Role Of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs)
NGOs are voluntary organization’s. These are popularly known as NGOs because they are free from governmental control in their functioning. They are democratic and open to all those wishing to become member of the organization voluntarily and serve the Society.
NGO have a long history in India. In the past, people in this country have been found to have provided help to others in trouble. Since centuries there exists the tradition of voluntary service to the needy and helpless in the country. In the beginning, these Services were rendered by people motivated by their religious feelings.
NGOs have immense role in bringing about Social Change and development and it is being experienced from different parts of the country. Development, as we have read earlier, is a multi- faceted process, which essentially involves the aggressive participation of the people that would not be possible unless they are educated, awakened and motivated. NGOs are taking up this job sportingly and successfully.
The areas in which we witness active and appreciative role of NGOs are as follows:
- The NGOs are active to promote Education, particularly among that section of Population, which has remained UN-benefited or less benefited by the measures adopted by the government. The education of girls, and other deprived people, particularly the SCs and STs, has been their target objective.
- Women are the other vulnerable section of society. Gender discrimination is a ubiquitous cultural reality. Girls are discriminated in the upbringing pattern in the family. Larger numbers of the undernourished are from amongst the girls. Retention of girls in schools is much less as compared to boys. Women are forced to work as housewife and denied participation in gainful economic activities outside homes. About three-fourths of the work done by women is un-monetized.
- Since the second half of the preceding century started the change in the status of women with their active participation in political, social and economic activities, which gained acceleration since the last quarter of the preceding century. More and more women started moving out of the four walls of their houses and involving themselves actively in the social sphere outside their homes.
Important in this process has been the role of academicians and NGOs. The book Women’s Role in Economic Development by Easter Boserup (1970) is the pioneering work in this direction. After a gap of few years, by 1978, a large number of works were published, particularly on the status of women in the Third World – where their position has been more vulnerable.
The role of women voluntary organizations towards this cause has been marvelous. Sewa, Sathin, Eklavya, Disha, Environmental Action Group and Agrani Foundation etc. are some of the thousands of NGOs known for their role in development by creating awareness among people and interventions, if required.
- The approach to development has been almost uniform world over at least in terms of the use of technology, magnitude of production, pattern of consumption and achievement of wealth. Both state and people were unaware or lackadaisical about the backwash of the nature of development pursued.
The threat to the human life developed due to environmental pollution and imbalance and the depletion of natural Resources as a consequence of the nature of development. Here, the role of NGOs is really noticeable and praiseworthy. Thousands of voluntary organizations are at work to awaken people and governments against environmental degradation and depletion of resources.
- It is not that the development process has unleashed only environmental threats to the human existence but also many people are displaced due to developmental projects and are quite often not properly compensated and rehabilitated.
The NGOs have a major role to play towards the cause of people’s resettlement and are also performing commendable job in this direction. The projects like the construction of Dams, road highways and railways have often made some sections of people, particularly in rural areas, vulnerable and are displaced without being properly compensated.
- NGOs are also rendering great service in restoring dignity to the deprived and discriminated sections of the people in the society like women suffering from gender discrimination, lower caste people suffering from caste segregation and the status of untouchable, racial and religious discriminations.
Voluntary organizations, working at both national and international levels, have earned praise for their services in societal development. These organizations are busy in creating awareness and zeal for participation in development projects. Ensuring humanism by fighting against Human Rights violations, social exclusions, domestic violence and others have been common objectives of the NGOs. Of late, these organizations are also entering the sector of economic well-being and standard of living. In the state of Uttar Pradesh, Agrani Foundation’s Jan Suraksha Kranti (JSK) scheme of Savings and life insurance is indeed a commendable effort in this direction
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Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are non-profit organizations that are not affiliated with any government. They play a vital role in society by providing essential services, advocating for change, and promoting social Justice. NGOs are often the first to respond to crises and disasters, and they work tirelessly to improve the lives of people around the world.
There are many different types of NGOs, each with its own focus and mission. Some NGOs provide humanitarian aid, such as food, water, and shelter, to people in need. Others work to promote human rights, such as the right to education and the right to freedom from discrimination. Still others focus on environmental protection, Sustainable Development, or women’s rights.
