NGOs are vital to the rural development of any nation.

The possibility, range and scale of growth and development in India are tremendous. Apart from the economy, various other aspects need to be taken into account which includes social growth, quality of life, empowerment, women and children development, education, and universal consciousness of the inhabitants. The task of development is not just colossal but requires a detailed approach and includes more than just governmental implementation of policies and programmes.

Many rural areas in the country are still fighting for basic amenities such as employment security, cleanliness, education, medical and healthcare facilities, basic infrastructure, etc.; therefore, the fundamental rural development must include all these facilities, comprehensively. There still remains a wide gap between the set goal and work done, which is why the role of NGOs in rural development is of utmost significance.

NGOs, owing to their philanthropic nature, are proficient and capable of spreading awareness and bringing about a change in the way the rural population thinks and acts, ensuring that they adhere to the policies and take advantage of the programmes that are launched, catering specifically to their needs and requirements. Moreover, NGOs can flexibly systematise themselves to concentrate on a particular locality or a community as well to ensure efficient collaboration with the government. Over many years, the role of NGOs in the rural development of India has amplified.

The role of the NGO significantly changes with the change in the policies of the government through different plans, and to do so, NGOs are now attracting professionals from different fields, who act as planners and implementers of developmental plans and help in mobilising local resources. Therefore, the role of NGOs in rural development is not only wholesome but also critical in building a self-reliant and sustainable society. NGOs act as the mediator between people and government.

Facilitating the development, education, professionalisation, etc., NGOs undertake all these responsibilities and often get very little credit for facing and overcoming umpteen hurdles, whilst still achieving their objectives considerably. Having stated that, the victory of rural development still depends on the willingness and active participation of the rural populace. Save the Children, for instance, has impacted the lives of many by working closely with government bodies and agencies in the field of children’s welfare. Their programmes and activities currently run across 19 states in India.

Would you like to participate and help them bring about a change?

Visit www.savethchildren.in for more information.