In modern welfare states, the aim of government is to provide good governance. But it does not mean that, government will be overburdened. Again, good governance, which is, maximum development for majority population should be the ultimate end. So the rolling back of the state from major sectors is a viable alternative for effective socio-economic development. This retreat of state has opened floodgates for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). In an interventionist welfare state lines dividing the civil and political societies get increasingly blurred. Without entering into a deeper debate, one should safely assume that the civil society should compliment the state if desirable, collaborate if possible, and confront if necessary. The idea and the role of civil society have been recognised in the past two decades with the wave of democratization. Civil Society is composed of groups and associations organised voluntarily, devoted to the cause of collective good, independent of state and of any other vested interest. The concept highlights the role of citizens, their action groups and mission-driven community organisations as vibrant modes of people’s participation. CSOs, all over the world treat people’s participation as a tool to fight against socio-economic ills. With this background, this book is an attempt to illustrate the concept of civil society and its intervention in socio-economic fields, by taking experiences from some countries around the world.
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