What are the common challenges faced by NGOs when working with the government? How can these challenges be mitigated to ensure a productive partnership between NGOs and the government?

Common challenges faced by NGOs when working with the government

1. ⊳ Lack of participation in policy formulation and planning process

2. ⊳ Limited feedback and consultation in implementation of policies

3. ⊳ Lack of unified mechanism for registration and recognition of NGOs

4. Repression by government using laws like FCRA

5. Lack of devaluation of funds

6. Inadequate collaboration with Panchayati Raj Institutions

7. Bureaucratic red-tapism and onerous complying requirements

8. Limited or negligible infrastructural support

9. Lack of participation in welfare organizations like NHRC, NCW

Ways to ensure productive partnership between NGOs and Government

1. Streamlining of procedures, registration etc.

2. Membership in bodies like NHRC, NCW etc.

3. Seeking their opinion by way of parliamentary committees

4. Partnering with NGOs to support and propagate government efforts

eg. NULM by Bhubaneswar by Ministry of education

5. Collaboration of NGOs with Self-Help Groups and Panchayati Raj institutions (PARTs)

6. Kedulimbuthese model – partnering with NGOs and PRIs

7. Involvement in Technology, capacity building and awareness

8. She is a changemaker tag by NVM in partnership with NGOs

9. Lastly, participating and co-representation in NGOs in policy making process

can pave way for effective first, middle and last mile government because a vibrant civil society is the conscience keeper of a welfare state.

— Devansh Sarswat · AIR 221