By Tariq Ahmad Banday
X: @the_news_21
Srinagar: The rapid growth of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) in Jammu and Kashmir is indeed alarming and warrants close monitoring. With numerous NGOs operating in the region, it’s essential to ensure their activities are transparent, accountable, and aligned with the welfare of the local community.
Some of the concerns surrounding the expansion of NGOs in Jammu and Kashmir include the potential for exploitation, duplication of efforts, and lack of coordination with government agencies. Moreover, the involvement of NGOs in sensitive areas like education, healthcare, and human rights requires careful scrutiny to prevent any adverse consequences.
To address these concerns, it’s crucial to establish a robust monitoring mechanism that can track the activities, funding, and impact of NGOs operating in Jammu and Kashmir. This can be achieved through:
Registration and Accreditation: Ensuring all NGOs register with the relevant authorities and obtain necessary accreditations.
Financial Transparency: Mandating NGOs to disclose their funding sources, expenses, and audited financial reports.
Activity Monitoring: Regularly monitoring NGO activities, including their projects, beneficiaries, and outcomes.
Community Engagement: Fostering dialogue between NGOs, local communities, and government agencies to ensure accountability and coordination.
By implementing these measures, we can ensure that the expansion of NGOs in Kashmir is constructive, transparent, and ultimately benefits the local community
A thought-provoking perspective. The notion that some NGOs in Kashmir valley may inadvertently create a culture of dependency rather than promoting self-sufficiency is a concern that warrants attention.
Some possible factors contributing to this issue:
Dependence on aid: Over-reliance on NGO aid can lead to a lack of motivation to work and earn a living.
Lack of skill development: If NGOs focus primarily on providing hand-outs rather than skill development and education, beneficiaries may not acquire the skills needed to become self-sufficient.
Misallocated resources: In some cases, NGO resources might be misallocated or mismanaged, leading to ineffective or unsustainable projects.
Cultural and social factors: Local cultural and social norms may also play a role in perpetuating a culture of dependency.
To address this issue:
Emphasize skill development and education: NGOs should focus on providing training and education to help beneficiaries acquire skills and become self-sufficient.
Promote sustainable livelihoods: NGOs should support initiatives that promote sustainable livelihoods, such as entrepreneurship, agriculture, and handicrafts.
Encourage community participation: NGOs should involve local communities in the decision-making process to ensure that projects are tailored to their needs and promote self-sufficiency.
Monitor and evaluate impact: NGOs should regularly monitor and evaluate their impact to ensure that their efforts are effective and sustainable.
About the author: Columnist Tariq Ahmad Banday can be contacted on email at – Tariqbanday7890@gmail.com
