SOCIAL WORK PROFESSIONSOCIAL WORK PROFESSION

UNIT-4UNIT-4

NATIONAL POLICY ON VOLUNTARY SECTOR, NATIONAL POLICY ON VOLUNTARY SECTOR, 2005 2005

..now 2007..now 20071.Preamble1.Preamble

This Policy is a commitment to encourage, enable and This Policy is a commitment to encourage, enable and empower an independent, creative and effective empower an independent, creative and effective voluntary sector, with diversity in form and function, so voluntary sector, with diversity in form and function, so that it can contribute to the social, cultural and that it can contribute to the social, cultural and economic advancement of the people of India.economic advancement of the people of India.

The voluntary sector has contributed significantly to The voluntary sector has contributed significantly to finding innovative solutions to poverty, deprivation, finding innovative solutions to poverty, deprivation, discrimination and exclusion, through means such as discrimination and exclusion, through means such as awareness raising, social mobilization, service delivery, awareness raising, social mobilization, service delivery, training, research, and advocacy. The voluntary sector training, research, and advocacy. The voluntary sector has been serving as an effective non-political link has been serving as an effective non-political link between the people and the Government. This policy between the people and the Government. This policy recognizes the important role that the voluntary sector recognizes the important role that the voluntary sector has to play in various areas and affirms the growing has to play in various areas and affirms the growing need for collaboration with the voluntary sector by the need for collaboration with the voluntary sector by the Government, as well as by the private sector, at the Government, as well as by the private sector, at the local, provincial and national levels.local, provincial and national levels.

2. Scope of the Policy2. Scope of the Policy

In the Policy, voluntary organizations (VOs) In the Policy, voluntary organizations (VOs) mean to include organizations engaged in mean to include organizations engaged in public service, based on ethical, cultural, public service, based on ethical, cultural, social, economic,political, religious, spiritual, social, economic,political, religious, spiritual, philanthropic or scientific & technological philanthropic or scientific & technological considerations. VOs include formal as well as considerations. VOs include formal as well as informal groups, such as:community-based informal groups, such as:community-based organizations (CBOs); non-governmental organizations (CBOs); non-governmental development organizations (NGDOs); development organizations (NGDOs); charitable organizations; support charitable organizations; support organizations; networks or federations of such organizations; networks or federations of such organisations; as well as professional organisations; as well as professional membership associations.membership associations.

To be covered under the Policy, To be covered under the Policy, VOs should broadly have the VOs should broadly have the

followingfollowing Characteristics: Characteristics:

a) They are private, i.e., separate from a) They are private, i.e., separate from GovernmentGovernmentb) They do not return profits generated tob) They do not return profits generated to their owners or directorstheir owners or directorsc) They are self-governing, i.e., not c) They are self-governing, i.e., not controlled by Governmentcontrolled by Governmentd) They are registered organizations or d) They are registered organizations or informal groups, with defined aims and informal groups, with defined aims and objectives.objectives.

3. Objectives of the Policy3. Objectives of the Policy

The specific objectives of the policy are listed below:The specific objectives of the policy are listed below:

To create an enabling environment for VOs that To create an enabling environment for VOs that stimulates their enterprise and effectiveness, and stimulates their enterprise and effectiveness, and safeguards their autonomy;safeguards their autonomy;

To enable VOs to legitimately mobilize necessary To enable VOs to legitimately mobilize necessary financial resources from India and abroad;financial resources from India and abroad;

To identify systems by which the Government may To identify systems by which the Government may work together with VOs,on the basis of the principles work together with VOs,on the basis of the principles of mutual trust and respect, and with shared of mutual trust and respect, and with shared responsibility; andresponsibility; and,,

To encourage VOs to adopt transparent and To encourage VOs to adopt transparent and accountable systems of governance and accountable systems of governance and management.management.

INDIAN CONSTITUTION AND ITS INDIAN CONSTITUTION AND ITS IMPLICATION FOR SOCIAL IMPLICATION FOR SOCIAL

WELFAREWELFARE Indian Constitution is the lengthiest Indian Constitution is the lengthiest

written constitution in the world. This written constitution in the world. This constitution has been in operation for constitution has been in operation for over years. This shows the strength of over years. This shows the strength of the Indian democracy and the faith of the Indian democracy and the faith of the people in the constitution. The the people in the constitution. The knowledge of the Constitution of India is knowledge of the Constitution of India is important as it lays the foundation for important as it lays the foundation for citizenship training.citizenship training.

