Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO)
An NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) is defined by the World Bank as “a not-for-profit organization that pursues
activities to relieve suffering, promote the interests of the poor, protect the environment, provide basic social services,
or undertake community development.”
In India, NGOs are legally classified into three main types:
¾ Societies (registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860), Trusts (governed by the Indian Trusts Act, 1882
or respective state acts), and Section 8 Companies (registered under the Companies Act, 2013 for promoting
charitable objectives).
As per a 2019 report by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, India houses approximately 3.2
million NGOs, outnumbering schools and health centers, underlining their significant role.
Constitutional Provisions Related to NGO
Article 19(1)(c): Allows the right to form associations.
Article 43 to promote cooperatives in rural areas.
The Concurrent List mentions charitable institutions, charitable and religious institutions.
Role of NGOs
Implementers of Welfare Schemes: NGOs act as a bridge between the government and beneficiaries, often helping
with outreach, last-mile delivery, and real-time feedback. Eg: SEWA (Self-Employed Women’s Association) in Gujarat
helps implement women-centric schemes.
Catalysts and Collaborators: They work with governments to design, pilot, and improve welfare programs by offering
ground-level insights and innovation.
Advocates for Social Justice: NGOs raise issues that the state may ignore or under-prioritize—like caste discrimination,
gender injustice, and LGBTQ+ rights. Eg: Naz Foundation’s role in the decriminalization of homosexuality.
Environmental Protectors: NGOs conduct advocacy, legal interventions, and community mobilization to protect
ecosystems and biodiversity. Eg: WWF-India and Vanashakti work on biodiversity and wetland protection. (UPSC 2015)
Awareness Builders: They disseminate information on laws, rights, and welfare schemes—empowering citizens,
especially the marginalized, to claim their entitlements.
Impact of NGOs
Improved Scheme Effectiveness: Their grassroots presence enhances targeting, transparency, and accountability
in public service delivery.
Policy Changes and Legal Reforms: NGO efforts have led to the formulation and enforcement of critical laws.
Eg: Centre for Social Research’s advocacy contributed to strengthening the PCPNDT Act against female feticide.
Socio-Economic Development: NGOs contribute to poverty alleviation, health access, and sustainable development.
Eg: Goonj recycles urban waste into usable products for rural communities, addressing rural development and urban
sustainability.
Environmental Outcomes: Their work leads to conservation of flora and fauna, reduced pollution, and legal action
against ecological violations.
Human Rights Protection: NGOs protect vulnerable groups from abuse, ensuring dignity, legal support, and access
to justice.
Case Studies of Various NGO’s Working In India
Imparting Education: The Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP) played a pivotal role in achieving near 100%
literacy in Kerala through grassroots campaigns, literacy drives, and social mobilization, making education
accessible statewide.
Securing the Interests of the Poor: In Mumbai, NGOs like YUVA and SPARC resisted forced slum demolitions
and worked on improving living conditions by providing housing projects, basic services, and policy advocacy for
slum dwellers.
Role in Disaster Management: NGOs like Rapid Response have provided critical disaster relief, including in Assam
and Bihar during the 2024 floods, setting up emergency kitchens, health camps, and shelters for displaced families.
Fighting Environmental Pollution: The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has been instrumental in
advocating for stricter pollution control norms and influencing policies, such as the 2025 proposal for stronger
food safety and industrial pollution standards.
Protecting Health and Life: During COVID-19, Aid India expanded outreach to rural areas, focusing on health,
food security, and vaccination awareness. Its community-led model has been recognized by state governments as
a best practice for health initiatives.
14 Governance
