Role of NGO in Devlopment Essay Example

such organizations can be traced back in late 19th and early 20th centuries particularly in west world where the history of social organizations seems to have been largely influenced by “laissez fair” movement based on a more planned way.

New Trends in NGOs Activity

New trends emerge in NGOs activities from 1950 to 1960 when it start to work in field of development. Similarly, the concept of people’s participation does not have a long history. It reflects partly the failure of the” trickle down” model of economic development advocated after World War II .

In 1980,s NGOs become a major phenomenon in the field of development. Tvedt analyzed NGOs “as an outcome of complicated processes where factors like international ideological trends, donor policies and agenda interacts with national historical and cultural conditions in a complex way. On the whole these organizations are commanding growing attention as possible alternative to government in addressing the needs of vast of population. So,we can summarize NGOs development in three stages.

Social and cultural in early stage.Community services and development in intermediate stage. More recently target oriented activist groups.

Need for NGOs

There is none the less a single answer to question why NGOs are formed? How they are given meaning and how they operate? One cannot perceive NGOs as entities but we have taken into account the notion of multiple relation. The entry of NGOs in the field of development process thus represents important response to the need resulted due to the overburdened government, the hesitant private sector and underutilized people power.

These are appeared to compose of overlapping social networks. The development experience of 1970s and 1980s have raised more and more critical concerning as

growing awareness about the widening gap between very few rich and the vast majority of poor in developing countries. This has also given a momentum to search for a more adequate and appropriate strategy for improving conditions. So, strategies constitute basic elements of the development of a number of NGOs throughout the world, which get people’s participation.

ecent, global transformations and the search to a variable new option for supporting grass-root development presently provide quite significant opportunities for a rapid development of NGOs in the decade of 1980s in following consideration:Growing interest among donors and national governments in strengthening the development roles of institution outside the public sector. The demonstrated capacity of some non-governmental organizations to reach the poor more effectively than public agencies.A sharp decline in public development resources, necessating a search by government for more cost affective alternatives to conventional public services and development programs. Ability to carry out programme on national scale and influence national policies and agencies. Today, the NGOs address every conceivable issue and they operate virtually in every part of the globe. Though international NGOs activity has grown steadily, most NGOs operate within a country and frequently they function properly. According to one estimate some 25000 NGOs now qualify as international NGOs up from less than 400 a century ago.

Roles of NGO According tj the Accpectation of the People

NGOs play a critical role in all areas of development. People and policy makers are agree on one thing that NGOs play a very important role in development. Role of NGOs vary over the years as the policy of government changes. NGOs are almost dependent on polices of government. Socio economic development

is a shared responsibility of both i.

e. government and NGOs.Role of NGOs are complementary but vary according to polices of government. If we closely pursue the voluminous literature on NGOs many roles can be found according to the expectations of people.

The major development roles ascribed to NGOs are to act as:Planner and implementer of development programmers,Mobiliser of local resources and initiative,Catalyst, enabler and innovator,Builder of self reliant sustainable society,Mediator of people and government,Supporter and partner of government programme in activating delivery system implementing rural development programmes, etc. Agents of information,Factor of improvement of the poor, andFacilitator of development education, training, professionalisation, etc. Basically NGOs role is to prepare people for change. They empower the people to overcome psychological problem and opposition of oppress. Its role cannot be denied.

Objective of NGOs in Devlopment

NGO is one of the alternatives available among various development organizations and one of the inputs among technical, financial and other resources, major merits of NGOs are emerging from their limited scale of operation; the sporadic efforts of NGOs can be consolidated and made more effective.Still the primary role of NGO is at the local level as mobilizes of people and their resources for an indigenous self-sustainable development. And at this level it can be a pioneer, mediator power broker, catalyst and has many other roles. NGOs and their long lomerations also are very in playing their role as advocates in policy issues beyond local level-national or even international level.

Proper assessment of expected an actual roles of NGOs enable us to make them an effective alternative in the development process.However, small and sporadic NGOs are, they are valued in a pluralist society as an

alternative approach to conventional system of attaining human well being and as such NGOs have a pivotal role to play in any society especially where institutions are alienated and development is dehumanized. An Ngo is nowadays not expected to deliver directly some benefits to people, but to motivate people, mobilize resources, initiate leadership, and participate in development programmes for self reliance. An NGO is only an enabler and as and when a society is made self reliant, role of NGO is shifted to another place where NGO service is required.But NGO works in relief and delivery of public goods as direct suppliers and majority of the development NGOs are also involved directly in productive activities. The roles of NGOs an enabler or catalyst for self reliant society and as supplier or implementer is relevant where bureaucracy is indifferent or inefficient, programs lack flexibility and cost effectiveness poor are ignorant, elite are ambitious, successes and services are pre conditions for motivation etc. Objectives: Relief and welfare Community development Sustainable system Peoples movement.

