Answer:

The World Bank defines NGOs as “private organizations that pursue activities to relieve suffering and promote the interests of the poor.” They have played an important role in India’s development process by carrying out supporting activities. NGOs provide last mile delivery of services where the State does not or cannot reach. NGOs provide feedback about efficacy of government schemes and complement in their implementation. National policy on Voluntary Sector, 2007 recognised explicitly the role of voluntary sector in national development.

Their wide scope of activities which affect crucial public interests requires that there be a proper legal and regulatory mechanism in place. Further, to enable them to function in an atmosphere of certainty, an ‘adequate’ framework is necessary.