Types of NGOs

Non-Governmental Organisations, or NGOs, play a significant role in addressing social and economic issues in India. These organisations are run by individuals who are committed to making a positive difference in their communities by addressing a wide range of issues, including poverty, education, healthcare, human rights, and environmental sustainability. 

NGOs in India are diverse and can be categorised based on their orientation, including charitable, service, participatory, empowering, community-based, citywide, national, and international. Each type of NGO has its approach to addressing social and economic issues and improving the lives of people in need. In this article, we will explore the different types of NGOs in India, and how they are working towards creating a better future for the country.

What is an NGO?

An NGO, or non-governmental organisation, is a non-profit organisation that operates independently of government or for-profit entities. NGOs can be involved in a variety of activities such as charitable, educational, developmental, environmental, or advocacy work. 

They are typically funded by donations, grants, or other forms of fundraising, and their primary goal is often to promote social or political change or to address a specific issue or problem. There are different types of NGOs and some examples of well-known NGOs include the Red Cross, Amnesty International, and Greenpeace.

How are NGOs governed in India?

In India, NGOs are governed by a variety of laws and regulations at the national, state, and local levels. The primary law governing NGOs in India is the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA). The FCRA regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign funds by NGOs, and requires NGOs to register with the Ministry of Home Affairs if they receive foreign funds.

NGOs in India can also register under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, or the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, depending on their legal structure. These laws require NGOs to register with the relevant state government authorities and to comply with certain legal requirements regarding governance, transparency, and accountability.

In addition to these laws, NGOs in India are also subject to various tax laws and regulations, including the Income Tax Act, 1961, which provides tax exemptions to NGOs that meet certain criteria.

Types of NGOs

The different types of NGOs are:

Charitable Orientation

NGOs with a charitable orientation focus on providing assistance to those in need. This may include providing food, shelter, healthcare, education, or other basic needs. These NGOs typically rely on donations and fundraising to support their work, and often partner with government agencies, corporations, and other organisations to provide assistance to the communities they serve. 

Examples of NGOs with a charitable orientation in India include HelpAge India, which focuses on providing assistance to the elderly, CRY, which works to improve the lives of underprivileged children, and Goonj, which collects and distributes clothing to those in need.

Service Orientation

NGOs with a service orientation focus on providing specific services to their target communities. This may include healthcare, education, vocational training, or other services. These NGOs typically have a more structured approach to their work, with clear goals and objectives for the services they provide. 

Examples of NGOs with a service orientation in India include the Akshaya Patra Foundation, which provides mid-day meals to school children, the Aravind Eye Care System, which provides high-quality eye care services to those in need, and SEWA, which provides a range of services to women in the informal sector.

Participatory Orientation

NGOs with a participatory orientation work with communities to address issues and encourage participation in decision-making. These NGOs believe in the power of communities to solve their own problems, and often work closely with local communities to develop solutions that are tailored to their specific needs. 

Examples of NGOs with a participatory orientation in India include PRADAN, which works with rural communities to promote sustainable livelihoods, Adivasi Munnetra Sangam, which works with indigenous communities to protect their rights and improve their living conditions, and Shikshan Ane Samaj Kalyan Kendra, which works with communities to promote education and social development.

Empowering Orientation

NGOs with an empowering orientation focus on empowering communities and individuals to improve their own lives. These NGOs believe that sustainable change can only happen when people are given the tools and resources they need to take control of their own lives. 

Examples of NGOs with an empowering orientation in India include Navjyoti India Foundation, which works with disadvantaged youth to promote education and employment, Bachpan Bachao Andolan, which works to protect the rights of children and prevent child labor, and Barefoot College, which promotes sustainable development through education and training.

Community-based Organisations (CBOs)

Community-based organisations are grassroots-level NGOs that work at the community level to address local issues. These NGOs are often run by members of the community, and are focused on addressing the specific needs and concerns of their local area. 

Examples of CBOs in India include Gram Vikas, which works with rural communities to promote sustainable development, Lokadrusti, which works with marginalised communities to promote social and economic development, and Mahila Abhivruddhi Society, which works with women’s groups to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Citywide Organisations

Citywide organisations are NGOs that operate at the city or urban level to address issues specific to that area. These NGOs may focus on issues such as urban poverty, sanitation, or education, and often work closely with local government agencies to develop solutions to these problems. 

Examples of citywide organisations in India include Bangalore Cares, which works to improve the lives of people living in Bangalore, Mumbai Mobile Creches, which provides daycare services to children of migrant workers in Mumbai, and Delhi Greens, which works to promote environmental sustainability in Delhi.

National NGOs

National NGOs are NGOs that operate across the country and have a national presence. These NGOs may focus on a range of issues, and often have a large staff and budget to support their work. National NGOs may work closely with government agencies and other organisations to develop policies and programs that address national-level issues. 

Examples of national NGOs in India include Save the Children India, which works to improve the lives of children across the country, and Oxfam India, which works to promote social and economic justice.

International NGOs

International NGOs are NGOs that operate globally and have a presence in India. These NGOs may focus on a range of issues, including humanitarian aid, development, and human rights. International NGOs often have a large staff and budget to support their work, and may work closely with local NGOs and government agencies to implement their programs. 

Examples of international NGOs in India include UNICEF, which works to promote the rights and well-being of children, World Vision India, which works to improve the lives of children and families in need, and Save the Children International, which works to protect children’s rights and provide humanitarian aid in times of crisis.

The bottom line

In conclusion, NGOs in India have played a crucial role in bringing about social and economic change in the country. There a different types of NGOs and address a range of issues, from poverty alleviation to healthcare, education, human rights, and environmental sustainability. 

Through their work, NGOs have helped to empower individuals and communities, creating a more equitable and just society.