Most of the NGOs are the outcome of a circumstantial provocation- mostly to meet a special challenge. Once they achieve the initial objective most of the founders become ego centric. The concept of MBO (Management by objective) gets blurred and the founders start back biting and bickering.

 

Like any other system NGOs too carry within them the germs of  their own degeneration and destruction.A clean instance we have seen in Mumbai itself  is the  office of  the Special Executive  Magistrate- a very laudable move.But over the years it got politicised and later even criminalised.

 

In the 80s and 90s the term Social Worker carried with it a great deal of respect and awe. To-day many criminals and Police Sheeters  style themselves as Social Workers and some of them even manage to get elected to Public offices. So much so, no decent person likes to be called a Social Worker. 

 

Even between NGOs there is alwys mistrust and envy- a case in point is your own novel idea of NGO Council. Whay was it torpedoed? Ego clashes??

 

I am not trying to be pessismistic; but I am speaking out the realities after  watching the working of several NGOs. The base line of  any NGO should be values and ethical approach in solving issues. Unfortunately these are rare commodities these days.

 

One of the best way of rating NGOs according  to me is to have  informal and periodical meetings of Introspection. Office bearers of the NGO together with some active members of the NGO sit together and introspect - whether they are on the right lines

or going off the line. Views expressed in the meetings  should be taken in good spirit and acted upon without ego.This self-regulation and rating is the best. rather than an outsider evaluating your performace.

 

 

Ganesan
karlagan@mtnl.net.in