The future of India’s civil society organisations

Context

Given that advocacy is e?ectively dead, the ability of civil society to shape policy and public discourse has shrunk drastically.

Civil Societies in India

• Voluntary association outside state control- Civil society is all forms of voluntary associations and social interactions not controlled by the state.
• Policy Advocacy- CSOs are engaged in policy dialogues with the government in areas of poverty alleviation and empowerment of the disadvantaged sections.
• Protection Role- CSOs enable legal services and protect the citizens against repressive attitudes.

Issues faced by them

• First, because of the ?nancial and structural constraints imposed on them, CSOs/movements are bleeding conscientious youngsters, who naturally need some ?nancial sustenance.
• Second, without sustained support, CSOs cannot positively mould public discourse or make a tangible impact on the nation at large.
• Third, with governments consciously avoiding CSOs/movements, their ability to shape policy is diminished (which adversely impacts organisational morale).