The merit-based actions against some civil society groups are necessary but some opine it as curb on dissent. Analyze.

The Civil society refers to those non-governmental actors that work as non-profit actors for humanitarian causes. They are so well recognized that their participation is extensive in UN & its associated bodies.

Impact of actions on civil society:

• If action is too much – results in persecution, freedom issue, rule of law not followed, welfare approach reduces.
• If action is too little – Internal security issues, Hidden agendas, Anti-development activities.

Challenges in civil society:

• Lack of following of audit rules and lack of transparency.
• Disregard for FCRA & FEMA.
• IB report (2014) stated that foreign funded civil societies have cost of 2-3% of GDP.
• Vested interests and working for foreign nations.
• Stall development projects by PIL & RTI overdoses.
• Forced conversion by luring with monetary benefits.

How excessive action is bad:

• Targeted and specific actions must be taken & targeting must be avoided.
• Large fraction of civil society is honest; thus need to differentiate all.
• Rationalization of the compliance laws needed.
• Coercion and agenda-driven approach to be avoided.
• Their rights under the constitution and laws are harmed.

Way Forward:

Civil society works in expressing state excesses, voices people’s concerns, improves scheme implementation. Hence, a collaborative approach is the need of the hour.

Topics: GS-I : Salient Features of Indian Society, Diversity of India • GS-II: Social Sector Services Education Human Resources • GS-II: Important Aspects of Governance Transparency and Accountability Citizen Charters