<–2/”>a >Civil Society is the “third sector” of society, along with government and business. It comprises civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations. The UN recognizes the importance of partnering with civil society, because it advances the Organization’s ideals, and helps support its work. Here are some useful websites for members of civil society and also for those interested in the work of the UN.
The Indian national movement popularized the ideas of a representative Democracy and civil liberties amongst the masses in order to prevent the colonial rulers from limiting the space from which the national leaders could organize these activities and in this way not only generated awareness amongst the masses about these ideas but also ensured from their actions that these ideas would have a firm foot-hold even in post-colonial India
In independent India, the initial role played by the voluntary organizations started by Gandhi and his disciples was to fill in the gaps left by the government in the development process. The volunteers organized handloom weavers in village to form cooperatives through which they could market their products directly in the cities, and thus get a better price. Similar cooperatives were later set up in areas like Marketing of Dairy products and fish.
Since 1970s a number of social movements emphasising on a range of basic issues have come to animate the sphere of civil society. They are ‘new’ in contrast to the old trade union and working class movements, which were political in the sense of having an alternate political vision of the state itself with revolutionary ideals. But the people’s movements, as they are called, are the result of broader-based people’s responses to ecological or gender or caste conflicts.
Different types of Civil Societies are:-
humanitarian, (short-term relief to prevent death)
development, (long-term efforts to improve Quality Of Life in economic, political and social sectors)
Human Rights (efforts to create supportive political Environment)
peacebuilding (works specifically to address conflict)
Mains importance of the Civil Societies/NGO are:-
i) People’s participation
ii) Technnical excellence
iii) Cost-effectiveness
iv) Equity-concern for the deprived, and for Women
v) Institutional, financial, and environmental sustainability
vi) Accountability
A non-governmental organization (NGO) is a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any form of government. The term originated from the United Nations (UN), and is normally used to refer to organizations that are not a part of the government and are not conventional for-profit business. 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 wider social aims that have political aspects, but are not openly political organizations such as Political Parties.
NGOs in India are legally registered under the society Registration Act 1860, Indian Trust Act 1882, the Co- Operative Societies Act, 1904, the Joint Stock Companies Act, 1956 in order to meet the judicial requirements. To avail the foreign contribution, they need to register under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 1976.,
Civil society
Civil society is the arena outside of the family, the state, and the market where people associate to advance common interests. It is a realm of voluntary activity where people come together to express their interests, passions, and ideas. Civil society can take many forms, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Charities, social movements, and faith-based organizations.
Civil society plays an important role in development. It can help to hold governments accountable, provide Services to the poor, and promote Social Change. NGOs, for example, can provide essential services such as Education, healthcare, and sanitation to people who would otherwise not have access to them. They can also advocate for the rights of marginalized groups and hold governments accountable for their actions.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
A non-governmental organization (NGO) is a non-profit, voluntary citizens’ group that is organized on a local, national or international level. NGOs are usually independent from governments and businesses, and they often work to promote social change or address a particular issue.
There are many different types of NGOs, but they can generally be divided into two categories: service-providing NGOs and advocacy NGOs. Service-providing NGOs provide direct services to people in need, such as food, shelter, education, or healthcare. Advocacy NGOs work to promote social change by lobbying governments, raising awareness about issues, or organizing protests.
NGOs play an important role in development. They can help to provide essential services to people in need, advocate for the rights of marginalized groups, and hold governments accountable for their actions. NGOs can also help to build trust and cooperation between different groups in society.
Other stakeholders
In addition to civil society and NGOs, there are many other stakeholders involved in development. These include governments, businesses, international organizations, donors, communities, and individuals.
Governments play a key role in development. They are responsible for providing essential services, such as education, healthcare, and Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE. They also set the policies that shape the development process.
Businesses can also play a role in development. They can invest in new technologies, create jobs, and help to improve the lives of people in poor communities.
International organizations, such as the World Bank and the United Nations, provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries. They also help to coordinate development efforts and promote Good Governance.
Donors, such as governments and foundations, provide financial support to development projects. They also help to set priorities and monitor progress.
Communities are the people who live in a particular area. They can play a role in development by participating in decision-making, volunteering their time, and providing feedback on development projects.
Individuals can also play a role in development. They can donate Money or time to NGOs, volunteer their services, or simply raise awareness about development issues.
All of these stakeholders play an important role in development. By working together, they can help to create a more just and equitable world.
Conclusion
Development is a complex process that involves many different actors. Civil society, NGOs, and other stakeholders all play an important role in promoting development and improving the lives of people in poor communities. By working together, these stakeholders can help to create a more just and equitable world.
