Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) in India, Role, Evolution, and Challenges

Learn the key roles, evolution, challenges, and reforms needed to strengthen Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) in India.

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Introduction to Non Governmental Organisation (NGO)

A Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) is an independent body not affiliated with the government or for-profit entities. NGOs are primarily formed by citizens to serve various causes such as social welfare, environment protection, human rights, and education. A non governmental organisation (NGO) functions either at the grassroots level or nationally and plays a vital role in societal transformation, governance participation, and bridging gaps in government outreach.

Key Roles of Non Governmental Organisation (NGO)


Evaluation and Monitoring

A non governmental organisation (NGO) acts as a watchdog, ensuring corporate and government accountability. It monitors policies, checks corruption, and evaluates the effectiveness of public services.

Service Delivery

NGOs deliver essential services like emergency aid, health care, and development projects. For example, the Red Cross Society provided medical assistance during the Russia–Ukraine war.

Capacity Building

Many NGOs, such as Pratham, empower communities by offering education, training, and skill-building programs.

Participative Governance

Non governmental organisations (NGOs) contributed to landmark legislation like the RTI Act (2005), RTE Act (2009), and Environmental Protection Act (1986) by voicing public needs and mobilizing communities.

Role of Enabler

NGOs facilitate ground-level empowerment by supporting self-help groups and local institutions through financial and strategic help.

Spreading Social Awareness

Organisations like Jan Sahas raise awareness against social evils such as superstition and caste discrimination.

Bridging Government Gaps

NGOs played a crucial role in helping migrant workers and spreading vaccine awareness during the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby complementing government efforts.

Acting as a Pressure Group

Political NGOs mobilize public opinion and hold the government accountable at local and national levels.

Evolution and Recommendations for NGOs

Over time, non governmental organisations (NGOs) in India have evolved from being service providers to agents of change. Committees like the Vijay Kumar Committee and 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission have recommended better accreditation, light regulations, and NGO-government collaboration via platforms like the NGO Darpan Portal.

Challenges Faced by Non Governmental Organisation (NGO)

Regulatory and Funding Issues

Multiple laws, policy shifts, and restrictions on foreign donations (like the cancellation of Greenpeace and CPR registration) have posed serious challenges to NGOs.

Lack of Planning and Resources

Many NGOs rely heavily on donors and lack financial stability, limiting their ability to scale. Skilled manpower is also a persistent issue.

Accountability and Transparency

Cases of fund mismanagement and irregular reporting (like the Pratham Foundation case) have damaged public trust.

Public Distrust

Due to controversies and mismanagement, people are often skeptical of the intentions of non governmental organisations (NGOs).

Asymmetry of Power

While some NGOs enjoy vast foreign funding, others struggle to operate, creating imbalance in influence and reach.

Decline in Volunteerism

Low pay scales and lack of incentives discourage youth participation in social work and volunteering.

The Need for NGO Regulation

  • To ensure credibility and differentiate genuine organisations from those set up just for grants.

  • To enforce transparency, given that less than 10% of 30 lakh registered NGOs submit annual returns.

  • To prevent misuse of foreign funding that may hinder national development (e.g., Greenpeace).

  • To safeguard national security, as some NGOs have served as fronts for extremist agendas.

Recommendations to Strengthen NGOs

Capacity and Skill Enhancement

Train and equip NGO staff through structured mentorship programs.

Technology Integration

Use digital tools, mobile apps, and data analytics for better operations and monitoring.

Financial Sustainability

Adopt social entrepreneurship, crowdfunding, CSR collaborations, and impact investing.

Focus on Rural Outreach

With 65% of India’s population in villages, non governmental organisations (NGOs) must increase their rural presence.

Instil Volunteerism in Youth

Programs like NSS and NCC should encourage social work and coordinate campus placements with NGOs.



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