Saraswati was a successful IT professional in USA. Moved by the patriotic sense of doing something for the country she returned to India. Together with some other like-minded friends, she formed an NGO to build a school for a poor rural community. The objective of the school was to provide the best quality modern education at a nominal cost. She soon discovered that she has to seek permission from a number of Government agencies. The rules and procedures were quite confusing and cumbersome. What frustrated her most was the delays, callous attitude of officials and constant demand for bribes. Her experience and the experience of many others like her has deterred people from taking up social service projects. A measure of Government control over voluntary social work is necessary. But it should not be exercised in a coercive or corrupt manner.
a. What measures can you suggest to ensure that due control is exercised but well meaning, honest NGO efforts are not thwarted?
b. What can be suggested to satisfy the company’s goal and to address the residents’ concerns? (300 words) [UPSC 2016]
While Government control over NGOs is essential to prevent misuse and ensure transparency, cumbersome procedures and corruption can deter genuine social service efforts. To balance oversight with support for honest NGOs, effective measures must be implemented.
Challenges Faced by NGOs
Suggested Measures
Recent Examples
Conclusion Balancing regulatory oversight with support for genuine NGOs requires streamlined processes, enhanced transparency, and anti-corruption measures. By implementing these measures, the government can ensure effective control while fostering a supportive environment for honest social service efforts.
Model Answer
Introduction
The case study highlights the challenges faced by well-meaning individuals and NGOs, like Saraswati’s, in undertaking social service projects due to cumbersome government procedures, delays, and corruption. While government oversight is essential, it should not obstruct honest efforts to foster social change.
Stakeholders
Key stakeholders include:
Body
To ensure effective control over voluntary social work while supporting the efforts of dedicated NGOs, the following measures can be suggested:
Conclusion
By implementing these measures, the government can strike a balance between necessary oversight of voluntary social work and facilitating the efforts of well-meaning NGOs. This approach will encourage more individuals like Saraswati to engage in impactful social service projects, ultimately benefiting society.