20 December 2024 : Daily Answer Writing
Q1) The Civil Society Organisations could play a meaningful role strengthening the democracy; however, they have often succumbed to parochial interests. Do you agree? Justify with suitable arguments.
(150 Words/10 Marks)
Answer:
Civil society organization (CSO) is an umbrella term used for voluntary, non-profit organizations working outside the ambit of government for general public welfare and social cause. It broadly includes Community groups, NGOs, philanthropic organizations which work as the developmental partner of the government.
Meaningful role in strengthening democracy:
- Policy watchdog: (a) CSOs has the power to influence the actions of policymakers. Thus, directly or indirectly setting the developmental agenda. (b) ability to raise concerns and create meaningful dialogue between policymakers and the public [E.g. PRS deepens the legislative process by providing necessary data and analysis for debates in parliament].
- Grassroot reach: CSOs with grassroot connect provide real time data and help the government in identifying target population. Ex: ASER survey by Pratham
- Increasing awareness and promoting transparency: raising public awareness about their rights, recent policies etc. This, in turn, enhances the accountability of governing institutions. [E.g. The National Campaign for People’s Right to Information (NCPRI) was instrumental in making RTI a law].
- Vulnerable Sections: They focus on vulnerable groups that often fail to garner the attention of the government and are left out. Ex: India Vision Foundation works for the welfare of prison inmates.
- Collaboration with Government: They partner with government and further the cause of social justice and social reforms. [Ex: Ramakrishna welfare foundation works for rehabilitation of drug addicts]
- Novel approach to developmental process: They bring innovation and novelty in the developmental process. Ex: Development Alternative helps eliminate poverty and regenerate environmental resource base by creating low emission building materials.
However, CSOs often succumb to parochial interests:
- Malefide Intentions and lack of transparency: (a) Some CSOs are ideologically motivated and act as barrier for development; (b) lack transparency in funding Ex: banning of Greenpeace India due to foreign funding and influence.
- Politicisation and biases in functioning: Some CSOs may develop close ties with political parties or politicians – compromising their objectivity and lead them to prioritize partisan agendas over broader societal interests. This can erode public trust in their impartiality.
- Often become instruments of Information warfare and proxy war: (a) whip up Anti-government sentiment by manipulating public opinion. Due to this the National Security Adviser called them the new frontier of war; (b) Indulging in activities inimical to national interest on behalf of other nations. Ex: Kudankulam Nuclear Plant protest.
- Focus narrowly on specific issues or communities – (a) focus on only those issues which can attract substantial funding; (b) may exclude broader societal concerns; (c) often focusing exclusively on urban issues may neglect the pressing needs of rural populations.
