Non Governmental Organisations, or NGOs, as they are called in common parlance, are organisations which are involved in carrying out a wide range of activities for the benefit of underprivileged people and the society at large. As the name suggests, NGOs work independently, without any financial aid of the government although they may work in close coordination with the government agencies for executing their projects.
NGOs take up and execute projects to promote welfare of the community they work with. They work to address various concerns and issues prevailing within the society. NGOs are not-for-profit bodies which means they do not have any commercial interest. NGOs are run on donations made by individuals, corporate and institutions. They engage in fundraising activities to raise money for carrying out the work they do. Ever since independence, NGOs have played a crucial role in helping the needy in India, providing aid to the distressed and elevating the socio-economic status of millions in the country.
Some Major Functions and Roles of NGOs in India are:
Utilising funds raised through donations, NGOs in India work for a wide range of causes. Some such causes include:
- Child rights
- Poverty
- Social Injustice
- Environment Conservation
- Human Rights
- Care for elderly people
- Women Empowerment
- Wildlife Conservation
- Animal Rights
- Sanitation and Hygiene
- Humanitarian Relief
- Health and Nutrition
- Literacy and Education
- Refugee Crisis
- Disease Control and others
NGOs are composed of experts with years of experience in executing social welfare activities. Before rolling out a project, detailed analysis of the situation is done and possible solutions are contemplated. Collaboration with civic agencies and other government agencies (at district, state and even national level at times) is done to carry out the work.
NGOs not only go on the ground to address these issues, they also undertake massive campaigning activities to generate awareness on these issues. In today’s time, NGOs are efficiently leveraging the power of social media to disseminate information about their work and reach more and more people.
The Importance of NGOs in India
India has made rapid progress in the socio-economic sphere in the last seven decades. Millions have been brought out of poverty, life expectancy has shot up, literacy rate has almost tripled and people have better access to healthcare services. However, given the vastness of India, both in terms of demography and area, and its socio-cultural diversity, millions are still bereft of a decent life. Even today, numerous people struggle to get basics such as health, shelter, education and nutritious food. The benefits of India’s economic progress have not been uniform in nature. There is rampant economic inequality. This is where NGOs’ role comes into the picture. Their job is to plug the gaps left by the government by improving the lives of the most marginalised communities.
In India, NGOs undertake a variety of activities, most of which are aimed at improving the socio-economic status of communities with limited means. From providing direct benefit (like distributing nutrition feed to malnourished children) to enabling and empowering people (like making a community realise the importance of sending their children to school),the primary role of NGOs in India has a far-reaching impact in helping underprivileged and deprived people march ahead in life.
Conclusion
The work done by NGOs goes a long way in nation building. With the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Act mandating 2% spend by large corporate on social issues, NGOs have the potential to touch millions of more lives through their work. Over the years, NGOs have streamlined their operations and enhanced their scales. Functioning of established NGOs is akin to big corporate organizations – there are well-defined KPIs and targets to meet. NGOs in India need to be transparent in their work and ensure that the funds raised benefit those for whom they are intended. This is a good trend, larger and more accountable NGOs will be able to deliver more effectively and efficiently, making best use of resources. NGOs in India are already proving to be agents of change. In times to come, they will continue to play a significant role in helping large sections of the Indian society come out from the quagmire of poverty and distress.
FAQs
We at Bal Raksha Bharat suggest policy measures to address issues and provide support and solutions. Community Engagement: The educational NGOs in India promote community involvement. They encourage parents and local communities to take an active role in supporting their children's education.
What is NGO and its functions in India? ›
A non-governmental organisation (NGO) serves as a liaison between the government and the general public. When a few concerns do not reach the government or are not resolved, NGO functions play an essential part in assigning these issues to the government.
What is the role of NGO in social welfare in India? ›
NGOs take up and execute projects to promote the welfare of the community they work with. They work to address various concerns and issues prevailing within the society. NGOs are not-for-profit bodies which means they do not have any commercial interest.
What is the role of NGOs in promoting and protecting human rights in India? ›
Empowerment and Capacity Building
They conduct workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns to increase awareness among marginalized groups. By fostering a sense of agency and self-advocacy, NGOs help individuals stand up against human rights abuses and discrimination.
What is the significance of NGOs for the development of India? ›
Role of NGOs:
In a vast geographical landmass like India, it becomes a challenge for the government to administer and monitor the implementation of various social policies. This is where NGOs have been playing a very proactive role, especially in the sector of Social development like Health and Education.
What are the roles and responsibilities of NGO? ›
NGO activities include, but are not limited to, environmental, social, advocacy and human rights work. They can work to promote social or political change on a broad scale or very locally. NGOs play a critical part in developing society, improving communities, and promoting citizen participation.
What is the main purpose of an NGO? ›
A non-governmental organization, or NGO, typically is established to work toward public or social welfare goals. For instance, an NGO could focus on human rights, voters' rights, healthcare, helping the poor, and preventing cruelty to animals. NGOs can be funded by donations and grants.
What is the power of NGO in India? ›
They work to mobilize resources, both financial and human, to ensure that aid is delivered in a timely and effective manner. NGOs also play a critical role in driving change by advocating for policies and practices that benefit disadvantaged communities.
What is the role of NGO in rural development in India? ›
NGOs act as planners and implementers of developmental plans. They help in mobilizing the local resources to be used for development. NGOs help in building a self-reliant and sustainable society. These agencies play the role of mediator between people and government.
What is the role of NGO in poverty? ›
NGOs provide basic services and fulfilling their role as service providers to alleviate poverty such as health services (counseling, health check-up), loans, aid and more. NGOs act as developers who adopt, organize and implement programs to train or teach local population on various aspects to lift them out of poverty.
Chhibbar, People's Union for Civil Liberties, Ms. Meera Shiva, Voluntary Association of India, Shri Ashok Rawat, Helpage India and Ms. Federica Donati, UNICEF.
How do NGOs support human rights? ›
Civil Society including NGOs
They defend victims, promote human rights through education, and campaign for improvements. Civil society actors and NGOs increasingly work with human rights treaty bodies and the UN Human Rights Council.
What is the role of NGOs in poverty reduction in India? ›
NGOs in India, guided by principles rooted in compassion and equity, play a crucial role in poverty reduction. Their multifaceted approaches, encompassing education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and advocacy, create a comprehensive strategy to tackle the complex issue of poverty.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of NGO? ›
An advantage of NGOs is how they can build solidarity and collaboration with those they work with, such as communities in need of socio-economic development. A disadvantage of NGOs is that they cannot be held accountable as easily as state actors. This has created controversies around some NGOs' projects.
Which is the largest NGO in India? ›
The top-5 largest NGOs in India are: HelpAge India, LEPRA India, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, Pratham Education Fund, and Nanhi Kali.
How much do NGO workers get paid in India? ›
Average salary for a NGO in India is 2.9 Lakhs per year (₹24.2k per month). Salary estimates are based on 418 latest salaries received from various NGOs across industries. What is the starting salary for a NGO in India? Average starting Salary for NGO in India is around ₹0.1 Lakh per year (₹833.3 per month).
Who funds the NGO? ›
Many NGOs receive funding from local, state, and federal government entities through grants. A grant is a financial award given to an organization with a specific purpose. Grants help provide funding for medical research, economic development, educational advances, and various projects that provide public services.
What is the difference between a nonprofit and an NGO? ›
Many non-profits are affiliated with churches, boys and girls clubs, and alumni associations. An NGO, on the other hand, has broader and internationally driven footprint. They are often working in isolated lands with widespread famine and disease, military bases, and large scale disaster such as hurricane relief.