THE PREAMBLETHE PREAMBLE

The Preamble is an introduction to the The Preamble is an introduction to the constitution. It sets out the goals, the constitution. It sets out the goals, the values and the ideals for which our values and the ideals for which our country stands. The objectives country stands. The objectives specified in the Preamble contains the specified in the Preamble contains the basic structure of our constitution, basic structure of our constitution, which can not be amended in exercise which can not be amended in exercise of the power under article 368 of the of the power under article 368 of the constitution.constitution.

The preamble is a part of the constitution The preamble is a part of the constitution which reads as:which reads as:

“ “WE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to WE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN, SOCIALIST, constitute India into a SOVEREIGN, SOCIALIST, SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:its citizens:

JUSTICEJUSTICE, social, economic and political;, social, economic and political;

LIBERTYLIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;

EQUALITY EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all;among them all;

FRATERNITYFRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation;In our constituent the unity and integrity of the Nation;In our constituent assembly this twenty-sixth day of November 1949, do assembly this twenty-sixth day of November 1949, do hereby adopt,enact and give to our selves this hereby adopt,enact and give to our selves this constitution”.constitution”.

FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTSFUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS

Fundamental rights are the political and civil Fundamental rights are the political and civil rights meant for all the citizens. Kept in Part rights meant for all the citizens. Kept in Part III of the constitution, Fundamental Rights III of the constitution, Fundamental Rights are borrowed mainly from the UDHR are borrowed mainly from the UDHR (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948) and Bill of Rights enshrined in the 1948) and Bill of Rights enshrined in the American constitution. The fundamental American constitution. The fundamental rights are provided to protect the dignity of rights are provided to protect the dignity of the individual and to create conditions in the individual and to create conditions in which every human being can develop his or which every human being can develop his or her personality to the fullest extent possible. her personality to the fullest extent possible. The constitutional remedies make the The constitutional remedies make the fundamental rights active, alive and fundamental rights active, alive and functionalfunctional..

CLASSIFICATION OF CLASSIFICATION OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS:FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS:

Broadly fundamental rights can be Broadly fundamental rights can be classified,classified,

based on nature, in six groups.based on nature, in six groups.

a) Right to Equality (Arts. 14-18)a) Right to Equality (Arts. 14-18)b) Right to Freedom (Arts. 19-22)b) Right to Freedom (Arts. 19-22)c) Right against Exploitations (Arts. 23-24)c) Right against Exploitations (Arts. 23-24)d) Right to Freedom of Religion (Arts. 25-28)d) Right to Freedom of Religion (Arts. 25-28)e) Cultural and Educational Rights (Arts. 29-e) Cultural and Educational Rights (Arts. 29-

30)30)f) Right to Constitutional Remedies (Arts. 32-f) Right to Constitutional Remedies (Arts. 32-

35)35)

Right to Equality (Arts 14-Right to Equality (Arts 14-18)18)

Article 14 - The State shall not deny any Article 14 - The State shall not deny any person ‘equality before law’ and ‘equal person ‘equality before law’ and ‘equal protection of laws’ within the territory of protection of laws’ within the territory of India.India.

Article 15 - directs that the State shall not Article 15 - directs that the State shall not discriminate against a citizen on grounds of discriminate against a citizen on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth or religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth or any of them. It prohibits discrimination but any of them. It prohibits discrimination but permits state to make special provisions.permits state to make special provisions.

Article 16- creates the right to equality of Article 16- creates the right to equality of opportunity in public employment which opportunity in public employment which

explains that no citizen shall be explains that no citizen shall be discriminated against or be ineligible for discriminated against or be ineligible for any employmentany employment

or office under the State on grounds only or office under the State on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth,birth,

descent or residence. descent or residence. Article 17 Article 17 Abolition of Untouchability Abolition of Untouchability : : Our Constitution abolishes untouchabilityOur Constitution abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form.and forbids its practice in any form.

Rights to Freedom (Arts. 19-Rights to Freedom (Arts. 19-23)23)

Article-19 Article-19 All citizens shall have the right to freedom of speech and All citizens shall have the right to freedom of speech and

expression, peaceful assembly without arms, unionization or expression, peaceful assembly without arms, unionization or forming association, free movement and freedom to settle forming association, free movement and freedom to settle anywhere within country. anywhere within country.

