Topics
250 words
Topic

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

Non-governmental organisations are non-profit, voluntary groups that operate independently of government control, functioning at local, national, or international levels to address social, environmental, or humanitarian issues.

Why it matters

  • They act as a bridge between the state and the citizenry, facilitating participatory governance and grassroots feedback.
  • They provide essential services in areas where state infrastructure is limited or absent, particularly in health, education, and disaster relief.
  • They serve as watchdogs for human rights and environmental standards, promoting transparency and accountability in public policy.
  • They contribute to social capital by mobilizing community resources and fostering civic engagement.

How it is asked

Focus on the role of NGOs in the development process, the regulatory framework governing their foreign funding, and the challenges related to their accountability and transparency in the context of the GS Paper II syllabus.