Role of Civil Society
Civil society refers to the space of social organization and collective action that exists outside
the government, market, and family. It encompasses a wide range of organizations, groups, and
associations, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups,
advocacy networks, trade unions, faith-based organizations, social movements, and more.
These groups operate voluntarily and independently, often driven by shared interests,
values, or concerns about societal issues.
As per Sussane Hober Rudolph5 “civil society... includes the idea of a non-state autonomous
sphere; empowerment of citizens; trust building associational life; interaction with, rather than
subordination to the State”.
Dipankar Gupta defines civil society, as “not a thing but a set of conditions within, which
individuals interact collectively with the state.”
To Larry Diamond, it is the “realm of organized social life that is open, voluntary, self-
generating, (largely) self-supporting, and autonomous from the state, bound by a legal order or
a set of shared rules. It is distinct from the ‘society’ in general in that it involves citizens acting
collectively in a public sphere to express their interests, passions, and ideas; exchange
information, achieve mutual goals, make demands on the state, and hold the state officials
accountable. Civil society is an intermediary entity standing between the private sphere and the
state. Civil society is concerned with public rather than private ends...civil society relate to the
state in some way but do not aim to win formal power.”
Niraja Gopal Jayal envisions civil society to cover “all forms of voluntary associations and
social interactions not controlled by the state.”
To Michael Bratton civil society is a “social interaction between the household and the state
characterized by community cooperation, structures of voluntary association, and networks of
public communication.”
The World Bank has adopted a definition of civil society that was developed by a number of
leading research centers, “the term civil society refers to a wide array of non-governmental and
not-for-profit organizations that have a presence in public life, expressing the interests and
values of their members or others, based on ethical, cultural, political, scientific, religious, or
philanthropic considerations. Civil society organizations (CSOs) therefore refer to a wide of
array of organizations: community groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), labor
unions, indigenous groups, charitable organizations, faith-based organizations, professional
associations, and foundations.”
A civil society ecosystem usually includes within its ambit.
1) NGOs, non-profit organizations, and community based organizations that have an organized
structure or activity and are typically registered entities and groups.
2) Online groups like social media communities with activities that can be organized, but may
not necessarily have physical, legal, or financial structures.
3) Social movements of collective action, which can be online or physical.
4) Religious leaders, faith communities, and faith-based organizations.
5) Labor unions and labor organizations representing workers.
6) Social entrepreneurs employing innovative approaches for positive social and environmental
outcomes.
7) Grassroots associations and activities at the local level.
8) Cooperatives owned and democratically controlled by the members.
From the above we can deduce the following characteristics of a civil society:
1) It consists of non-state institutions.
2) It consists of a plethora of organizations and institutions outside family, state, and market.
3) It is an organized society.
4) It is voluntary.
5) It is autonomous body.
6) It is a nonprofit entity.
7) It enables citizen’s interaction with the state, thus, facilitating citizen participation in the
governance process.
Civil Society and Good Governance: A Symbiotic Relationship
A well-functioning civil society is essential for the multi-stakeholder framework of governance
in contemporary democracies. Civil society acts as an intermediary between the government
and the citizens, ensuring that the public administration remains inclusive and responsive. By
engaging in advocacy, activism, and policy dialogue, civil society groups strengthen
governance mechanisms and ensure that the government remains accountable to the public.
The participation of civil society fosters an inclusive environment for marginalized sections,
giving them a platform to raise their concerns. Civil society’s efforts assure equity, which is a
key indicator of good governance, by bringing the concerns of various interest groups—such
as women, children, minorities, and the LGBTQ+ community—to the forefront of policy
discussions.
Civil Society’s Role in Ensuring Accountability and Transparency
One of the most significant functions of civil society is maintaining checks and balances on
state power. Government agencies manage public resources, and civil society ensures these
resources are utilized efficiently and ethically. Through activism, civil society organizations
have compelled governments to reconsider poorly designed policies and legislations, such as
the Land Acquisition Bill, which faced public backlash due to civil society-led protests.
The use of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by organizations like the People's Union for Civil
Liberties (PUCL) and the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) exemplifies how civil
society can control political misuse of electoral laws. Their efforts have resulted in key electoral
reforms, such as mandatory disclosure of candidates' financial assets, educational
qualifications, and criminal records. These reforms empower voters to make informed choices,
contributing to the credibility of democratic processes.
Advancing Transparency: The RTI Movement
The Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) in Rajasthan initiated the Right to Information
(RTI) movement, which became a landmark in Indian governance. The RTI Act, now in place
for over a decade, has significantly enhanced transparency by enabling citizens to access
government records and expose corruption. Through civil society’s involvement, many scams
and irregularities have been uncovered, strengthening accountability within public
administration.
The RTI Act exemplifies how civil society’s advocacy can lead to structural reforms that
institutionalize transparency. As a result, governance becomes more responsive to the citizens’
needs, fostering trust in public institutions.
Civil Society’s Role in Advocacy and Policy Formation
Civil society organizations also perform an advocacy role by lobbying with legislators and
government officials to incorporate the demands of the communities they represent. This
advocacy often leads to the formulation of laws that reflect the needs and aspirations of
marginalized groups. For example, women’s rights groups have been instrumental in
influencing government policies concerning gender equality, reproductive health, and
protection against violence.
