In India, the proliferation of NGOs is extremely palpable. As per one conservative estimate, the total number of NGOs is over 3 million (as of 2018), which means there are a total of around 31 lakh NGOs in 26 states. Karnataka, Odisha, and Telangana are still to adduce information about the number of NGOs, so the total number of NGOs will be more than 31 lakh. Besides, more than 82,000 NGOs are registered in seven Union Territories. This figure excludes organizations like trade unions, schools, and hospitals but includes only those registered for certification for receiving foreign assistance. The magnitude of funds the NGOs in the country handle today is another index of this growth.
It can be quite clearly observed that there has been tremendous growth of NGOs, both national and international in the last two decades. However, there is an urgent need for government organizations and NGOs to act in collaboration for their causes, such as rural development, education or women’s empowerment. While this lack of communication is a major problem, Indian NGOs face several challenges that are briefly outlined below:
Lack of Fund
Many NGOs find it difficult to garner sufficient and continuous funding for their work. While CSR partnerships offer a steady income, the majority of NGOs are excluded and for them, gaining access to appropriate donors is a major component of this challenge. Often, they have limited resource mobilisation skills locally, and instead, they wait for international donors to approach them. This is both time-consuming as well as inefficient. In addition, many-a-times NGOs have to make matching contributions, which they are unable to manage, and are, therefore, unable to avail themselves of the grants.
The Absence of Strategic Planning and Development Approaches
It is a common mindset for Indian NGOs to favour a “hardware” approach to development. This focuses on building infrastructure and providing services instead of empowering people and institutions locally, which often have stronger impacts. Resultantly, NGOs’ development approaches are not as flexible, sustainable and relevant to the community as they have the potential to be. Furthermore, many NGOs suffer from the lack of a cohesive, strategic plan that would facilitate success in their activities and mission. This renders them unable to effectively raise and capitalise on financial support.
Many NGOs do not maximise the use of current technologies that could facilitate better communication and networking. More effective use of technology can assist NGOs in staying abreast of important regional, national and global concerns
Poor Governance and Networking
Poor or disorganised networking is another major challenge, as it can cause duplicated efforts, time inefficiencies, conflicting strategies and an inability to learn from experience. NGOs in India often fear to connect with International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs), as they are perceived to be threatening to their mission. However, this belief ignores the possibility of collaboration, where local NGOs can tie up with INGOs and the community at large, to become more effective and deliver better results.
Another area wherein NGOs lack communication is their inability to maintain a healthy relationship with various government agencies– local, state level and the central government. NGOs are commonly viewed as ‘opposition to the government’, which masks the need for NGOs to liaison with the government and be a partner wherever needed.
Lack of Volunteerism/Social Work Among Youth
Earlier the NGOs were assumed, to be served by unpaid social workers imbued with the spirit of service and by those who did not require any special education or training. But the present trend is that youth are choosing to pursue a professional education and are not interested in working with NGOs. Their vision has been altered to include an urban lifestyle and professionalisation, which, in their minds, rejects all possibilities of basing their career on working with NGOs and rural India. Consequently, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get trained personnel to work in rural societies, where most NGOs work.
Misuse of Funds
It is not unknown that some unscrupulous elements have made fortunes by floating NGOs for their personal gains and managing grants from the government. It is a common experience to hear of serious charges of misuse and misappropriation of funds received as grant-in-aid from the government, foreign donors and raised through their own resources by most of the NGOs. These NGOs may reflect a negative image, due to high levels of corruption, and therefore ruin the reputation of other NGOs who are working with dedication and commitment.
Although several of these challenges cannot be countered easily, solutions do exist, which require patience and long-term implementation. Indian NGOs need to focus on matters of capacity building and training, which can help to provide crucial new skills. Most importantly, the way forward for the NGOs in India by 2020, will be :
To be more transparent in managing the funds. Reporting in accordance with global standards usually will help NGOs gain credibility and thus attract more investments.
To utilize technology in recording actual data of the social work. This information is crucial for a more strategic plan and a more effective decision-making process.
To broaden their network beyond India’s territory and reach out the reputed Philanthropy platforms globally.
To focus on attracting and retaining young talents for social work.
