Tourism: General Introduction

Question: Tourism - General introductory notes?

Ans: Tourism: General Introduction

Tourism refers to the act of traveling for leisure, recreation, or exploration, typically to places of interest or cultural, historical, natural, or recreational significance. It encompasses various types of travel experiences, such as vacations, business trips, educational travels, adventure tours, and cultural exploration. The tourism industry includes a wide array of services, such as transportation, hospitality, food, entertainment, and attractions that facilitate the movement of people from one location to another.

Tourism is an important sector of the global economy and plays a key role in many countries' GDP (Gross Domestic Product). It is also one of the largest sources of employment worldwide, encompassing roles in travel agencies, hotels, transportation services (airlines, railways, buses, etc.), guides, and various other industries linked to tourism and hospitality.

The growth of tourism has been facilitated by technological advancements, globalization, and increasing disposable income, leading to the widespread availability of affordable travel options. As more people are encouraged to explore diverse cultures and destinations, tourism has become a major component of social interaction, economic exchange, and cultural understanding.

Etymology of "Tourism"

The word tourist was used by 1772, and tourism by 1811.

William F.Theobald (1994) suggested that "etymologically, the word tour is derived from the Latin, 'tornare' and the Greek, 'tornos', meaning 'a lathe or circle. ('The movement around a central point or axis').  Like a circle, a tour represents a journey in that it is a round-trip, i.e., the act of leaving and then returning to the original starting point, and therefore, one who takes such a journey can be called a tourist."

  World Tourism Day - 27 September

In 1936, the League of Nations defined a foreign tourist as "someone travelling abroad for at least twenty-four hours". Its successor, the United Nations, amended this definition in 1945, by including a maximum stay of six months.

In 1941, Hunziker and Krapf defined tourism as people who travel "the sum of the phenomena and relationships arising from the travel and stay of non-residents, insofar as they do not lead to permanent residence and are not connected with any earning activity."

 In 1976, the Tourism Society of England's definition was: "Tourism is the temporary, short-term movement of people to destination outside the places where they normally live and work and their activities during the stay at each destination. It includes movements for all purposes."

In 1981, the International Association of Scientific Experts in Tourism defined tourism in terms of particular activities selected by choice and undertaken outside the home.

In 1994, the United Nations identified three forms of tourism in its Recommendations on Tourism Statistics:

The word "tourism" has its roots in the French word "tourisme", which means "a journey" or "a trip." The term is derived from the word "tour", meaning a "circular journey," from the Old French "turer", which means to "turn" or "circle." This is connected to the idea of making a circular journey from one place back to the starting point.

The word "tour" in English first appeared in the 17th century, often used to describe an extensive journey or a round trip. Over time, the term "tour" evolved to encompass the idea of organized travel for leisure or exploration. The term "tourism" itself was coined in the early 19th century to describe the act of traveling for pleasure or recreation. By the mid-19th century, with the growth of railways and tourism services, the term became more widely recognized and used in different languages.

Origin and Evolution of Tourism

The origin of tourism as an organized activity can be traced back to ancient civilizations, although its modern concept differs significantly. Some of the earliest forms of travel were linked to religious pilgrimages, trading, or exploration, which required people to travel long distances.

1. Ancient Civilizations:
• In Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, people traveled for reasons such as religion, trade, and military purposes. The wealthy in these societies also engaged in travel for leisure, and early forms of tourism were linked to sacred sites and ancient festivals.
• The Greeks are often credited with being among the earliest tourists, as they traveled to important cultural centers like Delphi and Olympia to attend sporting events and religious festivals.
2. Middle Ages:
• During the Middle Ages, travel was predominantly for religious reasons, with pilgrimages to holy sites like Jerusalem, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela forming a significant part of tourism.
• The Crusades also stimulated travel, as Christian knights journeyed to the Holy Land.
3. The Grand Tour (17th-18th Century):
• The idea of leisure travel evolved during the Renaissance period, culminating in what became known as the Grand Tour, which was popular among European aristocrats and young men of noble families during the 17th and 18th centuries.
• The Grand Tour involved traveling to cultural centers such as Rome, Paris, and Florence to appreciate art, history, and architecture, and it was seen as an essential part of education for the upper class.
4. Industrial Revolution (19th Century):
• The industrial revolution in the 19th century marked a significant shift in tourism. Advances in transportation (such as the steam engine, railroads, and steamships) made travel more accessible to a broader segment of society, not just the wealthy.
• Thomas Cook, a British entrepreneur, is often credited with pioneering organized tourism in the 19th century by arranging the first package tours and promoting affordable travel options for the general public.
• The growth of railways and the emergence of seaside resorts fueled mass tourism, as it became easier for people to visit popular vacation destinations.
5. 20th Century to Present:
• In the 20th century, tourism underwent rapid expansion, with the advent of commercial airlines making international travel more accessible and affordable to the middle class.
• The rise of mass tourism, alongside the development of modern tourism infrastructure (airports, hotels, travel agencies), transformed tourism into a global industry.
• Tourism has diversified into various forms, including ecotourism, adventure tourism, medical tourism, cultural tourism, and business tourism, catering to an increasingly diverse group of travelers seeking a wide range of experiences.
• Technological innovations, such as the internet, social media, and online booking platforms, have further revolutionized the tourism industry, enabling travelers to research, plan, and book trips independently.