NGOs play a vital role in addressing some of the world’s most pressing problems. They can often reach people and places that governments and other organizations cannot. They are also often more flexible and innovative than traditional institutions.
However, NGOs face a number of challenges. They often lack the resources and funding that they need to be effective. They may also be subject to political interference or Corruption. In addition, they may be competing with other NGOs for funding and attention.
Despite these challenges, NGOs continue to play a vital role in society. They are a powerful force for good in the world, and they are essential to addressing some of the most pressing problems facing humanity.
Here are some examples of how NGOs are making a difference in the world:
- 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 is an independent, non-profit organization that works to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives. Save the Children is the world’s leading independent organization for children. We work in 120 countries, saving and changing children’s lives in the areas of Health, education, protection, Nutrition, and economic opportunity.
- UNICEF is the United Nations Children’s Fund. UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, to defend their rights, and to help them reach their full potential. UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
- World Wildlife Fund is an international non-governmental organization founded in 1961, working on issues regarding the conservation, research and restoration of the natural Environment. It is the world’s largest independent conservation organization with over 5 million members and offices in more than 100 countries.
- The Red Cross is an international humanitarian movement that provides assistance to people affected by disasters, conflicts, and other crises. The Red Cross is made up of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
These are just a few examples of the many NGOs that are working to make the world a better place. NGOs are a vital part of the global community, and they are making a real difference in the lives of people around the world.
What are NGOs?
NGOs, or non-governmental organizations, are non-profit groups that are not affiliated with any government. They can be local, national, or international, and they work on a variety of issues, such as human rights, environmental protection, and Poverty Alleviation.
What are the different types of NGOs?
There are many different types of NGOs, but some of the most common include:
- Charities: Charities raise Money to support a specific cause, such as providing food to the hungry or shelter to the homeless.
- Advocacy groups: Advocacy groups work to influence public policy on a particular issue. For example, an environmental advocacy group might lobby for stricter environmental regulations.
- Service providers: Service providers deliver direct services to people in need, such as running soup kitchens or providing healthcare.
- Research organizations: Research organizations conduct research on a particular issue in order to better understand it and develop solutions.
What are the benefits of NGOs?
NGOs can play a number of important roles in society. They can:
- Provide services that governments or the private sector cannot or will not provide. For example, NGOs often provide healthcare and education to people in developing countries who would not otherwise have access to these services.
- Act as a watchdog on governments and corporations. NGOs can hold governments accountable for their actions and expose corruption. They can also pressure corporations to adopt more ethical practices.
- Promote social change. NGOs can work to raise awareness of important issues and mobilize people to take action. They can also provide a platform for marginalized groups to voice their concerns.
What are the challenges faced by NGOs?
NGOs face a number of challenges, including:
- Lack of funding. NGOs often rely on donations from individuals and foundations, which can be unreliable.
- Bureaucracy. NGOs can be bogged down by red tape, which can make it difficult to get things done.
- Competition. There are many NGOs working on the same issues, which can make it difficult to stand out and attract funding.
- Political interference. NGOs can be subject to political interference, which can make it difficult to operate independently.
What is the future of NGOs?
Despite the challenges they face, NGOs continue to play an important role in society. As the world becomes increasingly complex, NGOs will be needed to address the many challenges that we face.
Sure, here are some multiple choice questions about the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs):
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Which of the following is not a type of NGO?
(A) Charitable organization
(B) Advocacy group
(C) Business association
(D) Government agency -
NGOs are typically funded by:
(A) Donations from individuals and organizations
(B) Government grants
(C) Income from their own activities
(D) All of the above -
NGOs play an important role in which of the following areas?
(A) Development
(B) Human rights
(C) Environment
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is not a challenge facing NGOs?
(A) Lack of funding
(B) Bureaucracy
(C) Corruption
(D) All of the above -
The future of NGOs is likely to be shaped by which of the following factors?
(A) The rise of Social Media
(B) The increasing role of the private sector
(C) The changing needs of society
(D) All of the above
Answers:
1. (C)
2. (D)
3. (D)
4. (D)
5. (D)