Question – Discuss the role of NGOs in our society along with the issues involved in their functioning.
- February 18, 2023
- Posted by: Pallavi Singh
- Category: Blog
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Answer –Â
As defined by the World Bank, NGOs refers to not-for-profit organizations that pursue activities to relieve suffering, promote the interests of the poor, protect the environment, provide basic social services, or undertake community development.
These organisations are not a part of the governement, have a legal status and are registered under the specific Act (Societies Registration Act, 1860 in India) of the government.
The term NGO in India denotes wide spectrum of organisations which may be non-governmental, quasi or semi governmental, voluntary or non-voluntary etc.
NGOs are generally funded totally or partly by governments and they maintain their non-governmental status by excluding government representatives from membership in the organisation.
Role of NGOs:
1) The advocacy/social safety-valve role: Non-profit organisations play vital role in mobilising public attention to societal problems and needs. They are the principal vehicles through which communities can give voice to their concerns.
2) Improving government performance:
NGOs can broaden government’s accountability by ensuring government is responsive to citizens at large rather than to narrow sectarian interests. They also induce innovation and flexibility in policy making by bringing their own independent expertise and research teams.
3) The service role:
The non-profit sector acts as a flexible mechanism through which people concerned about a social or economic problem can begin to respond. It also caters to groups of the population who desire a range of public goods that exceeds what the government or society is willing to support.
4) Conflict resolution:
NGOS help in constructive conflict resolution. In the international arena track II diplomacy (involving non-governmental bodies) plays a crucial role in creating an environment of trust and confidence.
5) Building community participation: The non-profit organisations offer alternative perspectives, and most importantly, the capacity to conduct a meaningful dialogue with communities, particularly those that are disadvantaged. They foster pluralism, diversity and freedom. Many NGOs work to preserve and promote India’s diverse culture. For example, SPIC MACAY is a society for promoting Indian classical music and culture amongst youth.
Issues involved in NGO functioning: •
1)Misappropriation of funds:
Many NGOs do not have sophisticated finance and legal teams, nor do they have the funds to conduct audits.
2)The issue of foreign funding:
According to government data a total of 3,068 NGOs received foreign funding above 22,000 crores in 2014-15. It is often said that foreign-funded NGOs try to propagate the foreign propaganda to stall developmental projects, e.g. Kudankulam Protest.
3)Non-accountable, non-transparent undemocratic functioning:
CBI records filed in the Supreme Court show that only 10 per cent of the total registered NGOS under the Societies Registration Act file annual financial statements.
4)Money laundering:
Corrupt or unscrupulous NGOs that receive foreign funds may serve as conduits for money laundering.
6)Accreditation remains a big challenge as it is very difficult to distinguish whether an organisation wants to work for the cause or has been set up only for the purpose of receiving government grants.
7)Over dependence on funds from the government dilutes the willingness of NGOS to speak out against the government.
8)NGOs are often seen as encroaching on centuries old tradition and culture of the people, and lead to mass protest at times. Ban of jallikattu, after the public interest litigation (PIL) by PETA is one such example.
Conclusion –
NGOS, pressure groups and civil society organisations form the backbone of democracy. Democracy does not just revolve around elections, but how rights of the citizens are protected and they are allowed to hold power holders accountable. The state must respect the articulation of the politics of voice and not just the politics of the vote.
The promises of democracy can only be realised through collective action in civil society. They mutually reinforce each other. A democratic state needs a democratic civil society and a democratic civil society also needs a democratic state.