World NGO Day: Assessing ‘role’ of NGOs

Category
Polity & Governance
Published
2nd Mar, 2022

Context

World NGO Day is annually observed on February 27 to celebrate, commemorate and collaborate with various NGOs around the world

About

What is NGO?

A Non-Governmental Organisation, better known as an NGO, is an association that is registered with the government and works for the upliftment of society.

Role of NGOs in India

India has over three million non-governmental organisations(NGO).
NGOs work across a range of arenas and play important roles of facilitator, catalyst or partner in bringing social transformation.
They have been dynamic in almost all sectors: Health, education, livelihood in rural and urban areas to name a few.
Another major achievement of NGOs includes influencing the Indian government to formulate various developmental laws and policies, which include
- Right to Information
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA)
- Juvenile Justice
- Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS).
NGOs also partnered with the government to successfully implement major campaigns like Swachh Bharat Abiyaan and Sarva Siksha Abiyaan.

Which associations can sign up as NGO?

Trust: A Trust composed of one or more people can sign up as an NGO, as per the Indian Trusts Act, 1982.
Company/Association: Any company, club or association consisting of professionals can act as an NGO by registering under the Companies Act, 1956.
Society: It is to be noted that any society of people that aims to better society can sign up as an NGO as per the Societies Registration Act, 1860 by approaching the Registrar of the Societies.
Charitable Trust: Also, any Charitable Trust can sign up as an Non-Governmental Organisation under the Charitable Endowments Act, 1920.

Any other group, society or association that aims to uplift the society.