A case study is a comprehensive and in-depth examination of a particular subject, often within its real-life context. It serves as a methodological tool to explore, analyze, and understand complex issues or phenomena, ranging from individual experiences to organizational challenges. Typically employed in various academic disciplines, business settings, and scientific research, a case study involves an extensive investigation that aims to provide a detailed account of the subject under scrutiny. By delving into the intricate details of a specific case, researchers can uncover valuable insights, draw conclusions, and offer practical solutions. This method offers a holistic approach, allowing for a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing the subject, making it an invaluable tool for gaining knowledge and informing decision-making processes.
Q14. Saraswati was a successful IT professional in the USA. Moved by the patriotic sense of doing something for the country she returned to India. Together with some other like minded friends, she formed an NGO to build a school for a poor rural community. The objective of the school was to provide the best quality modern education at a nominal cost. She soon discovered that she had to seek permission from a number of Government agencies. The rules and procedures were quite confusing and cumbersome. What frustrated her most was delays, callous attitude of officials and constant demand for bribes. Her experience and the experience of many others like her has deterred people from taking up social service projects.
A measure of Government control over voluntary social work is necessary. But it should not be exercised in a coercive and corrupt manner. What measures can you suggest to ensure that due control is exercised but well meaning, honest NGO efforts are not thwarted? (300 Words, 25 Marks).
Tag: Case Studies
Answer:
The issue discussed in the case is faced by individuals, intended to work for the welfare of the society and for the country but gets stuck up in red tape and bureaucratic apathy. The novel intentions such as building a school for poorer sections without aiming for profit, facing such a problem shows that selflessness also has a price.
Stakeholder in the case:
- Saraswati, a successful IT professional and few of her like minded friends.
- NGO formed by Saraswati.
- Government agencies.
Cases of connection of NGO in corruption and mis-utilisation of funds are on increase. However, there are many genuine initiatives also which require government support to initiate positive steps for the betterment of the marginalized people.
A measure of Government control over voluntary social work is necessary because:
- Laying out simple rules applying to all new entrants as well the existing ones. Reducing red tapism experienced in the form of exhaustive paper work and clearances from various departments.
- Strict action against complaints regarding intentional blocking of entry of new NGO by a concerned authority in lieu of bribes and personal favor.
- Recently many NGOs have faced cancellation of their registration under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010. These cancellations have been widely criticized. The government has been charged with stalling ground level work which is carried by NGOs. In order to avert such a situation a transparent system for both grant providers and receivers of such funds should be created.
- Regular appraisals of NGO by government officials must be conducted to verify the purpose, nature of work and practices followed by NGOs to ensure credibility of an NGO.
- Trust deficit created between NGOs and the government, both questioning each other’s intention must be worked out as the common man suffers the most in between as visible in the case of Saraswati.
My suggested measures are:
- There is a need to establish a single window clearance mechanism to reduce the registration time.
- A National Accreditation Council including academicians, activists, retired bureaucrats etc., must be set up to ensure compliance by the NGOs.
- A centralized system can be designed for registration of NGOs and then they can be linked with respective ministries to improve coordination and transparency in funding patterns.
- The funding mechanism from the donors should involve accountability and money beyond a certain amount should be disclosed to the government.
- Third-party Audit mechanisms should be made mandatory so that genuine efforts can be differentiated properly with malpractices.
- Changes ought to be proposed in the management and marketing of the NGOs.
A new outline has to be framed to look into works of charity that does not involve any alleged financial misappropriation. Therefore, the measures of the government must be intended at rebuilding the trust with philanthropists so that society will not suffer due to tussle between government and social organizations.
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