WHAT IS AN NGO?

‘NGO’ is now a widely used word denoting to registered trusts, societies, cooperative societies, endowments, non-profit companies, etc. working for the welfare, development and progress of people and in a way supplement similar functions of the state and hence, called as Non-Government Organisations (NGOs). It is not a technical word; rather it is used in a common parlance.  

With the increasing role of private groups in achieving welfare objectives of governments, the nomenclature ‘Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)’ came into currency. What were earlier called as Voluntary Organisations (VOs) or Voluntary agencies (VAs) have gradually transformed to a great extent as NGOs denoting that they are working with partial or full support of government funds in achieving certain welfare goals of society. However, the NGOs have some peculiar characteristics to qualify so. That is an NGO is:

• A group of private individuals agreed to work for some expressed cause or causes.
• A non-profit making body.
• A duly registered/recognised body working within the framework of approved rules and regulations.
• An outfit having duly constituted management body.
• An organisation assisting in empowerment of people.
• A non-political entity engaged to help, assist and cooperate with people to alleviate their conditions.
• An organised, independent, democratic and non-sectarian group of people.
• An organisation that fulfills requirements of approved norms and government criteria essential for governmental grants i.e. due registration, three years’ contribution in the field of social service, etc.

For details vide "A Guide to Uplift Minorities"

www.muslimngos.com
Abdul Rashid Agwan
Director, CAVE
Center for Advancement of Voluntary Efforts
Muslim Ngos
Updated by: Intimate Solutions
Musab Rafiq Agwan