"When in doubt, observe and ask questions. When certain, observe at length and ask many more questions."
Created this thread as a one stop solution for all members so that all the doubts wherein any conceptual clarification is required can be solved here.
We are all aware about the problems associated with lack of effective regulation of NGOs in India. However, we cannot deny their impact on developmental processes either. In this regard, how do we balance the need for effective regulation without crippling the agency of NGOs?
Things to keep in mind: NGO concentration in urban areas, small scale of the majority of NGOs, the causes raised by NGOs being so diverse but all important in their own sense, need for equality in regulation of NGOs, need for equitable distribution of resources and equity in society
Main concerns raised over the working of NGOs-
- Financial- used for round-tripping and money laundering.
- Advocacy NGOs- alleged promotion of discontentment and instability.
Need of regulations-
- To check on financial irregularities.
- To check where the funds are being spent and whether the funds are legitimately accounted for.
- To involve them in policymaking and hence identifying the core NGOs who are expert in a particular group.
Problems faced by small NGOs-
- Human resources- involving expert individuals who can manage and do the recordkeeping of their finances.
- Funds collection- they are already short of funds and keep up with regulations (like filing of accounts with help of accountants etc.) has a high margin cost for them.
- Exploitation by the authorities due to their vulnerable position.
Solutions that could help them-
- Simplifying and streamlining the process of filing/updating required information to govt.
- use of understandable interface on portal like e-Darpan etc.
- designing apps that could work on low data bandwidth so that it bridges the digital divide to an extent.
- Providing simplified accounting and record-keeping templates so that it becomes easy for the NGOs also to maintain data and get accountability of the position holders to the NGO stakeholders as well.
- Introducing open courses (MOOC) on different aspects of NGO management (like accounting, record keeping, human resources, impact assessment) using facilities like SWAYAM portal. Through this people could skill themselves while working and the NGOs could also avail services of trained professionals.
Way forward-
- As Economic survey 2020-21 mentioned, excess regulations to rule out discretion gives even more discretion to the official on the application of rules. So as mentioned in the survey, there should be succinct regulations in the are areas where they are necessary.
- Increased transparency should accompany the discretionary power.
- Ex- ante accountability mechanisms should be strengthened.
- The appeal mechanism against the decisions should be made cost-effective and quick so that even the small NGOs can access them.
Hey! Whenever in doubt consult the constitution itself.Can someone tell the update number of list in Union and state , a bit confused
This is the latest released version from govt and there was no change in the seventh schedule post-GST. So this Dec 2020 updated version offers accurate information.
There was a yojana issue dealing with IR in recent months. It covered various regions as well as the diaspora. Can check that out.Can someone recommend some standard material/ book for IR (not current affairs)? I am reading ForumIAS pdf but it doesn't have international organisation, diaspora part.
Can someone explain this please?
When the demand is inelastic, consumers are not very responsive to price changes, and the quantity demanded remains relatively constant when the tax is introduced.
Eg- Tax on Tobacco. If you're addicted, you will consume.
The more elastic the demand curve, the easier it is for consumers to reduce quantity instead of paying higher prices. The more elastic the supply curve, the easier it is for sellers to reduce the quantity sold instead of taking lower prices.