Unit- 3rd Ch- 3rd

ROLE OF NGOs IN DEVELOPMENT

Introduction
The NGOs became prominent after independence, especially after 1970s. NGOs by good feature of
being small scale, flexible, innovative and participatory, are more successful in reaching the poor and
in poverty alleviation, NGOs involved in initiating and implementing rural development programme.

‘Civil Society’ is not a term commonly used in India, although in recent years the media has
begun to adopt it. Civil society in India is largely equated with voluntary organizations or the
more colloquially used term “NGO,” or non-governmental organization. The Central
Statistical Institute of India announced in 2009 that there were 3.3 million NGOs registered in
India, or one NGO for every 400 Indian citizens.

Definition of NGOs:

The term NGOs is those organizations which undertake voluntary action and social movements.

A non-governmental organization (NGO) is a legally constituted organization created by legal persons

that operates independently from any government. In the cases in which NGOs are funded totally or
partially by governments, the NGO maintains its non-governmental status by excluding government
representatives from membership in the organization. The term is usually applied only to
organizations that pursue some wider social aim that has political aspects, but that are not clearly
political organizations such as political parties.

A non-government organization is a foundation that works with a motive to accomplish

societal goals and objectives. Here, people and communities voluntarily work at national or
international level. It happens that the strategies and work process may be different but they all
work for common goals. There are some of the best NGO in India working to help society and
unprivileged people. Countries like India face different issue due to which a society gets
affected. As a result, these issues may hinder the growth and development of a country. It is
seen that non-government organizations have partnerships with public or private
organizations.

These organizations are run through donations but at an initial level, they did voluntary basis.
NGO’s are diversified in various ranges of activities. The purpose of NGO’s may be different
where some may have charitable status or others may register for tax exemption. But the basic
goal or objective of an NGO is to help unprivileged people in society. An NGO benefits a
country to remove crime and make people lives better.

These communities not only help people but also the government of a country. They cover the
wide range of acts like healthcare, education, finances and many more. The partnership
between government and NGO remains helpful for citizens. In order to get the better
understanding about NGO, its functioning is necessary to know.

There are some functions of the non-government organization are explained underneath:

• Resolve social issues:

Non-government organizations play an indispensable role in the welfare of society. Different

social issues are being solved by the NGO’s in India. There are some major issues like
illiteracy, poverty, child labor, casteism and many more. The teams of these organizations
raise voice against the mentioned issues. They run different campaigns to spread knowledge
and awareness among people.

• Motivates citizens:

This is another role played by an NGO towards social welfare and development. There are
various social issues faced by society such as education, girl child, hunger and many more.
However, some of the best NGO in India take positive initiative towards the aforesaid issues.
They form teams and run campaigns. It helps people to aware towards what is right or wrong.
For instance, it is seen that children less than 14 years aren’t allowed to work as its called child
labour. The research has shown, 3.9% of the total children population in India are working in
factories, shops etc. In order to help these children, NGO’s have taken a step.

• Identification of problem and take corrective measures:

The motive of non-government organizations is to uplift social welfare and development.

Generally, NGO’s find out the issue and problems by evaluating crimes or by communicating
with public organizations. Later on, they prepare a plan accordingly and take the required
actions. It results in sorting out the social issues in an effective manner. It needs the best NGO
in India to sort the social issues.

TYPES OF NGOS:

1. Operational or Grassroots NGOs:

Grassroots NGOs directly with the oppressed sections of society. Some NGOs are big, while some are
small. These NGOs could be either local based, working in a single and small project location or be
working in multiple project areas in different districts, states and regions covering a larger population.

The approach and orientation of grassroots NGOs are also differ.

• Charity and Welfare NGOs focus on providing charity and welfare to the poor.

• Development NGOs focus on implementation of concrete development activities.

• Social action groups focus on mobilizing marginalized section around specific issues which
challenge the distribution of power and resources in society.

• Empowerment NGOs combine development activities with issue based struggles.

2. Support NGOs: Support NGOs provide services that would strengthen the capacities of
grassroots NGOs, co-operatives and others to function more effectively.

3. Umbrella or Network NGOs: Network NGOs are formal associations or informal groups
of grassroots and / or support NGOs which meet periodically on particular concerns. E.g. FEVORD-
K (Federation of Voluntary Organizations in Karnataka). They act as a forum to share experiences,
carry out joint development endeavors as well as engage in lobbying and advocacy.

