Humans are social animals; humans cannot be kept apart from society. The government cannot fulfil the needs of every class in society. An NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation) or Civil society Organisation is a kind of body that any Government does not establish can reach every part of society. Non-governmental organisations, or NGOs, play a significant role in international development, humanitarian relief, and philanthropy.
NGOs are non-profit by definition, although their annual budgets range from millions to billions of dollars. As a result, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) rely on various financial sources, ranging from individual donations and membership dues to government assistance.
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Article 19 (1) (c)
This article ensures that Indian citizens have the freedom to form groups and unions. The decision of TK Rangarajan vs. the State of Tamil Nadu established that this right does not include the right to strike. This article allows legitimacy to NGOs in India.
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About NGOs and their Types
While the term “NGO” has several meanings, it is typically understood as non-profit, private groups that operate outside government authority. Some NGOs are run by volunteers, while others have paid personnel. The World Bank distinguishes two significant types of non-governmental organisations (NGOs):
- Operational non-governmental organisations (NGOs) design and implement development programmes.
- Advocacy NGOs aim to influence public policy by defending or promoting a specific cause.
Some NGOs may fall into both categories at the same time. NGOs that support human rights, lobby for better health, or encourage political engagement are examples of NGOs.
Role of NGO
A non-governmental organisation (NGO) serves as a liaison between the government and the general public. When a few concerns do not reach the government or are not resolved, NGO functions play an essential part in assigning these issues to the government. The NGO looks explicitly into a few problems. Their main goal is to make the world better for all suffering humans.
The purpose of an NGO is to focus on all topics relating to human rights, social issues, environmental issues, and advocacy. They strive to develop and improve society’s social and political conditions on a large scale. The following are some of the NGO’s functions:
- Human rights and child rights
- Poverty eradication
- Animal Rights
- Prevent Social Injustice
- Conservation of Environment
- Aged people care routine
- Empowerment of women
- Disease Control and others
- Health and Nutrition plans
- Conservation of Wildlife
- Hygiene and Sanitation conditions
- Humanitarian Relief
- Education plans and literacy
- Refugee Crisis
So the need for an NGO is essential in all societies. Let us see the importance of NGOs in a country like India.
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Need of NGOs
The functions of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play a significant part in bringing about social change for the betterment and progress of society. It has been demonstrated that these organisations are active in different parts of the world and serve humanity and other noble causes. The members of the NGO must be well-educated, dedicated, inspired, and enthusiastic about the organisation’s goals and functions. The following are some of the needs of NGOs.
- A safety-valve social NGO is critical in organising public inconvenience and advocating for societal concerns and needs
- They play an essential role in giving impoverished and needy people a voice
- One of the responsibilities of NGOs is to guarantee that the government responds to citizens’ concerns and solves their issues, thereby making the government’s job more responsible
- NGOs make suggestions and support improvement and flexibility in government decisions by contributing their research and experience
- The non-profit organisation helps as a means for people concerned about any social, political, or economical problem to answer and provide a helping hand. NGOs aid in conflict, solve and foster an atmosphere of trust and confidence
- Nobody is sacrificing their current needs or damaging natural resources to pursue their selfish aims; hence, this sector needs the most care
- As a result, the NGO is keeping a close check on everything and devising control mechanisms to prevent the overuse of natural resources, which leads to environmental dangers and, in turn, health issues and natural disasters
Conclusion
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have always been at the forefront of accountability by providing various development solutions. When NGOs work with governments and markets, they help to enhance development. Apart from serving as a conduit between society and government, these organisations also assist by functioning as a “think tank,” improvising and proposing innovative ideas.
In addition, adequate research is carried out, further improving development activities. NGOs also get funding from national and international bodies, allowing them to be financially secure and connected to other opportunities. Not just during the Pandemic but in all catastrophes and unanticipated events. The role of NGOs is very crucial in this modern world.