Need NGO’s, Now

Editorial:-
There are many problems that only volunteers unattached to government protocols and hierarchies can address. Discomforting situations, especially the ones that are social in nature, require agencies from outside the government to find deliverance. This, not because the State is uninterested or unmoved, but because special situations require special engagements, not all of which can be quantified or found precedence for – processes without which governments/ govt departments cannot make decisions in time. And time is an important factor when dealing with social problems and situations where delays can foment disaffection and make situations worse. But the State has a role to play still. The State needs to play the role of a facilitator by putting in place the right enabling laws and making available the required funds to aid the process. When the government takes on the role of the NGOs, there is too much tokenism which does not really help anyone. This is not for want of intent, but more a fallout of the importance that paperwork scores over delivery when it comes to ‘official’ work; it results from a lack of commitment caused by haphazard prioritisation. Government officials are after all 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 only ex-officio responsible towards. Without complete involvement, social problems cannot be solved and this commitment can only be brought to the table by volunteers who choose to be involved. Real work involves getting the hands dirty and that is too much to expect from a person with 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 are unwilling to risk. In Sikkim, at present, the NGO culture is still nascent and because of this the government-NGO relationship is also not one of mutual respect. Since most NGOs here are completely dependent on the State [or parent corporate house in some cases] for funds and 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.