4. Funding NGOs: The primary activity of these NGOs is funding grassroots NGOs, Support
NGOs or people’s organizations. Most funding NGOs in India generate a major part of their resources
from foreign sources; through there is an effort by some to raise funds from within India.

Characteristics of a good NGO:

1. A good NGO is one which has capable, balanced (especially in terms of gender) and matured
board of directors/members. The NGO aims at good governance in the sense that the programme
needs to be developed by involving the people, staff and board. This ensures that everyone in the
organization would know about the activities to be implemented, the funds availed of each of the
activity, how the activities are to be implemented and monitoring of the activities.

2. The NGOs need to begin their work after analyzing the situation and needs of the community.
This enables them to have clarity with regard to the actual needs to the community. The NGOs should
seek to enable participation of members not as recipients of benefit but as those who control and
monitor the programme.

3. NGO needs to comply with all the statutory requirements and follow good systems and
procedures regarding activities, accounts, progress etc.

4. A good NGO should be accountable to all the parties concerned. It needs to be committed to
the objectives that it has set for itself. Hence, there is need to report the progress made with reference
to objective fulfillment to the board, people, government, donors and to the media.

5. NGO needs to adopt less bureaucratic, participatory and cost effective approach to the
development.

6. A good NGO enable the poor to have access to qualitative and cost-effective service.

7. Enabling the people to develop capacity to approach the government departments and banks
and access the resources on their own and influence government policy making and implementation is
one of the characteristic of a good NGO.

The capacity building should include:

• Provision of information on relevant government programmes.

• Enabling the people to approach government officials.

• Enabling the people in productive and effective utilization of resources

• Motivating the people to repay loans, if borrowed from banks etc.

8. A good NGO respond to the emerging the challenges at appropriate time.

9. A good NGO enables the organization of the poor to come together in a network and enable
such a network to influence the policies of the state through lobbying and advocacy.

Establishing a NGO in India

The establishment of a NGO in India is through the registration of a Society under the Society
Registration Act of 1860 for which at least seven persons are required as the desirous persons to
establish the said society. The identification and residential proof of the said persons is essential. The
application for registration of the society is submitted before the registrar of Society who confirms all
the documents and then on the basis of which the Registrar of Society grants the registration of
society.

The management of NGO:

The management of NGO is mainly in the hands of the persons who have formed it as per bylaws and
regulations prescribed by the government. Since most of the NGOs are run on government donated
funds, some measures to ensure the appropriate expenditure of the funds given by the government are
taken at the management level. Government also seeks the audit of the funds and the way in which the
funds have been spent. This all is done in a transparent manner which provides a lot of operational
freedom to the NGO to operate and achieve its goals. In most of such cases there is a provision bylaw
that all the income, earning, movable & immovable properties of the NGO shall be solely utilized and
applied towards of the promotion of its aims and objects as set for in the memorandum of association.
No profit on there of shall be paid.

NGO vs. Government Organizations

Non-government Organization (NGO)
An NGO is a non-governmental organization. NGOs do not contrast directly with non profit
organizations because they are a category of non profit organization. As the name suggests,
an NGO is independent of government insight, meaning it is not part of a government entity
or operated through a government program.

Government Organization

A government Organization or Public agency is often a government appointed group, it can

be permanent or semi-permanent organization and is funded by the government. A
government agency may be created by either a national government or a state government
within a federal system.

Difference Between NGO and NPO

There are certain organizations, which are set up by the group of individuals for serving the
entire society, which can be NGO or NPO. An NGO, a non-governmental organisation,
established to work for public and social welfare. Such organisation is not affiliated with any
government.

On the other end, NPO, as its name suggests, is a non-profit organisation, that works for any
purpose other than making profits but such organizations are incorporated under the
Companies Act. As the rules and regulations and purpose of establishing the two types of
organization are different, there exist a fine line of differences between NGO and NPO.

Definition of NPO

Non-Profit Organization or NPO is a legal entity formed by a group of persons to promote

cultural, religious, professional, or social objectives.

The initial funds are raised by the members or trustees of the NPO. As the organisation is a
non-profit making entity, it applies its surplus funds on the promotion of the objectives of the
organization rather than distributing it among the members of the organisation. It is registered
under section 8 of the Companies Act. Such organisation enjoys several privileges like tax
exemption, not required to use the term ‘Ltd’ or ‘Pvt Ltd’ at the end of its name.

