Editorial: Non-Governmental Interventions

There is something definitely wrong with the picture when governments and project developers float their own organisations to do “social work” which should ideally be undertaken by well networked “local” NGOs. Without taking anything away from the efficacy of the present kind of NGOs, a fact which cannot be ignored is that under the present structures, the NGOs become an extension of the bureaucratic system of chakari in which political masters [or funding company] gain primacy over the people among whom the organisations should be working. This subverts the whole role of a social engagement from being one of linking aspirations and concerns from the grassroots up to becoming handling agents of dole trickling down from above. For all the negativity which the term “NGO” or “social worker” might have begun to now attract, there are many problems and challenges which only non-governmental volunteers can resolve.
Discomforting situations, especially the ones that are social in nature, require agencies from outside the government to find deliverance. The State can at best play the role of a facilitator by putting in place the right laws and policies and making available the required funds to aid the process. In contrast, when the government takes on the role of the NGO, there is too much tokenism which does not end up helping anyone. This is not for want of intent, but more a fallout of the lack of commitment caused by the lopsided prioritisation mentioned earlier. Also, government officials are in transferable jobs and have other considerations weighing on their minds like career progression to get too involved with the social cause they might presently be ex officio or otherwise involved in. Without complete involvement, social problems cannot be solved and this commitment can only be guaranteed by committed workers of an NGO or other social groups. Government functionaries will be satisfied with “World Day” observance of their present responsibilities or the odd workshop and awareness programme. Real work involves getting the hands dirty and that is too much to expect from a person with only temporary responsibility of the problem. The government is also handicapped by the red tape it wraps itself in. Work on the field demands instant decisions and improvisation which government officials are either not trained for or unwilling to risk. The NGO network has become so big in our country that at one extreme, it has become an unsavoury nexus of funds and socialite hobbies, even as at another end, very effective engagements are underway. In Sikkim, however, the NGO culture is still nascent and because of this the government-NGO relationship is still not one of mutual respect. Since most NGOs here are completely dependent on the State for funds and even directions, their independence is also restricted. It is time the NGO culture developed into a viable deliverer of services and information to the Sikkimese, especially those in the rural areas. Many changes are afoot at present and NGO involvement in cushioning their impact is an urgent need. It is not rare to find a fatalistic streak among the people who have almost lost faith in their ability to solve problems on their own. If this notion is allowed to take roots, very soon, a society mistakenly convinced of its incompetence will even stop trying too hard to improve its situation. A responsible network of NGOs will go a long way in combating this defeatist trait and help in reacquiring the confidence which slips away fast in a welfare state...