The civil society is playing an increasingly important role due to developmental policies and actions of the state in the present times. Evaluate.

Civil society encompasses all organizations and associations existing outside the state including political parties, NGOs, labour unions, professional associations, community groups, religious organizations etc.

Civil Society now have important role in present times as they influence both government policies and social attitudes. In times of development policies, they act as counter-weight to state power.

It provides basis for collective action by pursuing common interests.

Role of civil society in present times -

1. Public education : Awareness is paramount to make people aware of their rights.

2. Voice to stakeholders : Promotes democratic governance.

3. Policy inputs to government thus ensuring everyone's interests are represented.

4. Transparency of governance : In times of coalgate and 2G scams, they cause public transparency.

5. Public accountability : Civil society movement has given rise to term 'social accountability' i.e. giving people power to hold officials accountable.

6. legitimacy : Civil society provides legitimacy as it represents everyone's interests, so people feel that government is functioning according to them.

Civil society also helps in promoting global order. However it has some negative links too -

1. They may not be representative. They may work for their petty interests - like groups engaged in ultra-nationalism.

2. Civil societies are not consulted adequately by government. e.g. recently but up draft mental health bill has excluded many recommendations of civil societies.

3. May be insensitive towards local culture - like a foreign civil society may be shocked at seeing caste system, but its a functional reality in India.

4. They may lack internal democracy.