Conclusion

Tourism, as we understand it today, is the result of centuries of evolution, from ancient religious journeys to the modern global industry that promotes travel for leisure, education, and exploration. With its vast range of forms, from cultural exploration to ecotourism and beyond, tourism plays a vital role in both the global economy and the cultural exchange between people from different regions and backgrounds.

Explain the importance of organizing meetings and discuss the role of social worker in documentation and advocacy

     MSW Notes > NGO Management 

10) Explain the importance of organizing meetings and discuss the role of social worker in documentation and advocacy.

Answer: Importance of Organizing Meetings and the Role of Social Workers in Documentation and Advocacy

Introduction

In the field of social work, communication, participation, and collective decision-making form the backbone of effective practice. Meetings are one of the most structured and widely used tools for engaging with individuals, groups, communities, and institutions. Equally significant are documentation and advocacy, which ensure that social workers not only record and evaluate their interventions but also act as voices for the marginalized. Understanding the importance of organizing meetings and recognizing the role of documentation and advocacy allows social workers to strengthen their professional identity, uphold accountability, and achieve meaningful social change.

 

Importance of Organizing Meetings

A Platform for Collective Decision-Making

Meetings are organized to bring together stakeholders, clients, community members, or professional colleagues to deliberate on issues of concern. In community practice, meetings provide a democratic platform where people can express their views and participate in decision-making. For example, when a social worker organizes a village-level meeting to discuss water scarcity, community members contribute their lived experiences, possible solutions, and willingness to participate in collective action. This process ensures that decisions are not imposed but emerge through dialogue and consensus.

Facilitating Communication and Information Sharing

One of the primary functions of meetings is communication. Social workers often act as mediators between institutions and people, or between different groups in conflict. Meetings create an environment for transparent communication, where information about rights, entitlements, or program guidelines can be disseminated. For instance, an awareness meeting conducted in a slum area about government welfare schemes helps residents understand procedures for accessing pensions or healthcare benefits. The face-to-face interaction enables clarification of doubts, which is often not possible through written notices or online platforms.

Building Group Cohesion and Motivation

Meetings are important tools for fostering group identity and cohesion. When individuals come together regularly under a structured forum, they begin to develop a sense of belonging and collective responsibility. In self-help groups of women, for example, weekly meetings not only focus on financial matters but also build solidarity, emotional support, and motivation for empowerment. For social workers, such meetings are opportunities to strengthen community leadership and collective action.

Conflict Resolution and Problem-Solving

Many communities and organizations face internal conflicts or misunderstandings. Organizing meetings provides a space where differences can be addressed in a constructive manner. A trained social worker uses facilitation skills to mediate disputes, listen to different perspectives, and guide participants toward mutually acceptable solutions. For example, in a youth club where disagreements arise over resource distribution, a structured meeting helps clarify roles, responsibilities, and fair procedures, thus reducing tensions.

Monitoring and Evaluation of Programs

Meetings also serve as effective tools for monitoring and evaluation of social work interventions. Community development projects, health campaigns, or welfare programs need periodic assessment. Meetings allow social workers and participants to review progress, identify gaps, and plan future strategies. For instance, after conducting a sanitation drive in a village, a follow-up meeting helps assess whether community toilets are being used and maintained properly, and whether further awareness is required.