An NPO may include a charitable organisation, membership groups like a sports club or
women’s club, social or recreational organisation, public educational institutions, public
hospitals, etc.

Conclusion

An NGO is an association of person; that works for promoting humanitarian or cooperative

objective instead of a commercial one. On the other hand, the NPO is an organisation which
is set up to promote art, science, education or any other social or cultural purpose; that
intends to use its profit in the promotion of its objectives instead of dividing it among the
members.

Top 10 NGOs in India: Making a difference

1. Sight savers

It is a charity for blind people that has been in action in India since 1966 and is registered
with the government. The charitable organisation believes in providing all students with a
chance to prove their skills despite their disabilities. The organization, along with local
institutions, helps meet the unique educational needs with a team approach of professionals,
teachers, parents, and students. A sight saver is an NGO that works for the rural population.
It has a mission to completely eradicate curable blindness and give access to preventive,
curative and rehabilitative services without financial hardship. As the NGO continues to build
its network through learning and innovation, it also manages to make improvements in its
quality of work and research. Presently, it is one of the Top 10 NGOs in India.

Sight savers too accept online donations for the NGO which is fully utilized for the growth of
the unfortunate ones.

2. Child Rights and You (CRY)

CRY is a non-governmental organization that helps restore the rights of children to build a
society that promises equality, justice, and dignity to all irrespective of their birth. It is among
the top 10 NGOs in Delhi.

CRY partners with organizations to uplift thousands of underprivileged children. CRY works
at all levels including advocacy, spreading awareness, direct action and policy changes. They
dedicate both their time and funds for ensuring healthy, happy and creative childhood.

3. Give Foundation
Give India falls in the category of best NGO in India. It provides a platform to all those who
wish to support a noble cause. It allows an individual to support a cause of his/her choice
while making sure that the organizations to which the funds are being transferred has been
evaluated for transparency and credibility. Give India is the largest and one of the most
trustworthy NGOs in India.

4. GOONJ – a voice, an effort

It’s a renowned NGO in India that won “The NGO of the Year Award in 2007”. Started by
Anshu Gupta, its main objective is to provide disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and leverage
community development. Some of its projects that garnered huge support were “Cloth for
Work”, “Not Just a Piece of Cloth”, and “School to School”. Goonj is also one of the top 10
NGOs in Delhi.

5. Help Age India

Help Age India is among the leading charities in India that work for the elderly who’ve no
source of livelihood. Its main focus is to provide free medicines and free consultations to help
improve the quality of life. They’ve also been pushing the government to frame new
legislation to improve the plight of the elderly. It aims to serve the needs of elderly people in
a holistic manner, enabling them to live a life of dignity.

6. K. C. Mahindra Education Trust (Nanhi Kali)

The K.C Mahindra Education Trust initiated the project Nanhi Kali in a bid to provide basic
primary education to underprivileged girls in India. The nation has also seen a huge
development brought about by the education of the girl child. Academy support with study
material, good teaching methodology, and community support have brought about a massive
change in the outlook of women in India.

7. LEPRA India
LEPRA Society is a non-governmental organization aiming to promote quality healthcare.
The Society aims to support marginalized children, women, youngsters, slum dwellers, and
migrants by providing them medical help. They try to bring a positive change in people’s
lifestyle by giving them the confidence to live a dignified life. You can make an online
donation in India for LEPRA through their online portal.

8. Pratham Education Foundation

Pratham came into existence in 1995 and turned into an NGO for education in India starting
with the slum children in Mumbai. From there it has made significant strides in the direction
of education in India. It is an innovative learning organization that focuses on high quality,
low-cost repeated interventions to fill the gaps in the education system. It is one of the most
respected organizations in India.

9. Sammaan Foundation
Samman, as the name suggests, provides marginalized groups with an opportunity to live a
dignified life. It is a charitable organisation based in India that promotes financial inclusion,
micro-entrepreneurship, health and agriculture at the grass-root level. It has been extensively
working with rickshaw pullers and street vendors. Now, the Samman Foundation is launching
innovative health services like Mobile Medical Unit, Medical Ambulances and mortuary vans
with the support of the government.

10. Smile Foundation

This NGO for education in India was formed in 2002 with a purpose to promote education
among the underprivileged. Their developmental programme includes the provision of health
care, education, livelihood for children and women, equally affected by the lack of resources.
Some of their programs are Smile on wheels, mission education and smile twin e-learning
program.