Article 22 guarantees four rights to the person who is arrested Article 22 guarantees four rights to the person who is arrested under an ordinary law.under an ordinary law.

i.i. The right to be informed as soon as, may be the ground of The right to be informed as soon as, may be the ground of arrest.arrest.

ii.ii. The right to consult and to be represented by a lawyer of The right to consult and to be represented by a lawyer of one’s own choice.one’s own choice.

iii.iii. The right to be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours.The right to be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours.

iv.iv. The freedom from detention beyond the set period except by The freedom from detention beyond the set period except by the order of the magistrate.the order of the magistrate.

RIGHTS AGAINST EXPLOITATION RIGHTS AGAINST EXPLOITATION ARTICLES 23 -24ARTICLES 23 -24

Article 23 - prohibits trafficking in human beings, Article 23 - prohibits trafficking in human beings, beggar, slavery, and other similar forms of forced beggar, slavery, and other similar forms of forced labour. labour.

Art.23-Clause (2) permits the State to impose Art.23-Clause (2) permits the State to impose compulsory services for public purposes. Trafficking compulsory services for public purposes. Trafficking in human being means selling and buying men, in human being means selling and buying men, women and children like marketable commodities. women and children like marketable commodities. The traffic in human beings include slavery, immoral The traffic in human beings include slavery, immoral traffic in women and children for immoral purposes traffic in women and children for immoral purposes like sex work and other forms of forced labour. like sex work and other forms of forced labour.

Article 24 - The Constitution clearly prohibits Article 24 - The Constitution clearly prohibits employment of Children below 14 years of age in employment of Children below 14 years of age in factories and hazardous employment The factories and hazardous employment The government has enacted several laws to prohibit government has enacted several laws to prohibit children from working.children from working.

Right to Freedom of ReligionRight to Freedom of Religion(Arts. 25-28)(Arts. 25-28)

Article - 25. Article - 25. The term ‘religion’ is not defined in the Constitution whereas it The term ‘religion’ is not defined in the Constitution whereas it

also guarantees secularism as one of the ideals of the also guarantees secularism as one of the ideals of the Constitution. It guarantees a) freedom of conscience, b) freedom Constitution. It guarantees a) freedom of conscience, b) freedom to profess, practice and propagate any religion. Reasonable to profess, practice and propagate any religion. Reasonable restrictions to this freedom are religious liberties subject to restrictions to this freedom are religious liberties subject to public order, morality and health.public order, morality and health.

Further subject to public order, morality and health every Further subject to public order, morality and health every religious denomination or any section should have the following religious denomination or any section should have the following rights to establish and maintain institutions for religious and rights to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes:charitable purposes:

a) to manage its own affairs in the matters of religion.a) to manage its own affairs in the matters of religion.b) to own and acquire movable and immovable properties.b) to own and acquire movable and immovable properties.c) to administer such properties in accordance with law.c) to administer such properties in accordance with law.

Article. 27 -In order to ensure the secular character, provides ‘no Article. 27 -In order to ensure the secular character, provides ‘no one shall be compelled to pay any tax for the promotion or one shall be compelled to pay any tax for the promotion or maintenance of any particular religion or religious maintenance of any particular religion or religious denomination’.denomination’.

Cultural and Educational RightsCultural and Educational Rights (Articles. 29-30) (Articles. 29-30)

Article - 29. State has been entrusted responsibility of Article - 29. State has been entrusted responsibility of protection of interests of minorities, It also confers minorities protection of interests of minorities, It also confers minorities right to establish and administer educational institutions and right to establish and administer educational institutions and provides following four distinctive rights :provides following four distinctive rights :

a) Right of any section of citizens to conserve its own a) Right of any section of citizens to conserve its own language, script or culturelanguage, script or culture

b) Right of all religion and linguistic minorities to establish b) Right of all religion and linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice and administer educational institutions of their choice

c) Right of an education institution not to be discriminated c) Right of an education institution not to be discriminated in matters of State aid on grounds that it is managed by a in matters of State aid on grounds that it is managed by a religious or linguistic minority [Art. 30 (2)].religious or linguistic minority [Art. 30 (2)].

d) Right of the citizen not to be denied admission in to any d) Right of the citizen not to be denied admission in to any State maintained or State aided institutions on grounds of State maintained or State aided institutions on grounds of religion, caste, race or language [Art. 29 (2)].religion, caste, race or language [Art. 29 (2)].

