COMPARISON BETWEEN INDIA AND GLOBAL CIVIL SOCIETY
1. Political Context and Challenges
India: Indian civil society operates in a complex and sometimes adversarial
political environment. Since the 1990s, India has seen an expansion of civil
society groups focusing on rights-based advocacy—such as environmental protection,
women’s rights, and tribal rights—which has at times led to conflicts with
government policies, especially around development projects. The Foreign
Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) amendments have introduced stringent regulations
on foreign funding, leading to the restriction or shutdown of several NGOs,
particularly those involved in human rights advocacy. This has created a
challenging environment for organizations that rely on international funding to
support their work, especially those that seek to hold the government accountable
on sensitive issues.
Global: Around the world, civil society groups also face political challenges, but
the nature and intensity vary widely by region. In democratic countries, NGOs
generally operate freely and may even collaborate closely with governments, such as
in the European Union, where NGOs often partner with government bodies to implement
development projects. However, in authoritarian countries or regions with unstable
political climates, civil society groups often face severe restrictions, including
censorship, intimidation, and even violence against activists. Some governments
have enacted laws mirroring India’s FCRA, which restrict foreign funding and limit
the operational freedom of civil society organizations, especially those that
challenge state policies. The rising trend of “shrinking civic space” globally
reflects growing government suspicion of NGOs, particularly those that promote
human rights and political reform.
2. Funding and Resources
India: Funding is a significant challenge for Indian civil society, with many
organizations operating on limited budgets and relying on foreign donations,
grants, and occasional CSR funds from Indian companies. The introduction of
stricter FCRA regulations has impacted many organizations, as foreign funds are
often crucial for operations, especially in sectors like environmental protection,
tribal rights, and human rights, which may not receive as much support from
domestic sources. The restrictions have forced many organizations to seek alternate
forms of funding, including crowdfunding, local partnerships, and collaborations
with private foundations. However, domestic funding sources may not fully address
the needs, especially for grassroots organizations that lack visibility and formal
networks to tap into corporate or high-net-worth individual donations.
Global: Globally, civil society funding varies widely. Large international NGOs
like Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) and Oxfam have diversified
funding streams, including grants from multiple governments, philanthropic
foundations, and millions of small individual donors. This helps them maintain
independence and resilience. Meanwhile, local NGOs, especially in low-income
countries, face challenges similar to those in India, as they rely heavily on
international funding but often lack access to large grants or direct channels with
international donors. Recently, there has been a push to “decolonize” aid,
advocating for more funding directly to local organizations instead of through
intermediaries, but this is a gradual process, and significant disparities in
resource distribution remain.
3. Digital Presence and Adaptation
India: Indian civil society has rapidly adapted to digital tools, especially after
the COVID-19 pandemic forced a shift to online engagement. Digital platforms have
enabled Indian civil society organizations (CSOs) to expand their reach, engage
with younger audiences, and amplify advocacy campaigns. For instance, during
protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the farmers’ protests,
social media played a crucial role in organizing and spreading awareness on a
national and international level. NGOs have also used digital platforms for
fundraising, storytelling, and mobilization. However, digital activism comes with
challenges; Indian civil society faces increasing government oversight of online
content, and activists must navigate issues of censorship and digital security.
Additionally, internet access remains uneven across urban and rural areas, which
can limit digital mobilization efforts in certain regions.
Global: Globally, civil society organizations have embraced digital transformation
as well, with social media campaigns raising awareness about issues from climate
change to racial justice. Movements like #BlackLivesMatter and Fridays for Future
have used online platforms to achieve global reach and inspire activism across
borders. In regions with high internet penetration, digital tools have become
essential for advocacy, resource mobilization, and coordination. However, digital
civil society also faces challenges such as misinformation, data privacy concerns,
and cyberattacks, which can undermine the credibility and security of CSOs. In
authoritarian countries, digital platforms can be subject to government monitoring,
making online activism a potentially risky endeavor for local activists. Despite
these challenges, digital presence remains crucial for civil society worldwide as
it provides unprecedented opportunities for engagement, solidarity, and resource
generation.
The future of civil society in India has a lot of promise, but there are challenges
too.
1. Working More Closely with the Government:
Civil society groups—like NGOs, charities, and activists—are expected to work more
closely with the government to address big issues like healthcare, education,
poverty, and the environment. Since they understand local problems and communities
well, they can help design solutions that really work for people.As people in India
expect more honesty and transparency in government, civil society will likely push
for fair policies, stronger democracy, and more accountability. With new ways for
people to speak up online or in public forums, civil society could help bring
ordinary voices into big decision-making.
2. Finding New Sources of Funding:
Getting funding is a challenge for many civil society organizations, especially
with stricter rules on foreign donations. Many groups will need to find new ways to
raise money, like asking for more support from Indian businesses, wealthy
individuals, and local donations. This shift might mean some groups focus more on
issues that are easier to fund locally and less on sensitive topics. But there’s a
chance for civil society to grow stronger if it builds partnerships with Indian
companies and local foundations, making them less dependent on foreign funds.
3. Going Digital and Using Technology:
Civil society will continue to rely on technology to reach more people, share their
message, and operate transparently. Digital tools, like social media, help them
connect with younger people and raise awareness on important issues. However, not
everyone in India has internet access, especially in rural areas, so groups will
need to mix online and in-person methods to reach everyone. Privacy and data
security will also be important as they expand online. In the future, new tech
tools like mobile apps and data analysis could help civil society measure the
impact of their work and offer better services.
In summary, Indian civil society has a bright future if it can adapt to these
changes. By finding new funding, working with local communities, and using
technology wisely, it can remain a strong force for positive change in India.
