What do you mean by NGOS? Discuss their role in the governance of India. (HPAS Mains Question Paper 2022 – GS 2, Q.18)
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operate independently of the government and are frequently formed to address social, environmental, or other issues that the government or private sector do not adequately address. NGOs can be established as non-profit or charitable organisations with the primary goal of promoting societal well-being.
There are several examples of NGOs working in various fields in India. Some examples are:
- Save the Children is an international non-governmental organisation that works in India to improve the lives of underprivileged children. The organisation concerns child education, healthcare, abuse prevention, and child rights.
- Greenpeace India is an environmental non-governmental organisation that works to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. Climate change, pollution, and renewable energy are among the issues the organisation addresses.
- Teach for India is an educational NGO that works to improve academic quality in India. The organisation recruits talented young graduates to teach in underserved schools nationwide.
- Pratham: This is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving education in India. The organisation provides teachers with training and support, creates teaching materials, and runs remedial classes for underprivileged children.
- HelpAge India is a non-governmental organisation that works to improve the lives of senior citizens in India. The organisation provides healthcare services, conducts advocacy campaigns, and promotes senior citizens’ rights.
Role of NGOs in governance in India:
In India, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have played an essential role in the governance process by advocating for the rights and welfare of marginalised communities, influencing policy decisions, and providing crucial services to those in need.
Here are some examples of the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Indian governance:
1. Policy Influence: Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in India play an important role in advocating for the rights of marginalised communities such as women, children, Dalits, and tribal people. They influence policy decisions by providing policymakers with research, data, and analysis, as well as advocating for changes in laws and regulations. The National Campaign for Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR), for example, has been instrumental in advocating for Dalit rights and influencing policy decisions related to the Prevention of Atrocities Act and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes.
2. Service Delivery: Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in India are important in providing essential services to needy people, especially in areas where the government’s service delivery mechanism is weak or non-existent. For example, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as CRY (Child Rights and You) work to improve the lives of underprivileged children in India by providing education, healthcare, and protection from abuse and exploitation.
3. Monitoring and Accountability: Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in India also monitor the implementation of government policies and programmes and hold the government accountable for their actions. For example, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has been working on environmental issues for over three decades, advocating for stronger environmental regulations and monitoring their implementation.
4. Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Assistance: During times of crisis, NGOs in India play an important role in providing disaster relief and humanitarian assistance. The Goonj Foundation, for example, works to provide disaster relief by collecting and distributing essential items to disaster victims. In contrast, Oxfam India works to reduce poverty and inequality by providing humanitarian assistance during crises.
In India, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have played an essential role in the governance process by advocating for the rights and welfare of marginalised communities, influencing policy decisions, and providing crucial services to those in need. They have also been critical in monitoring the implementation of government policies and programmes, as well as holding the government accountable for its actions.
