Sun Apr 13 19:23:44 UTC 2025: ## Bengaluru Apartment Associations Get Governance Training
**Bengaluru, April 14, 2025** – The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), in collaboration with the Real Estate Research Initiative (RERI) and the Bangalore Apartments’ Federation (BAF), concluded a four-week certificate program aimed at empowering Resident Welfare Association (RWA) office bearers. The program, which graduated its first cohort of 23 members representing apartments ranging from 20 to over 3,000 units, focused on improving apartment governance.
The initiative addressed key challenges faced by RWAs, including smooth transitions between managing committees, the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and effective communication with residents and government agencies. Participants explored solutions such as standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for information handover and conducting surveys before implementing EV infrastructure. They also created handbooks and guides to aid other RWAs.
Professor Venkatesh Panchapagesan of RERI highlighted the program’s goal of building capacity and fostering community engagement, noting that often only a few residents take on leadership roles. The curriculum covered a wide range of topics including legal frameworks, financial planning, project management, vendor management, and infrastructure maintenance.
Participants reported increased confidence in handling crises and interacting with government officials following the program. Deepak Barolia of Icon Happy Living Apartments stated, “We are now better prepared for crises. The clarity on compliance also helps us engage with government officials more confidently.”
RERI and BAF are planning future cohorts and exploring expansion to gated communities and non-apartment RWAs, as well as increased involvement of civic agencies.
First Piper 