Right to Constitutional RemediesRight to Constitutional Remedies (Articles. 32-35) (Articles. 32-35)

Article 32 guarantees to a person the right to Article 32 guarantees to a person the right to move the Supreme Court directly for the move the Supreme Court directly for the enforcement of their fundamental rights. The enforcement of their fundamental rights. The Supreme Court can issue various kinds of Supreme Court can issue various kinds of writs for the enforcement of these rights. The writs for the enforcement of these rights. The right to Constitutional remedies shall not be right to Constitutional remedies shall not be suspended except as otherwise provided in suspended except as otherwise provided in the constitution that is during emergency the constitution that is during emergency under Article 352. Article 32 has been called under Article 352. Article 32 has been called the cornerstone of the entire edifice set up by the cornerstone of the entire edifice set up by the constitution. Dr. Ambedkar called it “the the constitution. Dr. Ambedkar called it “the very heart and soul of the Constitution”.very heart and soul of the Constitution”.

ONE CAN SEEK REDRESSAL THROUGH FOLLOWING ONE CAN SEEK REDRESSAL THROUGH FOLLOWING PETITIONS.PETITIONS.

The Writ of Habeas Corpus: The Writ of Habeas Corpus: It means “To have a body”. It is a It means “To have a body”. It is a powerful safeguard against arbitrary acts not only on private individuals powerful safeguard against arbitrary acts not only on private individuals but also of the executive. This writ can be filed by any one including the but also of the executive. This writ can be filed by any one including the arrested person, his relatives, friends etc. This petition will force the arrested person, his relatives, friends etc. This petition will force the arresting authorities to produce the person bodily in the court.arresting authorities to produce the person bodily in the court.

The Writ of Mandamus: The Writ of Mandamus: Literally means ‘we command’ This writ Literally means ‘we command’ This writ commands the person to whom it is addressed to perform public or quasi commands the person to whom it is addressed to perform public or quasi public legal duty which he has refused to perform and the performance public legal duty which he has refused to perform and the performance of which cannot be enforced by any other legal remedy.of which cannot be enforced by any other legal remedy.

The Writ of Prohibition: The Writ of Prohibition: It simply means to forbid or to stop. The It simply means to forbid or to stop. The Supreme Court or High Court issues directions to an inferior court or Supreme Court or High Court issues directions to an inferior court or institution of governance, forbidding the latter to continue proceeding in institution of governance, forbidding the latter to continue proceeding in a case in excess of its jurisdiction or to encroach on jurisdiction with a case in excess of its jurisdiction or to encroach on jurisdiction with which it is not legally vested.which it is not legally vested.

The Writ of Certiorari: The Writ of Certiorari: It means ‘to be more fully informed of’. It is It means ‘to be more fully informed of’. It is issued to a lower court after a case has been decided by it denouncing or issued to a lower court after a case has been decided by it denouncing or abolishing that order. The objective is to secure that order. Jurisdiction of abolishing that order. The objective is to secure that order. Jurisdiction of an inferior court does not encroach the jurisdiction which it does not an inferior court does not encroach the jurisdiction which it does not possess.possess.

The Writ of Quo warranto : The Writ of Quo warranto : The writ of Quo warrranto means ‘by what The writ of Quo warrranto means ‘by what warrant or by what order’. It is a proceeding by which the court inquires warrant or by what order’. It is a proceeding by which the court inquires into the legality of the claim, which a party asserts to a public office and into the legality of the claim, which a party asserts to a public office and to remove from his or her employment if the claim is not found.to remove from his or her employment if the claim is not found.

DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICYPOLICY

Socialist PrinciplesSocialist Principlesi)i) Equal distribution of wealth and Equal distribution of wealth and

material resources among all classes material resources among all classes of people soof people so

as to prevent its concentration in a as to prevent its concentration in a few hands. (Art. 38 and 39)few hands. (Art. 38 and 39)

ii) Provision of adequate means of ii) Provision of adequate means of livelihood to all the citizens. (Art. 43)livelihood to all the citizens. (Art. 43)

iii) Equal pay for equal similar work for iii) Equal pay for equal similar work for both men and women. (Art. 39)both men and women. (Art. 39)

iv) Right to work, education and public iv) Right to work, education and public assistance (Art. 41)assistance (Art. 41)

FUNDAMENTAL DUTIESFUNDAMENTAL DUTIES The fundamental duties are incorporated by the 42nd The fundamental duties are incorporated by the 42nd

Amendment to the Constitution in 1976 as Article 51-A in Part Amendment to the Constitution in 1976 as Article 51-A in Part IV-A. India is the only country having in the constitution rights IV-A. India is the only country having in the constitution rights and duties side by side. Rights and duties are correlated. and duties side by side. Rights and duties are correlated.