 

The Role of Social Workers in Documentation

Ensuring Accountability and Transparency

Documentation is the process of systematically recording activities, decisions, interventions, and outcomes. In professional social work, documentation is not a mere clerical activity but a responsibility that upholds accountability. When case files, meeting minutes, progress reports, and research notes are maintained, they provide evidence of the worker’s interventions. This ensures transparency not only to the organization but also to funding agencies, government departments, and the community itself.

Preserving Client Histories and Progress

In casework practice, social workers often deal with complex client histories involving multiple problems such as poverty, addiction, family conflict, or mental health issues. Proper documentation of assessment, intervention, and follow-up sessions allows the worker to track the client’s progress over time. For example, in counseling a child facing school drop-out, documented notes help evaluate whether interventions such as remedial education or family counseling are improving the child’s situation. Such records are vital when another social worker takes over the case, ensuring continuity of care.

Facilitating Research and Knowledge Building

Documentation also contributes to the larger body of social work knowledge. Field data, case studies, and community profiles recorded by social workers become valuable resources for research, training, and policy-making. For instance, when a social worker documents patterns of child labor in a particular district, the compiled data can later serve as evidence for academic research or advocacy campaigns demanding stricter enforcement of child protection laws.

Legal and Ethical Significance

Many social work interventions have legal implications, especially in child protection, women’s rights, or mental health cases. Documentation provides evidence that interventions were carried out professionally and ethically. If a case of domestic violence reaches court, social workers’ reports, counseling notes, and referral documents can support the client’s legal battle. Ethically, maintaining confidentiality in documentation is equally important, ensuring that sensitive information is not misused.

 

The Role of Social Workers in Advocacy

Advocacy as a Core Function

Advocacy is central to the profession of social work. It involves speaking up for individuals, groups, or communities whose voices are often marginalized. Advocacy ensures that rights are protected, resources are distributed equitably, and systemic barriers are challenged. Social workers play the dual role of being both facilitators and representatives—helping people articulate their own demands while also representing them in policy forums when necessary.

Individual and Case Advocacy

At the micro level, social workers engage in case advocacy, where they help individual clients secure services or entitlements. For instance, a social worker may advocate with a hospital administration to ensure a poor patient receives free treatment under government health insurance schemes. Such advocacy addresses immediate needs and ensures access to justice.

Community and Policy Advocacy

At the macro level, social workers are involved in community and policy advocacy. This includes organizing campaigns, lobbying with government departments, and building networks with civil society organizations to influence policies. For example, when a group of social workers documents the high incidence of farmer suicides in a region, they can use this evidence to advocate for better crop insurance schemes, mental health services, and debt relief policies. Thus, advocacy transforms local problems into systemic reforms.

Empowering Marginalized Voices

Advocacy is not only about speaking on behalf of others but also about enabling marginalized groups to speak for themselves. Social workers organize training programs, leadership workshops, and platforms where communities can raise their issues directly. For instance, forming a federation of women self-help groups allows them to collectively negotiate with local authorities for better infrastructure and services. This participatory form of advocacy builds long-term empowerment.

Linking Documentation with Advocacy

Documentation and advocacy are closely linked. Without proper records, statistics, and case evidence, advocacy may remain weak and unconvincing. Well-documented reports of child trafficking, for example, strengthen advocacy campaigns demanding stricter border controls and rehabilitation measures. Similarly, minutes of community meetings, if preserved, become evidence of grassroots demands when approaching higher authorities. Documentation thus becomes the backbone of advocacy efforts.

 

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While meetings, documentation, and advocacy are crucial, they also pose challenges. Organizing meetings may face barriers of low participation, cultural resistance, or domination by powerful voices. Documentation requires time, skill, and confidentiality safeguards. Advocacy often confronts resistance from political and bureaucratic systems. Social workers must balance these challenges with professional ethics, ensuring respect for dignity, privacy, and inclusiveness.

 

Conclusion

The importance of organizing meetings, and the central role of social workers in documentation and advocacy, highlights the holistic nature of professional practice. Meetings ensure participation, communication, cohesion, and accountability in social work processes. Documentation preserves histories, ensures transparency, supports research, and strengthens legal cases. Advocacy translates the needs and voices of marginalized communities into social and policy change. Together, these functions reinforce the values of social justice, empowerment, and collective well-being that define the social work profession. A social worker who skillfully integrates these elements not only addresses immediate client concerns but also contributes to long-term systemic transformation.

