NGOs: An Introduction

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 the 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 Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs). It is to be noted here that, NGOs have their origin since the emergence of UNO, but the term ‘NGO’ carries different connotations under different circumstances, based on the socio-economic foundations of the nation. In this free market economy, NGOs are ubiquitous, invading a number of socio-economic fields like promotion of human rights, protection of environment, women empowerment, combating corruption, solving international disputes, waste management etc. The roles played by them are really praiseworthy. This book is an attempt to illustrate such new dimensions of socio-economic fields in which NGOs are playing key roles, by taking experiences from some countries around the world.