How do NGOs act as social mediators to bring about change in social and behavioural attitudes ? What are the other major roles played by the various NGOs? (Identify any 3)

Non-profit organisations play a vital role in mobilizing public attention to societal problems and needs. They are the principal vehicle through which communities can give voice to their concerns. Acting as a social mediator: NGOs act as social mediators at different levels of society so as to bring the required change in social and behavioural attitudes prevailing within the social environment. They create awareness among people and become the voice of the poor and needy person or group. The non-profit sector acts as a flexible mechanism through which people concerned about a social or economic problem can begin to respond. It also caters to groups of the population who desire a range of public goods that exceeds what the government or society is willing to support. Other roles are: Improving Government performance: It is one of the important works of the NGOs to ensure that the Government should be responsive and solve the problems of the citizens thereby making the Government more accountable. NGOs can broaden government's accountability by ensuring government is responsive to citizens at large rather than to narrow sectarian interests. They also induce innovation and flexibility in policymaking by bringing their own independent expertise and research teams. They enhance the efficiency of delivery of many services at the local level through involvement of residents. They also improve policy monitoring and evaluation as Comptroller and auditor general (CAG) takes cognizance of reports and social audits by NGOs while preparing its reports. NGOs also help in providing suggestions and their expertise in matters related to policy-making of Government by providing research teams. Many path-breaking laws in the country like Environmental Protection Act 1986, Right to Education Act 2009, Right to Information Act 2005, etc. have been formulated with the initiatives of the NGOs. NGOs help in constructive conflict resolution. In the international arena Track II diplomacy (involving non-governmental bodies) plays a crucial role in creating an environment of trust and confidence. Facilitating communication: NGOs work at two different levels in order to facilitate communication. One is at the upward level whereby NGOs inform the Government about the needs, abilities, and activities of the people in their local area. On the other hand, they work at the downward level where people are informed and educated about the policies and programs of the Government. Acting as a pressure group: They also act as a pressure group and mobilize public opinion against various Governmental policies and activities. They also help poor people, Farmers, Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe etc. in availing quality services by making the Government accountable. Building Community Participation: NGOs encourage and facilitate the participation of disadvantaged communities and help in preserving the culture of diverse communities. The non-profit organisations offer alternative perspectives; and most importantly, the capacity to conduct a meaningful dialogue with communities, particularly those that are disadvantaged. They foster pluralism, diversity and freedom. Many NGOs work to preserve and promote India's diverse culture. Women Empowerment: The role of NGOs in women empowerment cannot be denied. They have been constantly fighting against social evils like Sati, dowry, cruelty, and other causes like employment, lessening of female foeticide, etc. Mobilising Local Resources: Over utilization of natural resources lead to natural calamities and environmental threats. NGOs keep an eye on this particular domain so that the destruction of natural resources does not take place. Providing Education, Training, and Technical Assistance: NGOs provide education, training, and technical assistance to the people in need, volunteers, and to other NGOs. Later on, the trained NGOs provide their services to assist the Government. Bridging the Gap: NGOs reach out to those sections of people who are often left untouched by the State projects. For example, during the Covid-19 crisis, aid was provided to migrant workers. Apart from this, NGOs are also engaged in activities like education, human and labor rights, legal aid, gender issues, healthcare, and even research. Monitoring and Evaluation: NGOs monitor and evaluate government policies and activities that encourage active people's participation in the developmental process. This also results in keeping a check on the administrative functions of the Government.