minister. The Act also mandates 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. Many charitable institutions avail income tax benefits by registering as societies. The Act ensures such organisations follow strict compliance and accountability norms to continue receiving such exemptions. The cabinet also gave approval to Punjab minor minerals rules 2013 in accordance with the Punjab state minor minerals (Amendment) Policy, 2025. These new rules/ modifications were needed to be added/ substituted in the existing Punjab minor minerals rules 2013 for allocation of mining rights to mining lease holders of crusher mining sites and landowner mining sites to be allotted in the state....