What is an NGO in India?

I first came across the term NGO when I had gone for my first job interview in Delhi. As it was my first ever interview I was a bit nervous and as a means to overcome this I starting conversing with fellow candidates. This was when a girl within the group said that she was working with an NGO. I wasn’t familiar with the roles and responsibilities of an NGO but had a fair idea what it was.

Non-governmental organization (NGO) is non-profit group; it is civil society that albeit registered with the government operates independently of it, more often than not for economic, social, cultural and environmental causes. So when it comes to what is an NGO in India? They are organizations which work similarly as in other countries, formed by individuals or groups who share common interest and work in pursuit of their goals.

The term NGO came into public domain with Article 71 of the Charter of the newly formed United Nations in 1945 although NGO’s origins date back to the late 18^th century with Anti-Slavery Society being one of the first societies to be registered in the world. In India, the Friend-in-Need Society, Prathana Samaj, Satya Shodhan Samaj, Arya Samaj, National Council for Women in India, Indian National Social Conference, the Rama Krishna Mission, and the Bengal Home Industries Association were among the initiatives which strengthened the voluntary movement in India during the British era.

What are the activities of an NGO in India?

NGOs are involved in an array of activities covering environmental, social, advocacy, and human rights work. NGOs play a proactive role in social and political restructuring besides engaging with regional specific challenges. In the process they contribute significantly to social development, promotion of communities, promoting citizen friendly activities, and the like.

What is the difference between NGO and Non-Profit (NPO) in India?

The difference between NGO and NPO is quite slim. NGO is not commonly used in countries like the US. It is used to denote organizations that work on international levels. However, indigenous civil society groups are also sometimes specified as being (or not) nongovernmental agencies of one kind or another.

What are the roles and functions of an NGO in India?

In India as well as in other parts of the world, NGOs play a crucial role in various sectors such as education, healthcare, environment, human rights, animal rights, women empowerment, poverty alleviation, and many more. The people working in NGOs undertake research on various key aspects, vouch the concerns to the civic administration when it doesn’t reach or when they remain unresolved, advocate for their welfare, and in the process contribute to social and economic development of the society and nation.

What are the key characteristics of NGOs in India?

Some of the key characteristics of NGOs in India are:

Non-Governmental: NGOs are not part of the government structure, but they often collaborate with government agencies, industries, and other business entities to achieve their objectives.

Non-Profit: Most NGOs operate on a non-profit basis, meaning that any surplus funds generated are reinvested into their mission instead of funding it back to the owners or shareholders as is the case in private companies.

Voluntary: NGO activities are typically carried out by individuals who volunteer to invest their energy, time and expertise for fulfilling the common objectives. However, some larger NGOs may have paid staff to manage their day-to-day operations.

Social Service: NGOs focus on social, cultural, economic, or environmental issues, and their activities are often directed towards the welfare and development of communities.

FAQs

What is an NGO in India and what does it do?

An NGO more often than not is a private entity that works towards the fulfillment of its goals and objectives. It may work closely with the government and industry associations but functions on its own, independently.

What is the difference between state NGO and national NGO in India?

A state NGO operates within the boundaries of a state in India whereas a national NGO operates at the national level and would have a pan India presence. YMCA, YWCA, Red Cross, etc. are examples of national NGOs.