Formation and Registration of NGOs in India

     MSW Notes > NGO Management 

Question 1: Formation and Registration of NGOs in India?

Discuss about the procedure for registration of voluntary agencies under Indian Trusts Act, 1882? ( May 2019)

Explain the formation and registration procedure of Non-governmental organization? (September 2022)

Explain the formation and registration procedure of NGO in detailed manner. ( August 2023)

 

Introduction

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), also known as voluntary agencies, play a vital role in social development by addressing gaps left by government initiatives. They work in fields such as education, health, women empowerment, environmental protection, and child welfare. For an NGO to gain credibility, access funds, and function legally, it must be formally registered under Indian law. The registration can be done under different legal frameworks such as the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, the Societies Registration Act, 1860, or as a non-profit company under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.

This answer focuses mainly on the procedure under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, while also providing a detailed overview of NGO formation and registration in general.

Voluntary Agencies and Indian Trusts Act, 1882

What is a Trust?

A trust is a legal arrangement in which the “author” or “settlor” of the trust transfers property or money to trustees, who then hold and manage it for the benefit of certain beneficiaries or for a charitable purpose.

·        Private Trusts: Benefit specific individuals or families.

·        Public Charitable Trusts: Established for welfare purposes such as education, relief of poverty, medical aid, etc. NGOs usually fall under this category.

Why Register a Trust?

·        Legal recognition as a charitable body.

·        Eligibility for tax exemptions (under Income Tax Act, Sections 12A & 80G).

·        Ability to open a bank account in the trust’s name.

·        Eligibility to apply for government or foreign grants.

Procedure for Registration of a Trust under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882

1. Selection of Name

The first step is choosing a unique name for the trust. The name should not infringe on trademarks or resemble government institutions.

2. Drafting the Trust Deed

A trust deed is the core legal document that defines:

·        The objectives of the trust (education, women’s empowerment, relief of poor, etc.).

·        Details of settlors and trustees.

·        Rights, duties, and powers of trustees.

·        Mode of appointment or removal of trustees.

·        Utilization of funds and property.

The deed must be executed on a non-judicial stamp paper, the value of which varies from state to state.

3. Minimum Members Required

·        At least two trustees are needed, though some states may require three.

·        Trustees must be of sound mind, adults, and not insolvent.

4. Submission to Registrar

The settlor and trustees must visit the office of the Charity Commissioner or Registrar of Trusts in the concerned state. Documents required include:

·        Signed trust deed (original + photocopy).

·        Passport-sized photographs of trustees.

·        Proof of registered office (rental agreement/ownership deed + NOC from landlord).

·        ID and address proof of trustees.

5. Verification and Registration

·        The registrar verifies the deed and documents.

·        Trustees must appear for verification with identity documents.

·        On approval, a Certificate of Registration is issued.

Example: Many prominent NGOs like the Aga Khan Foundation and Tata Trusts are registered under the Indian Trusts Act and operate large-scale social programs.

 

General Formation and Registration of NGOs

While trusts are common, NGOs in India can be formed under three main laws.

1. Registration under the Societies Registration Act, 1860

·        Definition: A society is an association of people united for literary, charitable, or scientific purposes.

·        Minimum Members: At least 7 persons.

·        Governing Document: Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Rules & Regulations.

·        Procedure:

1.     Choose a unique name.

2.     Draft MoA and by-laws.

3.     Submit documents with ID/address proof of members.

4.     Registrar issues Certificate of Registration.

·        Example: The Indian Red Cross Society is registered under this Act.

2. Registration under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882

·        Already explained above.

·        Best suited for charitable and religious purposes.

·        Popular for NGOs engaged in welfare programs at the community level.

3. Registration under the Companies Act, 2013 (Section 8 Company)

·        Definition: A Section 8 Company is a non-profit company formed to promote commerce, arts, education, research, charity, etc.

·        Features:

o   Requires at least 2 directors and members.

o   No distribution of profits (profits reinvested for objectives).

o   High credibility compared to trusts and societies.

·        Procedure:

1.               Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for directors.

2.               Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN).

3.               File incorporation documents with Registrar of Companies.

4.               Central Government approval is required for license under Section 8.

                    Example: CII Foundation and Teach for India are Section 8 Companies.

