Civil society

Civil society

Introduction

  • Civil society refers to the collective sphere of voluntary organizations, institutions, and associations that exist outside of the government and the market, where individuals come together to pursue common interests, advocate for specific causes, and address societal issues. It encompasses a wide range of groups, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations, religious groups, trade unions, professional associations, advocacy groups, and grassroots movements.
  • Civil society derives its strength from the Gandhian tradition of volunteerism, but today, it expresses itself in many different forms of activism.

Historical Background

  • Globally the term ‘Civil Society’ became popular in 1980’s “third sector” of society (after government and commerce) and including the family and the private sphere. Social movements, citizen groups, and non-governmental organisations had replaced political parties and labour unions as the preferred methods of engagement for people everywhere.
  • By the late 1970s, all of India’s institutions had collapsed, giving rise to a number of populist political movements. The fight against child labour, the right to information, shelter, primary education, and food security has all gained traction in civil society. Other movements such as the anti-caste movement, the fight for gender justice, the fight for civil liberties, a healthy environment, and against mega-development projects that have displaced thousands of impoverished tribals and hill dwellers have also gained ground. Through the filing of Public Interest Litigations and judicial activism, civil society was strengthened.

 

Role of Civil Society-

 

 

Civil society plays several important roles in democratic societies:

  •  Civil society organizations advocate for policy changes, raise awareness about societal issues, and mobilize collective action to address challenges such as poverty, human rights abuses, environmental degradation, and inequality.
  • Many civil society organizations provide essential services, such as education, healthcare, humanitarian aid, and community development, often filling gaps left by governments or complementing public services.
  •  Civil society acts as a watchdog by monitoring government actions, promoting transparency and accountability, and holding public officials accountable for their decisions and actions.
  •  Civil society fosters social cohesion and solidarity by providing spaces for dialogue, cooperation, and collaboration among diverse groups within society, helping to bridge social divides and build trust and mutual understanding.
  • Civil society organizations provide avenues for citizen participation and engagement in public affairs, which are essential for the functioning of democracy. They facilitate the expression of diverse viewpoints, hold governments accountable, and contribute to the democratic decision-making process.
  • Civil society plays a crucial role in advocating for human rights, social justice, and equality. By raising awareness about injustices, mobilizing public support, and lobbying for policy changes, civil society organizations help address systemic issues such as discrimination, inequality, and marginalization.
  • Civil society organizations promote social cohesion by bringing together individuals and groups from different backgrounds to work towards common goals. They provide spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding, helping to bridge social divides and build inclusive communities.

 

Types Of Civil Society Organisations

  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and non-profit organizations (NPOs) that have a structured structure or activity and are typically registered entities and groups:
    • Online communities and activities, such as social media communities, can be "organized" but do not have physical, legal, or financial frameworks.
    • Online and/or physical social movements of collective action and/or identity
    • Religious leaders, religious communities, and faith-based organizations are all involved in the process.
    • Employees are represented by labour unions and organizations.
    • Social entrepreneurs who use innovative and/or market-oriented strategies to achieve social and environmental goals.
    • At the local level, grassroots organizations and activities
    • Members own and control cooperatives in a democratic manner.
    • Radio, television, print, and electronic media that are not owned by a corporation
    • Coalitions rooted in the neighborhood or in the community
    • Institutions of higher learning and research
    • Indigenous peoples' organizations

 

Concerns -

  • Civil society organizations and their donors are being labelled and targeted.
  • Funds are frozen, intelligence reports are selectively released to paint NGOs in a poor light, and their activities are placed on a watch list.
  • In November 2016, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs rejected the license renewal applications of 25 NGO.
  • In many instances, NGOs such as Greenpeace have been projected as being anti-national.

 

Criticisms:

  • Not all civil society groups are involved in protecting the moral conscience of our society. Some are in the sole business of getting funds from the state or others.
  • Some sections of the media are often cowered down by their corporate bosses, and the temptation of fame.
  • Few sections are involved in excessive protests, eventually hampering national interests.
  • Too often, even progressive global civil society organizations do not meet the standards of accountability and transparency that they demand of others.
  • Unhappily, the majority of Indians keep quiet when their own fellow citizens are tortured by the police, stripped of access to resources and livelihoods, lynched, exploited by corporate India, and neglected by the mainstream media.

 

Government Initiatives in Promoting Civil Society:

  • Right to Information: RTI Act of 2005 aimed at empowering citizens by promoting transparency in government activities and keeping them informed about the working of the government
  • Right to Education: The Right to Education Act (RTE) aims to provide free education for all children between 6-14 years of age group
  • Right to Food: The Right to Food  Act aims to provide food and nutritional security to the people at subsidized rates
  • MGNREGA: Mahatma Gandhi Employment Guarantee Act 2005 aims to enhance the livelihood of the villagers through guaranteed 100 days of wage employment to every adult member in the rural part of India
  • CSR Responsibilities: CSR Act of 2013 mandates the contribution of 2% of the company’s net profit towards social development every year

 

Way Forward-

  • A strong and vigilant civil society can be a check on corruption and form the basis for countervailing action.
  • Legislation on the lines of the US False Claims Act should be enacted, providing for citizens and civil society groups to seek legal relief against fraudulent claims against the government.
  • A free media has a crucial role in the prevention, monitoring and control of corruption.
  • Use of ICT in systems of governance in order to ensure wider participation of civil society groups and the private sector in the decision making process of governance.
  • Voter education, electoral reforms and periodical highlighting of the performance (or non-performance) of elected representatives should be high priority items in civil society’s agenda.

 

Conclusion-

  • Civil society is made up of diverse people with different interests and goals for their community. It acts as a bridge between the state and its people.
  • Civil society is essential for sustainable, resilient, equitable, and democratic societies. They are key actors in identifying sustainable solutions and acting on their concerns and ambition. 
  • Civil society organizations often partner with local governments to provide essential goods and services to people who can't afford or access them. These services can include food, health, education, shelter, and security.
  • Civil society organizations and human rights defenders need to be safe and able to act independently in the digital space