Additionally, the Bachpan Bachao Andolan, led by Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi, has
highlighted the issue of child trafficking and labor, leading to policy interventions that protect
children’s rights. Similarly, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have played a critical role in ensuring
legal recognition and rights for transgender individuals through progressive Supreme Court
judgments.
Amplifying Minority Voices and Promoting Inclusiveness
In a diverse society like India, civil society plays an essential role in amplifying the voices of
minorities, ensuring that their interests are not overshadowed by majoritarian agendas. Interest
groups representing religious, ethnic, or cultural minorities engage with government bodies to
secure their rights and entitlements. Through peaceful protests, petitions, and public
engagement, these groups make sure their concerns receive adequate attention at the highest
levels of governance.
The recognition of transgender rights by the judiciary in India reflects how civil society can
bridge the gap between marginalized communities and state institutions. Similarly, grassroots
movements have helped address issues of environmental justice, land rights, and resource
distribution, fostering inclusive governance.
The Role of Civil Society in Good Governance: Key Points
1. Limiting and Controlling State Power
Civil society acts as a watchdog over state officials, monitoring the use of public
power. It ensures that political leaders and public officials are held accountable,
preventing authoritarian practices.
2. Raising Awareness on Abuse of Power
Civil society raises public concerns about misuse of power and corruption. It
advocates for freedom of information laws and institutions to control corruption.
3. Exposing Corruption and Promoting Good Governance Reforms
Civil society collaborates with anti-corruption bodies to expose corrupt practices.
NGOs actively lobby for governance reforms, ensuring effective functioning of anti-
corruption laws.
4. Promoting Political Participation
Civil society educates citizens about their democratic rights and responsibilities. It
encourages voter participation and civic engagement through community
mobilization.
5. Fostering Democratic Values
Civil society nurtures tolerance, moderation, and respect for diverse viewpoints.
Programs promoting debate and participation develop a culture of democratic
accommodation.
6. Supporting Democratic Civic Education
Civil society assists in revising curricula, retraining teachers, and creating democracy-
focused education. It helps educate young people about past abuses and promotes
democratic principles.
7. Lobbying for Diverse Interests
NGOs represent specific groups (e.g., women, students, farmers) and advocate for
their concerns. Civil society engages with government ministries, parliaments, and
councils to influence policy decisions.
8. Empowering Marginalized Groups
Civil society provides a platform for historically oppressed groups to organize and
assert their rights. It promotes the inclusion of marginalized voices in governance
processes.
9. Fostering Solidarity Across Social Divisions
Civil society promotes unity by organizing people across tribal, linguistic, and
religious lines. Shared interests among diverse groups encourage tolerance and
enrich civic life.
10. Training Ground for Future Leaders
Civil society identifies and nurtures new leaders, especially women, for political roles.
NGOs provide practical leadership training for emerging political figures.
11. Informing the Public on Key Issues
Civil society educates the public on significant policy matters and ongoing
parliamentary issues. It provides platforms for public debates, contributing to an
informed citizenry.
12. Mediating and Resolving Conflicts
NGOs facilitate conflict resolution through bargaining and dialogue. Civil society
conducts programs to manage political and ethnic disputes.
13. Monitoring Elections for Fairness and Transparency
Neutral civil society groups monitor elections to ensure fairness and transparency.
They deploy observers at polling stations to guarantee free, fair, and peaceful
elections.
14. Collaborating with the State for Good Governance
Civil society works with the state to make governance more accountable and
inclusive. By improving government legitimacy, civil society enhances citizen trust
and engagement with the state.
These roles demonstrate the essential contribution of civil society in building a robust
democracy and ensuring good governance. Through participation, advocacy, and monitoring,
civil society strengthens accountability and fosters an inclusive political culture.
Challenges Faced by Civil Society in Governance
1. Co-optation by the State or Corporations: In some cases, civil society organizations may be
co-opted by the government or private sector, weakening their ability to act as independent
watchdogs or advocates for marginalized groups.
2. Lack of Resources and Capacity: Many civil society organizations, particularly in
developing countries, face resource constraints that limit their ability to operate effectively and
sustain long-term initiatives.
3. Government Crackdowns: In authoritarian or semi-authoritarian regimes, civil society often
faces repression, including restrictions on funding, limitations on freedom of assembly, and
persecution of activists.
4. Fragmentation and Lack of Coordination: Civil society is often fragmented, with diverse
groups pursuing different objectives. This lack of coordination can dilute their influence and
make it difficult to present a united front in advocacy efforts.
Conclusion
Civil society is an indispensable partner in ensuring good governance. It holds the government
accountable, promotes transparency, and ensures that the concerns of marginalized
communities are heard. The involvement of civil society in electoral reforms, transparency
movements like RTI, and social justice campaigns reflects the vital role it plays in
strengthening democracy.
By engaging in advocacy, activism, and public dialogue, civil society organizations contribute
to a governance model that is inclusive, transparent, and responsive to the needs of all citizens.
Moving forward, the partnership between the state and civil society must be nurtured to ensure
that governance processes continue to evolve in ways that benefit the entire society. Good
governance, after all, thrives in environments where citizens are empowered to participate
actively, and civil society acts as the bridge between the government and the people.