 

Comparative View

Feature	Trust (1882)	Society (1860)	Section 8 Company (2013)
Governing Document	Trust Deed	MoA + Rules	MoA + AoA
Minimum Members	2 Trustees	7 Members	2 Members
Suitable For	Charitable & religious activities	Literary, cultural, scientific, charitable	Large-scale NGOs, high credibility
Authority	Charity Commissioner/Registrar	Registrar of Societies	Registrar of Companies
Compliance	Moderate	Moderate	High (strict reporting)

 

Importance of Registration for NGOs

1.     Legal Identity: A registered NGO can sue or be sued in its name.

2.     Banking & Contracts: Enables opening bank accounts and entering agreements.

3.     Tax Exemptions: Registered NGOs can obtain 12A and 80G certificates for donor tax benefits.

4.     Foreign Funding: Registration under FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) requires the NGO to be legally registered.

5.     Credibility: Donors, corporations, and government agencies prefer funding registered NGOs.

 

Challenges in Registration Process

·        Bureaucratic Delays: Multiple visits to registrar offices.

·        Compliance Burden: Maintaining proper records, annual filings.

·        Legal Knowledge: Many grassroots groups lack resources to hire lawyers or accountants.

·        Regional Differences: Stamp duty, documentation, and processes vary across states.

Example: In some states like Maharashtra, trusts are regulated by a Charity Commissioner, while in others, the process is simpler but less structured.

 

Conclusion

The registration of voluntary agencies and NGOs is an essential step in strengthening the voluntary sector in India. The Indian Trusts Act, 1882 provides a straightforward route for forming charitable organisations, while societies and Section 8 companies offer alternative structures depending on the scope and scale of work.

For small community-based initiatives, trusts are most common. Societies are preferred by groups focusing on education, cultural, or scientific work. For large-scale professional NGOs with global linkages, Section 8 companies provide credibility and accountability.

Ultimately, the choice of structure depends on the NGO’s mission, resources, and long-term vision. Proper registration not only provides legal backing but also helps NGOs access funds, ensure transparency, and build trust among stakeholders — making them effective partners in India’s social development journey.

Explain about functions of Non-profit organizations and types of Non-profit organizations

     MSW Notes > NGO Management 

2)  Explain about functions of Non-profit organizations and types of Non-profit organizations.

Discuss the functions and activities of Non-Governmental Organization.

Answer:  Functions and Types of Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) with Special Reference to NGOs

Introduction

Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs), also commonly referred to as Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), are voluntary, service-oriented organisations that work for the welfare of society without the motive of profit. Unlike commercial enterprises, their primary objective is to serve disadvantaged communities, promote human rights, and ensure inclusive development.

In India, NPOs play a crucial role in supplementing government programs in areas like education, health, environment, child welfare, and women empowerment. Their functions can be broadly classified into service delivery, advocacy, empowerment, and capacity building.

 

Functions of Non-Profit Organisations

1. Service Delivery

NPOs directly provide essential services to communities where government support is limited.

·        Examples: Running health camps, schools, crèches, blood donation drives, and relief camps during disasters.

·        Case: The NGO Smile Foundation runs mobile healthcare units to deliver medical services in remote areas.

2. Advocacy and Policy Influence

NPOs advocate for policy changes and legal reforms to protect the rights of vulnerable groups. They often act as a bridge between people and policymakers.

·        Example: Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) campaigns for environmental laws and clean air regulations.

3. Empowerment and Awareness

They empower communities through training, awareness campaigns, and self-help initiatives.

·        Example: SEWA (Self-Employed Women’s Association) empowers women workers by providing microcredit and skill-building programs.

4. Capacity Building

NPOs build the capacity of grassroots organisations, self-help groups, and local communities by offering training in leadership, record keeping, and financial management.

5. Research and Innovation

Many NPOs engage in research, pilot projects, and innovative models of development. These models can later be scaled up by the government.

·        Example: Pratham NGO’s “Read India” campaign improved literacy rates and influenced government education programs.

6. Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Aid

NPOs often provide immediate relief during floods, earthquakes, pandemics, or conflicts.

·        Example: During the COVID-19 pandemic, NGOs like GiveIndia and Goonj provided food, masks, and medical supplies.

 

Types of Non-Profit Organisations

In India, non-profit organisations can be broadly classified based on their legal status, scope of work, and functions.

