If Jane Austen was transported from 18th century pre-Victorian England to 21st century post-pandemic India, she would not have needed to lo...
If Jane Austen was transported from 18th century pre-Victorian England to 21st century post-pandemic India, she would not have needed to look very far for a setting for her next novel. Her sharp observations would have provided authentic social commentary on an entity that saw extraordinary visibility in the last few months – the Residents’ Welfare Association or the RWA.
With the proliferation of apartment complexes and gated communities over the past two decades, RWAs have become a distinctive urban feature in India. But it has taken a pandemic to reveal their power, with many RWAs acting no less than mini-republics.
When the coronavirus lockdown began in India in March 2020, these resident associations suddenly found themselves in the spotlight, taking on the responsibility of enforcing ever-changing government rules, and often going well beyond them. Their initial focus was to keep the community Covid-free, and many, to their credit, achieved success. But their decisions left a wider imprint on the neighbourhood, exposing fear and deep-rooted biases across social constructs of class and caste.
The typical RWA is responsible for maintaining the common facilities of residential neighbourhoods and apartment complexes, organising group activities and safeguarding the rights of owners. While its members are elected, serve on...
