Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

The role of civil society in governance has evolved significantly in recent decades. Initially focused on nation-building and rights-based advocacy in the post-independence era, civil society organisations shifted towards filling service delivery gaps and promoting accountability in the 1990s and 2000s.

• More recently, their role has expanded to include digital engagement, collaborative governance, and data-driven advocacy, reflecting the changing landscape of democratic participation and technological advancements.

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Role of Civil Society in Policy Formulation and Implementation in Democratic Systems

• Enhanced Public Participation in Policymaking: Civil society organisations (CSOs) have increased citizen involvement in the policymaking process, bridging the gap between the public and government.
  • In India, the Right to Information (RTI) movement, spearheaded by civil society groups like the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), led to the enactment of the RTI Act in 2005.
• Advocacy and Agenda-setting: CSOs play a crucial role in bringing important issues to the forefront of public discourse and political agendas.
  • The Narmada Bachao Andolan, led by Medha Patkar, brought attention to the environmental and social impacts of large dam projects
• Policy Research and Expertise: Civil society often provides valuable research and expert knowledge to inform policy decisions.
  • The Centre for Policy Research (CPR) in New Delhi regularly produces policy papers and recommendations that inform legislative debates and policymakers across various sectors.
• Watchdog Function: CSOs act as watchdogs, monitoring government actions and holding public officials accountable.
  • The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) acts as a watchdog for electoral processes in India (e.g, Recent Association for Democratic Reforms and Another v. Union of India and Others Case on Electoral Bonds).
• Service Delivery: In many cases, civil society organisations complement or supplement government efforts in service delivery, particularly in areas where the state's reach is limited.
  • The Akshaya Patra Foundation in India works in partnership with the government to implement the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, providing nutritious meals to millions of school children.
• Representation of Marginalised Groups: Civil society often advocates for and represents the interests of marginalised or underrepresented communities in the policy process.
  • The National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR) has been instrumental in advocating for Dalit rights.
• Policy Implementation and Feedback: Civil society organisations often participate in policy implementation and provide valuable feedback on the effectiveness of policies.
  • Pratham, an NGO focused on education, conducts the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), which has become a crucial tool in assessing and improving the quality of education in rural India.
• Mobilisation of Public Opinion: CSOs can mobilise public opinion on critical issues, influencing policy decisions through grassroots movements.
  • The anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare in India mobilised massive public support, leading to the creation of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
• Collaborative Governance: There's a growing trend of collaborative governance where civil society organisations work in partnership with government bodies to co-create and implement policies.
  • Swachhta Hi Seva Campaign saw extensive collaboration between the government and civil society organisations like Sulabh International in implementing sanitation programs across the country.

Challenges and Considerations:

• While civil society has significantly enhanced democratic governance, there are concerns about the representativeness and accountability of some CSOs.
• In some contexts, there are concerns about the foreign funding of NGOs and their potential influence on domestic policies. (In 2020, Amnesty International India ceased operations after its bank accounts were frozen by the government, citing violations of foreign funding regulations)
• The digital divide (only 24% of rural Indian households have access to the Internet) may limit the participation of certain sections of society in newer forms of civic engagement.

Conclusion

The evolution of civil society's role in governance has undoubtedly deepened democratic processes, making policy formulation and implementation more participatory, transparent, and responsive to public needs. As democracies continue to evolve, finding the right balance and fostering productive partnerships between government and civil society will be crucial for effective and inclusive governance.