GS2 · 10 marks · 150 words

"The increasing regulatory oversight on civil society organisations risks shrinking democratic space." Examine.

Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyTransparency and Accountability

Syllabus: Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.

How toppers approached it

From all 3 answers · about 200 words · 33% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A figure1 of 3
  • A date or context1 of 3
  • A constitutional or legal provision1 of 3

Body

  • Points3 of 3

Close

  • A way forward3 of 3

The toppers’ answers

Pakshal SecretryAIR 8 · CSE 2025 · 95 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a date or context

Recently government amended FCRA Act to ensure greater regulatory oversight on civil society.

Body · points

Diagram
Need → - FATF guidelines - IB Report: loss of 1-2% of GDP due to Activism - Money Laundering → IRP of Zakir Naik for Terror financing

Issues

  1. Cancellation of license of genuine NGOs (eg Oxfam, CHRI).

  2. Excessive regulation (eg Audit every 6 month, account in Delhi Branch)

  3. Prosecution of Dissent Eg ED Raids on NGOs against government

  4. Switching off funding for small NGOs Eg Not allowing large NGOs to subtend finances

  5. Misuse of the laws to silent democratic voices

  6. Chilling effect → due to psychological pressure on NGO

Way forward

  1. Doctrine of Proportionality in regulation
  2. Independent Body for regulatory oversight

Close · a way forward

None written.

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