24 December 2024 : Daily Answer Writing

Q1) The government needs to evolve its approach with the NGOs, moving beyond mere regulation to forming a collaborative partnership aimed at enhancing the country’s development process. Elucidate.

(150 Words/10 Marks)

Answer:

Non-governmental organization (NGO) is a group that functions independently of any government with the objective of improving social conditions. They are established to serve a social or political goal such as a humanitarian cause or the protection of the environment.

Current regulatory approach of government:

1. Financial Regulation: (a) Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010 – regulates the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions + amended in 2020 to tighten regulations; (b) Income Tax Act, 1961 – provides tax exemptions to NGOs under Sections 12A, 12AA, and 80G + NGOs must apply for these exemptions and ensure compliance.

2. Regulatory Oversight: (a) MHA oversees implementation of FCRA; (b) NITI Ayog – coordinating body + provides a registration platform through the DARPAN portal; (c) registration under Societies Registration Act (1860), Indian Trusts Act (1882), and Companies Act (2013).

Challenges Associated with Regulatory Approach:

1. Administrative: complex and time-consuming regulatory requirements divert crucial NGO resources away from their core activities and responsibilities.

2. Increasingly Stricter Norms: recent amendments to FCRA have been criticized for imposing stringent conditions upon NGOs which hampers their operation flexibility and independence.

3. Selective Enforcement: there have been recent allegations of selective enforcement of regulations upon NGOs that are perceived to be non-aligned with the government’s agenda.

Advantages of a more collaborative approach for enhancing the development process:

1. Common Goals: (a) recognition that both the government and NGOs share common objectives [such as poverty alleviation]; (b) collaboration amplifies impact – initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao can be co-implemented with NGOs, utilizing their on-ground presence and community trust.

2. Trust and Transparency: (a) government should adopt transparent policies regarding funding, regulations, and processes to reduce arbitrariness; (b) regular dialogues and consultations with NGOs can foster a sense of trust and mutual respect; (c) transparency and trust allow NGOs to fulfil their roles freely in a non-hostile environment.

3. Capacity and Resource Utilization: (a) increase the capacity of NGOs by providing training, technical support, and funding; (b) resource sharing, such as access to data, research, and infrastructure, can enhance effectiveness; (c) allows the government to leverage the grassroots connections, flexibility, and innovative solutions of NGOs.

4. Others: (a) NGOs, with their field experience and community engagement, can provide valuable feedback on policy effectiveness and implementation challenges; (b) jointly develop indicators and metrics to measure progress and adopt best practices.

For more such UPSC related Mains Answer Writing, Check Out 23 December 2024 : Daily Answer Writing