What is civil society?
Civil society is the arena outside of the state and the market where people associate to advance common interests. It is often made up of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), charities, social movements, and other forms of civic engagement.
What is the role of civil society in development?
Civil society can play a number of important roles in development, including:
- Advocating for change: Civil society organizations can raise awareness of important issues, hold governments accountable, and advocate for policies that promote development.
- Providing services: Civil society organizations can provide essential services to people in need, such as education, healthcare, and microfinance.
- Empowering people: Civil society organizations can help people to build their skills and knowledge, and to participate in decision-making.
- Monitoring and evaluating development programs: Civil society organizations can monitor the implementation of development programs and evaluate their impact.
What are some examples of NGOs?
Some examples of NGOs include:
- Oxfam: Oxfam is an international confederation of 19 organizations working together with partners and local communities in more than 90 countries. Oxfam works to find practical, innovative ways for people to lift themselves out of POVERTY and thrive.
- Save the Children: Save the Children is an international non-governmental organization that works to promote children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs, and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.
- World Wildlife Fund: World Wildlife Fund is an international non-governmental organization working on issues regarding the conservation, research and restoration of the natural environment.
What are some challenges facing civil society?
Some challenges facing civil society include:
- Limited Resources: Civil society organizations often have limited resources, which can make it difficult to carry out their work.
- Political interference: Civil society organizations can sometimes face political interference, which can make it difficult to operate independently.
- Violence and intimidation: Civil society organizations can sometimes face violence and intimidation, which can make it difficult to carry out their work.
What are some ways to support civil society?
There are a number of ways to support civil society, including:
- Donating to NGOs: You can donate money or time to NGOs that are working to promote development.
- Advocating for civil society: You can advocate for policies that support civil society, such as Freedom of Association and freedom of expression.
- Volunteering with NGOs: You can volunteer your time to work with NGOs that are working to promote development.
- Educating yourself about civil society: You can educate yourself about civil society and the important role it plays in development.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a role of civil society in development?
(A) Providing social services
(B) Advocating for change
(C) Monitoring government performance
(D) Investing in businesses
Answer
(D) Investing in businesses is not a role of civil society in development. Civil society organizations (CSOs) are non-governmental organizations that are independent of the state and market. They play a variety of roles in development, including providing social services, advocating for change, and monitoring government performance.
Question 2
Which of the following is an example of a civil society organization?
(A) The World Bank
(B) The United Nations
(C) Oxfam
(D) The International Monetary Fund
Answer
(C) Oxfam is an example of a civil society organization. Oxfam is an international confederation of 19 organizations working together with partners and local communities in more than 90 countries. Oxfam works to find practical, innovative ways for people to lift themselves out of poverty and thrive.
Question 3
What is the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 8?
(A) To develop a global PARTNERSHIP for development
(B) To halve the proportion of people living in extreme poverty by 2015
(C) To achieve universal primary education
(D) To reduce child mortality by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015
Answer
(A) MDG 8 is to develop a global partnership for development. The eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were adopted by all 192 United Nations Member States at the Millennium Summit in September 2000. The MDGs are a blueprint for action to be taken by all countries – developed and developing – in order to promote Human Development and reduce poverty.
Question 4
Which of the following is not a target of the MDG 8?
(A) To develop further an open, rule-based, predictable, non-discriminatory trading and financial system
(B) To address the special needs of the least developed countries
(C) To address the special needs of landlocked developing countries and small island developing states
(D) To increase significantly the flow of official development assistance (ODA) to developing countries, especially least developed countries, in order to meet the agreed target of 0.7% of gross NATIONAL INCOME (GNI) by 2015
Answer
(D) To increase significantly the flow of official development assistance (ODA) to developing countries, especially least developed countries, in order to meet the agreed target of 0.7% of gross national income (GNI) by 2015 is not a target of the MDG 8. The target of the MDG 8 is to develop further an open, rule-based, predictable, non-discriminatory trading and financial system.
Question 5
What is the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17?
(A) To revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
(B) To ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
(C) To promote inclusive and sustainable economic Growth, EMPLOYMENT and decent work for all
(D) To build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Answer
(A) SDG 17 is to revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. The 17 SDGs are integrated, indivisible and universal, and they balance the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental.
Question 6
Which of the following is not a target of the SDG 17?
(A) Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
(B) Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from a variety of sources
(C) Facilitate effective mobilization and use of financial resources for sustainable development
(D) Increase significantly the access of developing countries to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy
Answer
(D) Increase significantly the access of developing countries to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is not a target of the SDG 17. The target of the SDG 17 is to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.