Topic: Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
1. Striking a balance between ensuring accountability and enabling NGOs to carry out their crucial work is essential for a robust civil society. Critically analyse. (250 words).
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
Amnesty International, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and Human Rights Watch (HRW) have accused the Indian government of harassing human rights activists and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Key Demand of the question:
To understand the importance of NGOs and ensuring a balance between enabling NGOs to perform and hold them accountable.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyze, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly mention the role of NGOs in civil society.
Body:
Explain the role performed by NGOs in the country.
Next, write about the various issues faced by NGOs in the country especially in the backdrop of amendments to FCRA act.
Next, write about the ways to achieve balance between ensuring accountability and enabling NGOs to carry out their crucial work etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