Top 10 International NGO’s bringing change in India

Since India is a large country — both geographically and demographically — the government
alone cannot uplift the poor and support the impoverished sections of society. Various
international development organizations have been active in India for decades, and have
contributed greatly to helping Indian communities emerge from the problem of scarcity and
education. Their work contributes in different ways to the country’s economic development.
NGOs need funds to conduct their work and they only operate on donations.

The top 10 international NGOs actively working in India:

1. Save the Children India

‘Bal Raksha Bharat’ is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the lives of
disadvantaged children in India, also known as ‘Save the Children India’. Headquartered in
Gurugram and registered as ‘Bal Raksha Bharat’ in India, the group is a member of the Save
the Children’s International Alliance.

Save the Children India officially launched as ‘Bal Raksha Bharat’ in April 2008 and has
since reached 10.1 million children through its efforts. In the remotest corners of India and
urban areas, the organization implements sustainable, community-driven programs to provide
quality education and healthcare, protection from harm and violence, and life-saving
assistance to children during emergencies.

2. Oxfam India

Established in 1942 and headed by Oxfam International, Oxfam is a confederation of 20

independent humanitarian organizations that concentrate on alleviating world poverty.

Oxfam recognizes the universality of human rights and the indivisibility of human rights, and
has embraced these common principles to articulate these rights in concrete terms: the right to
sustainable living, Right to essential social care and a right to life and safety.

The mission of Oxfam India is to create a more fair and prosperous world by inspiring the
poor to claim their rights, engaging the non-poor to become involved and compassionate
people, promoting an effective and responsive state and making markets work for the poor.
Oxfam India’s guiding mission is “the right to dignified life.”

3. HelpAge India

‘HelpAge India’ is one of the founding members of ‘HelpAge International’, a high-profile

organization of 97 member countries at the United Nations that represent the cause of the
elderly. This is intimately associated to help the aged, UK, and has received a special
testimony from the United Nations on “Dedicated service in support of the United Nations
Ageing Program.”

Its mission is to ‘work for and improve the quality of life of vulnerable older people’
‘HelpAge’ advocates for their needs with the central and state governments such as, for
universal pension, quality healthcare, action against elder abuse and many more at the
national , state, and societal level. It runs various age care services to meet the needs of
elderly people. The aim is to support vulnerable elders in a holistic way, helping them to lead
a more involved dignified and safer life.

4. CARE India

‘CARE India’ is a non-profit organization that has been operating in India for over 65 years,
with a emphasis on poverty alleviation and social injustice. They do so by well-planned and
systematic health, education, wellbeing, and disaster preparedness and response programs.
The overarching objective of ‘CARE India’ is to empower women and girls from deprived
and disadvantaged communities to better their lives and livelihoods. The ‘CARE
International Federation’, fighting towards a world where all people live with dignity and
protection in more than 90 countries.’

5. World Vision India

‘World Vision India’ is one of the country’s largest humanitarian organizations focused on
children. It employs proven, effective development, public engagement and relief practices,
with over six decades of grassroots experience, empowering vulnerable children and
communities living in contexts of poverty and injustice to become self-sufficient and bring
lasting change. This serves all children as a reminder of Christ’s unconditional love for all
men, regardless of faith, race, ethnicity or gender.

‘World Vision India’ works to tackle issues affecting children in collaboration with
governments, civil society, donors and companies in 123 districts affecting about 26lakh
children and their families in over 6200 communities spread across 24 states and the National
Capital Region.

Over recent decades, ‘World Vision’ has always responded to major disasters over India.
Furthermore, World Vision India is member at different levels of many networks and
coalitions.

6. Plan India

‘Plan India’ is a nationally registered non-profit organization that seeks to advance the
children’s rights and equality for girls, thereby creating a lasting impact on the lives of
vulnerable. Starting from 1979, ‘Plan India’ organization has been enhancing the lives of
millions of children & young people by providing them access to security, quality education
and healthcare services, a safe climate, livelihood opportunities and involvement in life-
affecting decisions. ‘Plan India’ is a member of an independent development and
humanitarian organization, ‘Plan International Federation’. ‘Plan International’ operates in
over 70 countries.