Types of NGOs

Types of NGOs can be understand by their level of orientation and level of cooperation . Types of NGOs by the level of orientation. It has further types as under,Charitable orientation.

It often involves a paternalistic effort with little participation by ’’beneficiaries’’. It includes the ngo,s which directed the people towards meeting the needs of poor and help them by gaining them food, clothing,medicine,provision of housing etc. such ngo,s may also undertake relief activities during natural or man made herds. Service orientation.It includes with ngo,s with activities such as the provision of health, family planning or education services. in which the program is designed

by the ngo,s and people are expected to participate in its implementation and in receiving the services.

Participatory orientation. It is characterized by self-help projects where local people are involved particularly for example in the implementation of a project in any village by contributing,cash,tools,land,materials and labor etc. this type is basically cooperation based and on limited scale. Empowering orientation.The aim of these NGOs are to help poor people an d develop a clear understanding of the social, political and economic factors which are effecting their lives, and aware them how can they solve their problem by using their resources and purpose to mobilize the people or self mobilization.

In any case there is maximum involvement of the people with NGOs acting as a facilitators. Types of NGOs by the level of operation. It has further types which are as following. Community based organization(CBOs) When people start feelings that what are their needs and how can they fulfill them.These NGO,s arise out of people’s own initiatives.

These can includes sports clubs women organizations neighborhood organizations, religious and educational organizations. Some supported by NGO,s ,national and international NGO,s and other independent outside help. Some are devoted to raising the consciousness of urban poor or helping them to understand their rights in gaining access to needed services while others are involved in providing such services. Citywide organizations. These NGO,s are organized for some major or personal purpose.

For example cambers of commerce and industry,coaliation of business, educational group.Some exist for other purposes and become involved in helping the poor as one of many activities, while others are created for the specific purpose of helping the poor. National NGOs. It includes organizations such

as the Red cross,YMWCAs,YWCAs,professional organizations etc. Some of these have state branches and assist local NGOs.

International NGOs. These range from secular agencies such as REDDA BARNA and save the children organisation,CARE, UNDP, UNICEF. Their activities vary from mainly funding local NGOs institutions and projects and implementing the projects themselves.

NGOs Emergence in Pakistan

In Sub-continent NGOs culture took shape in the form of GhandiAshram Banaras in 1927. this venture created to provide jobs for natives in the days of British Raj. Diyal Sigh trust is an example of the time but these efforts could not become a social norm due to a highly centralized bureaucratic governance.

As it is not a new phenomenon for Sub-continent. it emerged during the colonial period when religious, linguistic and ethic communities felt their cultural, religious and social identity threatened.Renouncing politics they concentrated on religious, cultural and social assertion. To control these associations, the colonial authorities introduced the system of registration under the act of co-operative socities. each society was required to give constitution and by laws and maintain financial accounts.

The major purpose of theses organizations was to open educational, institutions, help the poor and destitute and improve the condition of women. Such welfare, charitable and educational organizations produced a breed of social workers who devote their lives to social work.They were sincere and concerned with the welfare of their community. These community based organizations also created a since of competition among each other which resulted in positive development. The great contribution of old NGOs was that they preserved cultural, social and religious values and in resistance to colonial states started movements which lead to positive struggle in the field of development.

Unfortunately, in

Pakistan these NGOs cannot work properly due to political weakness’ till 1958. o, under these circumstances in 70s new type of NGOs emerge which were quite different from old ones. The only thing common in old ones and new NGOs is that both came into being into response of state weaknesses. But in the absence of well-defined policy for NGOs, there is no moral considerations practiced by the people who have monopolized this vital sector.

On one hand they serve as an employment exchange for kith and kin of the privileged and on other hand they are a symbol of prestige for the selected few that know the art of preparing proposals and report written in the bureaucratic lexicon.

NGOs in Pakistan

NGOs claim that there only task is to create social awareness but when people fell that NGOs are not helping them concretely, they lose interest and merely social awareness is of no use to them. Some of the clever participants turn this opportunity to their own favors by manipulating different NGOs to get funds in the name of social work. They know that projects are foreign funded and there is no commitment and sincerity behind it. Most NGOs have more or less become family business making big profit . f you are a good pretender you can generate huge funds.

