UPSC Mains 2021 GS2 Q18 — NGOs and Civil Society
Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benefit the common citizen? Discuss the challenges of this alternative model. (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Discuss
- Scope keywords
- Civil SocietyNon-Governmental Organizationsalternative modelpublic service deliverycommon citizenchallenges
- Implicit sub-parts
- What defines the 'alternative model' versus the traditional 'top-down' bureaucratic model?
- Specific mechanisms of delivery (e.g., last-mile reach, participatory governance, social auditing).
- Arguments for how this model empowers the 'common citizen' more effectively than state machinery.
- Institutional, financial, and regulatory roadblocks preventing these entities from scaling.
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a generic essay on the 'importance of NGOs' instead of focusing strictly on the 'service delivery model'.
- Failing to mention the 'hybrid model' (PPP) where NGOs augment rather than completely replace the state.
- Ignoring the recent regulatory landscape like the FCRA amendments which serve as a critical contemporary challenge.
- Neglecting the issues of accountability and 'democratic deficit' when non-elected bodies handle public funds.
- Dimensions required
- Administrative (Efficiency/Last-mile)Economic (Cost-effectiveness)Social (Inclusivity/Equity)Legal/Regulatory (FCRA/Compliance)Political (Accountability/Transparency)
- Marks allocation hint
Spend approximately 100 words defining the alternative model with specific examples like SEWA or Akshaya Patra to show efficacy. Dedicate the next 100 words to a nuanced discussion of challenges including funding, scale, and state-interference. Use the final 50 words for a balanced conclusion suggesting a collaborative rather than a competitive framework.
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