Difference Between Civil Society And NGOs

Civil societies and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are covered by the World Health Organisation (WHO). They are actively involved in promoting agendas such as fighting against Polio, cancer, refugee children, discrimination and women’s rights. However, there are certain differences between NGOs and civil society.

Meaning of Civil Society

According to the WHO, civil society differs from a commercial profit-making institution. Civil societies include development NGOs, charities, women’s organisations, community groups, faith-based organisations, trade unions, professional associations, social movements and advocacy groups. It represents marginalised groups and individuals/groups who are not heard.

Civil society organisations operate outside of the traditional institution of the state. Thus, they can persuade, negotiate and force the state representatives/institutions to become sensitive to citizens’ rights and demands. Civil societies are crucial stakeholders in achieving sustainable, equitable and inclusive development goals for economic growth.

The types of civil society organisations are as follows:

• Civil rights advocacy organisations: They promote the human rights of particular social groups, such as migrants, women, people with HIV, people with disabilities, sex workers, tribal people, Dalit members, etc.
• Civil liberties advocacy organisations: They promote equal human rights and civil liberties for all rather than concentrating on a specific social class.
• Community-based organisations: They promote citizen engagement in general public policy problems to improve the quality of life in society.
• International peace and human rights organisations: They foster human rights and peace on an international level.

Meaning of NGOs

A Non-Governmental Organisation is an organisation established voluntarily by a group of people with a social mission to improve society. It functions independently from the government. It is a non-profit, non-state entity organised at the regional, local or international level to pursue public interest.

NGOs are concerned with social development, justice and human rights. Governments fund NGOs, in whole or in part. But they retain non-governmental status by preventing government officials from being members of the organisation.

NGOs play a crucial role in a country’s social development and provide various opportunities for needy people. They have emerged as an institutional framework to function as a catalyst for the betterment of society since they aim at building sustainable and self-reliant development. 

Link Between Civil Society and NGO

The interpretation of the Constitution of India and its policies broadened the scope for development to include economic progress for citizens and the promotion of gender equity, social justice, citizen awareness, empowerment, inclusion and improved quality of life.

To realise the holistic vision and broadened development scope, the state must have collaborative and positive civil society participation in its developmental programmes and projects. NGOs have a significant role in initiating the development process by acting as an operational arm of civil society.

For example – The fundamental right under Articles 23 and 24 of the Constitution of India makes provisions for stopping the exploitation of children. Civil society must work towards this goal. An NGO, like the Centre for Child Rights, Red Cross Society or the United Nations Body like UNICEF, works towards achieving the goals enshrined in the Constitution of India or civil society.

What Is The Difference Between Civil Society And NGO?

• Foundation

The foundation of modern political parties is a civil society. Whereas NGOs act as the life force for civil society. The NGOs act as support for the governance of civil society.

• Meaning

Civil society is an association rather than a family or state acting as a proactive part of economic, social and cultural activity. NGOs are non-profit organisations backed by a group of volunteers organised at regional, local or international levels.

• Role

The government has to follow the parameters to be a civil state and have a civil society. The roles defined for governance and administration are a part of civil society. The non-performance of functions by a state leads to the rise of NGOs. The growth of NGOs in a civil society highlights the state’s declining governance and legitimacy. NGOs are responsive and accountable and take action for public rights to bring about social change. 

• Goal

In a civil society, citizens have fundamental duties, rights and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) as provided in the Constitution of India. The goal of civil society is to implement the fundamental rights, duties and DPSP. The role of NGOs appears when the state consists of entrenched interests and functioning making it unable to work with its people.

Civil society and NGOs are engaged in safeguarding the human rights of individuals. They work to uplift poor individuals and betterment of society. Civil society plays a significant role in social issues and in finding proactive solutions to poverty and discrimination. NGOs have been a driving force acting as an organisational arm of civil society.