UPSC Mains 2015 GS2 Q10 — NGOs and Environment
How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to protection of the environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints. (Answer in 200 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- How canStrengthenedDiscussThrowing light on
- Scope keywords
- role of NGOsdevelopment worksprotection of the environmentmajor constraints
- Implicit sub-parts
- What specific 'developmental' roles do NGOs play in environmental protection (e.g., advocacy vs. grassroots implementation)?
- What are the structural, financial, and legal bottlenecks currently hindering these NGOs?
- What concrete policy or institutional reforms are needed to strengthen their capacity?
- How to balance the state's security concerns (FCRA etc.) with the NGO's role as an environmental watchdog?
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a generic essay on NGOs without linking them specifically to 'environment' and 'development'.
- Ignoring the 'major constraints' and focusing only on suggestions.
- Failing to mention the tension between environmental activism and industrial development projects.
- Overlooking recent regulatory changes like the FCRA Amendment Act which serve as a primary modern constraint.
- Omitting the collaborative aspect between the government (e.g., CAMPA, Namami Gange) and NGOs.
- Dimensions required
- Legal/Regulatory (FCRA, Registration)Financial (Funding, CSR, Philanthropy)Technological (Environmental monitoring, GIS)Grassroots/Social (Tribal rights, Community mobilization)Institutional (Public-Private Partnership models)
- Marks allocation hint
Spend approximately 50-60 words on the 'Constraints' to set the stage. Dedicate the bulk (100-110 words) to 'How to strengthen' categorized by legal, financial, and technical measures. Use the remaining 30-40 words for a forward-looking intro/conclusion that links environmental protection to sustainable development goals.
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