NGOs and controversies

Many NGOs operating in India have recently come under the scanner for their alleged anti-developmental activities. The Intelligence Bureau, in its report, mentioned that certain NGOs were primarily responsible for hurting India’s growth interests thus lowering the GDP growth rate by 2-3 percent. While the quantitative data of loss in GDP may or may not hold good in exact terms, but the functioning of NGOs in India, either domestic or foreign, needs a comprehensive relook.

However, most of the NGOs are involved in activities that augur well for protecting the interests of the poor and upholding the democratic values of the nation. Development does not necessarily mean just economic development, but reducing social inequity, promoting gender equality and improving social indicators like health, education and so forth. In such a complex situation, the government alone does not have the wherewithal to accomplish the tasks. Therefore, the role of civil society is of utmost relevance and NGOs, being the arm of civil society, can work in tandem with the government and other institutions in furthering social and economic goals.

As regards the NGOs that are alleged to have been involved in anti-development activities, the Government can provide for tighter scrutiny of their works in accordance with the provisions of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act,2010. In a nation where the sources of funds are poor and hurdles are galore in raising funds independently, freezing the accounts of the NGOs should be the last resort, when all the legal options are exhausted.

The government should categorise NGOs based on the funds sources. The NGOs should be held accountable for their spent funds and also for their acts of omission and commission. Moreover, it is necessary for the NGOs to improve transparency in the governance framework and board functioning. The NGOs are within their democratic rights to organize protests and mobilise people. But they should also function as ‘think-tank’ and provide alternatives to the Government.

The father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, had immense faith on the positive role of civil society. He, in fact, wanted the Indian National Congress to cease its role as a political organization and commit itself to the betterment of society as a Public Service Organisation. Although the Indian National Congress went against his wishes, but the civil society continued to remain extremely relevant in the Indian context. In the last decade, the efforts of NGOs were instrumental in the passage of legislations and programs like Right to Food, Right to Information, NREGS, ICDS etc.

Therefore, while the role of NGOs is crucial in a diversified nation like India, they should aid the development and growth of India by providing alternative measures and improving transparency and accountability in their functioning.