Apartment RWA Empowerment: IIMB-RERI and BAF Join Forces
Residents of Bengaluru gathered at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) on a recent Sunday for the IIMB-RERI – BAF workshop, a collaborative effort between the Real Estate Research Initiative (RERI) and the Bangalore Apartments’ Federation (BAF). This workshop marked the culmination of the Certificate Programme for Resident Welfare Association (RWA) Office Bearers, where members of various Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) came together to address key challenges faced by apartment managing committees during transitions and to explore solutions for integrating electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in older apartments.
The brainchild of Venkatesh Panchapagesan, Chairperson of RERI, and Vikram Rai, president of BAF, this program aimed to empower individuals with the necessary skills, knowledge, and network to contribute effectively to the governance of their communities. With a shared vision of fostering leadership within residential communities, the duo embarked on a year-long journey to plan and execute this transformative initiative.
As Prof. Panchapagesan articulated, the primary objective of the program was to enhance the capacity and cohesion of RWAs through structured training and networking opportunities with BAF. By equipping residents with the tools and confidence to assume leadership roles within their communities, the program sought to address the perennial challenge of self-governance, where only a handful of individuals typically step forward to lead.
The inaugural cohort of the program comprised 23 members representing a diverse range of apartments, from small complexes with 20 units to sprawling communities with over 3,000 units. While some participants volunteered for the program, others were selected by RERI and BAF based on their potential to drive positive change within their respective RWAs.
Over the course of four weeks, participants engaged in a series of training sessions covering various aspects of RWA governance, including legal frameworks for Management Committees (MCs), financial planning, capital project execution, vendor management, and multi-stakeholder communication. Technical sessions focused on critical infrastructure components such as electrical systems, fire safety, lift operations, and sewage treatment plants, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the operational complexities involved in managing residential communities.
During the valedictory session, participants were divided into groups to address real-world challenges faced by apartment managing committees. From devising standardized procedures for committee handovers to conducting surveys prior to installing EV charging stations, the groups presented innovative solutions and developed handbooks to guide other RWAs facing similar issues.
Reflecting on the impact of the program, Deepak Barolia from Icon Happy Living Apartments expressed confidence in the cohort’s newfound crisis preparedness and enhanced compliance knowledge. He emphasized the program’s role in empowering residents to engage more effectively with government authorities and navigate complex regulatory landscapes with greater ease.
Looking ahead, RERI and BAF are exploring opportunities to expand the program to gated communities and non-apartment RWAs, with plans to deepen engagement with civic agencies through enhanced communication channels. The success of the inaugural cohort has set a strong foundation for future cohorts, paving the way for a more empowered and resilient community-driven governance model.
As the collaboration between IIMB-RERI and BAF continues to evolve, the impact of this initiative on apartment RWAs across Bengaluru is poised to create a ripple effect, transforming the landscape of community governance and fostering a culture of proactive leadership and collaboration. Stay tuned for updates on the next cohort and the ongoing efforts to revolutionize residential community management.
