Social service has been a part of Indian backdrop since times immemorial. Even Mahatma Gandhi was of the opinion that the political orientation and role of the leading political parties must be that of Public service organization. This was an idea that led to cropping up of many voluntary organizations across the country which carried on the constructive work for the upliftment of society on the Gandhian principles.

Initiation of NGOs:

The formal initiation of NGOs in India happened in the seventh decade of the nineteenth century, and has continued to reflect till date through various orientations of policies of state following the fundamental idea of Directive principles of State Policy under various Five year plans, from recognizing “self-reliance communities” in order to promote rural development to envisaging role of NGOs in the progress of agriculture sector by promoting modern farming technologies and creating awareness in farmers by educating them about the various government initiatives, and financial aid programmes.

Development Activities:

Indian Government, in alliance with Non Governmental Organizations, has constantly worked upon the development activities in various sectors like issues of caste discrimination, public hygiene, girl child education, poverty alleviation, women empowerment, rural development and many other areas.

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. By managing issues like school drop-outs, especially in the rural areas, thus upholding the Right to Education, and, also the Health Sector Development Programmes like Leprosy Eradication Programme and programmes on eliminating TB, malaria and improving water and sanitation facilities by NGOs have met with huge success.

Accomplishment of NGOs:

The most celebrated accomplishment of NGOs needs a mentioning of their triumph in convincing and leading the government to bring out laws and policies for public welfare and development like Juvinile Justice, MANREGA, Swachch Bharat Abhiyan, Right to Information, Chiranjeevi Yojna, introducing policies and rights for persons with disability, laws for protection of tribes, forest and environment. NGOs have played a key role in being the visionaries while protecting and working for the rights of poor and necessitous and stood for the democratic values of our country. In a democratic country like India, Government’s most primary role is to safeguard the interest of common masses by formulating and incorporating social and economic development programmes, ensuring and promoting , social equality, gender equality and elevating the standard of living of common man.

Conclusion:

NGOs are the organizations and institutions that do not de-escalate to the administrative hold, and work. It can be a daunting task for State to work effectively alone at such complex development front. Therefore, being the majorly crucial and contributing arm of a country’s wholesome developed future, NGOs are essential for the emergence of a better civil society. If you find the blog interesting and informative, please share and forward to your friends,

Dr. Priya Bishnoi Assistant Professor,

Sociology

Jaipur National University, Jaipur, India