As it is discussed above that Ngos receive funds from broad but nobody knows where and how these funds are utilized. So, people don’t trust NGOs foe help as they consider them as fraud.

NGO’s Working Presently in Pakistan

In Pakistan NGOs are functioning in different sectors like health, education, women welfare, child welfare. Drug abuse, women development etc.

many international NGOs are working at national level in Pakistan.

HANDS HEALTH AND NUTRITION DEVELOPMENT SOEITY established in 1979 works on health, rovision of proper nutrition, formal education. BAHBUD Established in 1967 is concerned with health, education. HELP Established in 1989 is the health, education and literacy project. PWA Is the patient welfare association and was established in 1979. PNCP AND NCD PAKISTAN NORCATICS CONTROL BORD AND NORCOTICS CONTROL DIVISION is two main agencies working to control drug abuse. They aimed at policing crop substitution and law enforcement.

Besides these there are so many NGOs working in different areas. Basically their aim is to work for the welfare of people.

NGOs in Rural Development

The areas of service which may be entrusted to the NGOs to achieve sustainable development in rural areas areAgriculture and related land developmentIrrigation systemAgricultural extension educationEmployment generation skill development through trainingHealth and family welfare family planning propaganda, motivation, research and training, rural health centers, dispensaries etc.

Role of NGOs in India

NGOs can and should play the “game changer” to pro-poor development through leadership on participatory research, community empowerment and search for development alternatives In a democratic society, it is the state that has the ultimate responsibility for ushering development to its citizens. In India, through the progressive interpretation of the Constitution and its laws and policies, the scope of development has been significantly broadened to include not just economic progress for citizens, but also promotion of social justice, gender equity, inclusion, citizen’s awareness, empowerment and improved quality of life.To achieve this holistic vision of development, the state requires the constructive and collaborative engagement of the civil society in its various developmental activities and programs. Non-governmental organisations

(NGOs) as the operational arm of the civil society therefore have an important role in the development processes.

Defining Non-Government Organisations

In its most general usage, civil society refers to all voluntarily constituted social relations, institutions, and organisations that are not reducible to the administrative grasp of the state.NGOs are organisations within the civil society that work on the “not-for-profit” approach in the space which exists between the family (household), market and state. It is made up of several types of formal voluntary organisations, where people based on community, neighbourhood, workplace and other connections form their association to participate in actions for their own collective interests or for larger social good. Those NGOs which are working at the global arena, across several countries are termed as international NGOs. Institute of Development Studies (IDS) in its concept papers on civil society and good governance has defined civil society as “an intermediate realm situated between state and household, populated by organized groups or associations, which are separate from the state, enjoy some autonomy in relations with the state, and are formed voluntarily by members of society to protect or extend their interests, values or identities”.For the purpose of this paper we understand NGOs as “formally registered not-for profit association of groups of individuals founded on the principles of equality, altruism and voluntary work spirit to promote human development (including environment and biodiversity) and nation building”

Indian State and NGOs

In India the state policies have significantly influenced the formation of NGOs and their activities. The government sponsored and aided programmes provided financial assistance to NGOs either as grants or as matching grants to support the implementation of social development projects.In the

Sixth Five Year Plan (1980-1985), the government identified new areas in which NGOs as new actors could participate in development. The Seventh Five Year Plan (1985-1990), envisioned a more active role for NGOs as primary actors in the efforts towards self-reliant communities. This was in tune with the participatory and empowerment ideologies, which was gaining currency in the developmental discourse at that time. Government support and encouragement for NGOs continued in the Eighth Five-year plan, where a nation-wide network of NGOs was sought to be created.The Ninth Five-year plan proposed that NGOs should play a role in development on the public-private partnership model.

Also, the agricultural development policies of the government and its implementation mechanisms provide scope and space for NGOs. A case in point is the watershed development program, which has led to the growth of NGOs working for rural development. This has also been acknowledged in the Tenth Five-year Plan Document. Such proactive state support to NGOs has also brought in the element of reporting and regulations.This is being done through a series of legislative and administrative measures, which are often considered by NGO workers as affecting the performance and efficiency of NGOs.

However, the Constitutional provision for right to association ensures that the NGOs enjoy adequate autonomy in terms of their management and governance. In the words of Prof. Amartya Sen, the relationship between the state and NGOs is one of “cooperative conflict”. With the increasing role of the NGOs in development activities they are now attracting professionals from various other sectors, and capacities are being built in support areas uch as financial management, resource mobilization, human resources, leadership development, governance procedures and practices

and institutional development. At another level NGOs have been addressing the social service issues and empowerment related advocacy efforts have been increasing. The study conducted by a New Delhi based NGO concluded that every fifth NGO in India works on the issues of community and social service.