A. Based on Legal Status

1.     Trusts:

·        Governed by the Indian Trusts Act, 1882.

·        Suitable for charitable and religious purposes.

·        Example: Tata Trusts.

2.     Societies:

·        Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

·        Work in the fields of literature, culture, science, and charity.

·        Example: Indian Red Cross Society.

3.     Section 8 Companies:

·        Registered under the Companies Act, 2013.

·        Have higher credibility, suited for large-scale NGOs.

·        Example: Teach For India.

 

B. Based on Area of Work

1.     Charitable Organisations: Focus on relief work, donations, and welfare.

o   Example: Helpage India (elderly care).

2.     Service-Oriented Organisations: Provide specific services like health, education, sanitation.

o   Example: Smile Foundation.

3.     Advocacy Organisations: Influence policy and law through campaigns, research, and lobbying.

o   Example: Amnesty International.

4.     Grassroots/Community-Based Organisations: Work directly with local people with active community participation.

o   Example: SEWA.

5.     International NGOs (INGOs): Operate across countries and support national/local NGOs.

o   Example: Oxfam, Plan International.

 

C. Based on Target Groups

·        Child-focused NGOs: CRY, SOS Children’s Villages.

·        Women-focused NGOs: SEWA, Snehalaya.

·        Environment-focused NGOs: Greenpeace, CSE.

·        Health-focused NGOs: PATH, The Leprosy Mission.

 

Functions and Activities of Non-Governmental Organisations

NGOs, as a subset of NPOs, perform diverse activities based on the needs of the communities they serve. Their functions can be divided into direct service functions and indirect influencing functions.

1. Direct Service Functions

·        Education: Running schools, tuition centres, and literacy programs.

o   Example: Pratham NGO’s remedial education.

·        Health: Free health check-ups, awareness on HIV/AIDS, nutrition programs.

o   Example: NACO-supported NGOs in HIV prevention.

·        Livelihood Promotion: Skill training, microfinance, promoting self-help groups.

o   Example: Bandhan-Konnagar NGO for rural women’s economic empowerment.

·        Relief & Rehabilitation: Disaster relief, rehabilitation of victims of trafficking, child labour, and domestic violence.

o   Example: Goonj NGO during floods and earthquakes.

 

2. Indirect Functions

·        Policy Advocacy: Filing PILs, lobbying with legislators, campaigns for new laws.

o   Example: Childline India Foundation advocated for helpline 1098 for children in distress.

·        Social Mobilisation: Creating awareness on issues like sanitation, gender equality, climate change.

o   Example: Swachh Bharat campaigns supported by NGOs.

·        Research & Documentation: Collecting data, conducting studies, and publishing reports to influence decisions.

o   Example: Oxfam India reports on inequality.

·        Networking and Partnerships: NGOs often network with other NGOs, corporates, and international donors to mobilize resources.

o   Example: CSR-NGO partnerships in education and healthcare.

 

Importance of NGOs/NPOs in Social Development

·        Filling Gaps: They reach marginalized groups often left out by government schemes.

·        Innovative Models: Pilot projects by NGOs inspire larger government initiatives.

·        Community Trust: NGOs build rapport with local people, making interventions more effective.

·        Global Linkages: INGOs bring international best practices and resources.

 

Challenges in NGO Functioning

While NGOs perform important functions, they face challenges such as:

·        Limited and irregular funding.

·        Over-dependence on foreign aid (restricted by FCRA).

·        Lack of trained manpower and professionalism.

·        Government restrictions and lengthy registration processes.

·        Concerns about accountability and transparency.

Example: After amendments to FCRA in 2020, many small NGOs lost foreign funding, leading to closure of welfare programs.

 

Conclusion

Non-Profit Organisations, especially NGOs, are vital partners in development. Their functions range from direct service delivery in health and education to indirect roles like advocacy, awareness creation, and policy influence. They exist in various forms such as trusts, societies, and Section 8 companies, and are also categorized based on focus areas and target groups.

Despite challenges, NGOs continue to play a transformative role in India’s social sector. Their flexibility, grassroots connection, and ability to innovate make them powerful agents of social change, complementing government efforts and amplifying community voices.

In the future, strengthening NGO accountability, ensuring sustainable funding, and encouraging collaboration with government and corporate sectors will be crucial for enhancing their impact.