7. Action Aid

The ‘ActionAid Foundation’ is an association that aims to foster social and environmental
justice. Since 1972, ‘ActionAid’ has been working with India’s most marginalized
communities. The ‘ActionAid’ Association was registered as an Indian association in 2006,
governed by an elected General Assembly and a Board of Governors. They aim for freedom,
solidarity and liberty for all, together with supporters, communities, organizations and
governments. The ‘ActionAid’ Organization operates with numerous members and related
organizations, in 24 states and two federal territories.

‘ActionAid’ Association is part of ‘ActionAid International’s global federation’ and

maximum affiliate, with a presence in over 40 countries around the world.
Vision-A world without poverty, inequality and oppression where every citizen enjoys a
dignified right to life.

Mission- Working in solidarity with the poor and the oppressed and engaging in their struggle
to eliminate racism, inequality and injustice.

Overall Goal- A just social order brought about by the marginalised, who claim their right to
dignity and identity through improved democratic participation and structural change.

8. Greenpeace India

‘Greenpeace India’, a non-profit NGO and a global environmental group, has a presence in
55 countries across Europe, America and Asia. ‘Greenpeace India’, with its headquarters and
other branches in Delhi, Chennai, Patna, has legally registered society in 4 locations with
Bengaluru.

‘Greenpeace India’ claims it receives 60 percent of its support from donors in India, 38
percent from Netherlands-based ‘Greenpeace International’ and less than 1 percent from the
US-based Climate Works Project, and as of June 2014 the group receives no international
support.

‘Greenpeace’ don’t take money from governments, intergovernmental bodies, political

parties or companies to escape their influence, according to the organization. Their central
fundraising strategy is called “Direct Dialog Recruiting,” where the fundraising team goes
out on the street and meets the ordinary people directly to address the current environmental
situation and how ‘Greenpeace’ is trying to bring about a meaningful change. Such
conversations eventually lead to the individual concerned being registered as a donor and as a
volunteer.

According to the World Resources Institute, almost half of the 1200 new coal-fired power
plants planned worldwide are in India. This is why ‘Greenpeace’ has made fighting against
the coal industry in India a priority. Campaigns by the charity have prevented coal mining in
several protected areas of India.

9. World Wildlife Fund

With five decades of extensive sector work, WWF India today is one of the country’s leading
conservation organizations. WWF India is a science-based organization that tackles concerns
such as biodiversity protection and habitat protection, climate change, water and
environmental education, among many others.

Over the years, its outlook has grown to represent a more holistic view of the country ‘s
numerous conservation concerns and seeks to proactively foster environmental protection by
working with various stakeholders — governments, NGOs, schools and colleges, businesses,
students and others.

Mission- To stop the degradation of the natural environment of the planet and to build a
future where humans live in harmony with nature, by:
Conserving biological diversity around the world

Make good use of the abundant natural resources

Fostering emissions control and excessive consumption

BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION- Biodiversity goal 2050

In 2050, the dignity of Earth’s most remarkable natural places is maintained, leading to a
healthier and more prosperous world for everyone.

Beginning locally, WWF-India has defined the country’s most vulnerable regions and priority
species that constitute the country’s natural heritage and is working through field research ,
policy initiatives and successful campaigns to maintain their health and numbers.

FOOTPRINT REDUCTION – 2050 Footprint goal

Through 2050, the global footprint of mankind remains within the Earth’s capacity to support
life, and our planet’s natural wealth must be equitably shared.

WWF-India aims to reduce the country’s footprint on the earth by resolving key growth and
environmental problems that impact our national and global footprint as a whole.

10. Doctors without Borders

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) translates as Doctors without Borders. They offer medical
support to people impacted by wars, epidemics, disasters or health-care absence. The acts are
motivated by the ideals of scientific ethics and impartiality, equality and neutrality.

MSF claims to fills the gaps in India’s health care system and provides medical care to people
who would struggle to access it otherwise.

They provide medical and psychosocial services for people living with HIV and drug-
resistant tuberculosis in and around Mumbai, a city of 22 million people, about 50,000 of
whom suffer from TB, and 4,000 are infected with drug-resistant disease strains. MSF also
has a team in Manipur that provides specialist care for TB, HIV and hepatitis C and set up a
dedicated clinic for hepatitis C in Meerut City in 2017. Kala azar is also endemic and
especially prevalent in Bihar, where they concentrate on treating co-infection with kala azar-
HIV.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) aims to partner with disadvantaged populations to provide
infectious disease mental health services and education, drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB),
sexual abuse and malnutrition.