The favourable disposition of the governments and the political will to involve NGOs is more pronounced in implementation of the welfare schemes addressing causes of women and children.Further, the industrial policies have influenced the formation and relations between the businesses and NGOs. The Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), a leading organisation, has been raising the issues of corporate social responsibility. The emphasis of industrial policies on the promotion and development of small, cottage and village industries has also lead to the formation of agencies such as the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Small Industries Associations and likes.

The Indian NGOs Scenario

In India, it was the 1970s which saw rapid growth in the formation of formally registered NGOs and the process continues to this day. Most NGOs have created their respective thematic, social group and geographical priorities such as poverty alleviation, community health, education, housing, human rights, child rights, women’s rights, natural resource management, water and sanitation; and to these ends they put to practice a wide range of strategies and approaches. Primarily, their focus has been on the search for alternatives to development thinking and practice; achieved through participatory research, community capacity building and creation of demonstrable models.When we review some of the work done by NGOs over the past 3 decades, we find that they have contributed greatly to nation building. Many NGOs have worked hard to include children

with disability in schools, end caste-based stigma and discrimination, prevent child labour and promote gender equality resulting in women receiving equal wages for the same work compared to men.

During natural calamities they have played an active role in relief and rehabilitation efforts, in particular, providing psycho-social care and support to the disaster affected children, women and men. NGOs have been instrumental in the formation and capacity building of armers and producers’ cooperatives and women’s self-help groups. Several NGOs have worked hand in hand with the Government to ensure that millions of out of school children are enrolled and continue their school education, thus making the right to education a reality. The leprosy eradication programme was spearheaded by NGOs and today only residual leprosy remains in our country. NGOs have implemented the Jeevan Dhara programme for creation of wells for safe drinking water; promoted community toilets for total sanitation, and supported the public health programs on immunisation and for eliminating tuberculosis and malaria.The much celebrated NREGA, ICDS, ICPS, Nirmal gram, and Swasthya bima of the government have their roots in the work of many NGOs.

NGOs have significantly influenced the development of laws and policies on several important social and developmental issues such as the right to information, juvenile justice, ending corporal punishment in schools, anti-trafficking, forests and environment, wildlife conservation, women, elderly people, people with disability, rehabilitation and resettlement of development induced displaced people to name a few.Further, NGOs made their modest attempts to ensure the effective implementation of these laws and policies by conducting and disseminating findings from participatory research, budget analysis, public hearings, social audits, workshops, seminars and conferences. Summing up, it is now

well established that NGOs have an important role to play in the development processes and that both the state and market need the collaboration of credible, active, and accountable NGOs.Given their connect with the grassroots realities, NGOs can and should play the “game changer” to pro-poor development through leadership on participatory research, community empowerment and search for development alternatives.

Positive Attitude Support Honesty

20th century transferred the number of issues to its successor with regard to social sector.Perhaps among those most discussion able and dispersing one is “The Role of NGO, s in the Development” particularly with regard to third world having mushroom growth largely depending upon the contribution made by the socially developed countries, which on its turn also exalted a number of issues lying under the generous contribution made, by the developed world.

But as far as our concern, the presentation contains in itself the evolutionary development of the concept both theoretically and practically emerging the various types of NGOs i. e. haritable organizations, national organizations, community organization boards and international NGOs etc. The objectives of these NGOs as relief welfare, community development, sustainable system and people’s participation are also considered in this work. The role of NGOs which are common for almost all the Ngo, s with regard to development in different fields as in education, health, women welfare etc are mostly sponsored by international NGOs.

NGOs also contribute their due share in the development sector of Pakistan and the facts about their activities funds and utilization of funds is also considered in this presentation.The NGOs are also working in rural areas of Pakistan and their programs in these areas are also under the consideration of

our paper. so, all the presentation will provide the knowledge and basic facts about the role of NGOs in development both at national and international level, their types, work ability and objectives and some fact about their weaknesses.

References

1. Singh Kumar Ravi, Role of NGOs in Developing Countries, 2003,Deep and Deep publishers New Dehli, India.
2. Edward Michael and flower “Introduction: Changing challenges for NGDOs management” The earthscan readerson NGOs Management, 2002,edited by Michael Edward and Alan Flower, London.