The following ten are the charter of duties for the citizens of The following ten are the charter of duties for the citizens of India:India:

a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National flag and the National Anthem;National flag and the National Anthem;

b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our nationalb) to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom.struggle for freedom.

c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;

d) to defend the country and render national service when called upon to d) to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so;do so;

e) to promote harmony and spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the e) to promote harmony and spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women;women;

Charter of duties for the citizens of India:Charter of duties for the citizens of India:………………

f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;composite culture;

g) to protect and improve the natural environment g) to protect and improve the natural environment including forest, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to including forest, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures;have compassion for living creatures;

h) to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the h) to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform;spirit of inquiry and reform;

i) to safeguard public property and to abjure violence;i) to safeguard public property and to abjure violence;

j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that nation individual and collective activity so that nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement.achievement.

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS/VOLUNTARY VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS/VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN PROMOTING SOCIAL WELFARE AGENCIES IN PROMOTING SOCIAL WELFARE

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONVOLUNTARY ORGANISATION

A voluntary organisation, properly speaking, is an A voluntary organisation, properly speaking, is an organisation which whether its workers are paid or organisation which whether its workers are paid or unpaid is initiated and governed by its own members unpaid is initiated and governed by its own members without external control. The independence of without external control. The independence of voluntary action does not however mean a lack of co-voluntary action does not however mean a lack of co-operation between it and public action. But the term operation between it and public action. But the term voluntary action means that the agency undertaking voluntary action means that the agency undertaking it has a will and a life of its own. it has a will and a life of its own.

DEFINITIONDEFINITION

AS defined by the National Council of Social Service, AS defined by the National Council of Social Service, a voluntary social service is interpreted generally as a voluntary social service is interpreted generally as the organisation and activities of a self-governing the organisation and activities of a self-governing body of people who have joined together voluntarily body of people who have joined together voluntarily to study or act for betterment of the community.to study or act for betterment of the community.

Objectives of Voluntary OrganisationsObjectives of Voluntary Organisations

The following are the main objectives for which various The following are the main objectives for which various organisations organisations

are working:are working:

Protection and development of childrenProtection and development of children Welfare of women in the rural areas.Welfare of women in the rural areas. Services for youth.Services for youth. Community welfare.Community welfare. Promotion of educational facilities.Promotion of educational facilities. Promotion of public conscience on social problems.Promotion of public conscience on social problems. Promotion of moral standards and family. welfare.Promotion of moral standards and family. welfare. Prevention of disease, health care, etc.Prevention of disease, health care, etc. Protection and welfare of the handicapped.Protection and welfare of the handicapped. Eradication of social handicaps for certain groups.Eradication of social handicaps for certain groups. Spiritual upliftmentSpiritual upliftment Prorogation of international brotherhood.Prorogation of international brotherhood. Promotion of natural interests through voluntary effort.Promotion of natural interests through voluntary effort. Training of workers for fieldwork.Training of workers for fieldwork. Protection of nature, animals, etc.Protection of nature, animals, etc.

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN INDIAVOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN INDIA

At present in India quite a large number of non-governmentalAt present in India quite a large number of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are working for various causes. They organisations (NGOs) are working for various causes. They

help groups and individuals with diverse political and other help groups and individuals with diverse political and other interests, contribute to the strengthening of a feeling of interests, contribute to the strengthening of a feeling of national solidarity and promote the participative character of national solidarity and promote the participative character of democracy. They have a role to play not only in areas which democracy. They have a role to play not only in areas which are accepted as state responsibilities, they can also venture are accepted as state responsibilities, they can also venture into new fields, work in new areas, unveil social evils and give into new fields, work in new areas, unveil social evils and give attention to any unattended or unmet needs. Many of the attention to any unattended or unmet needs. Many of the NGOs act as a stabilizing force by welding together people into NGOs act as a stabilizing force by welding together people into groups that are not politically motivated and are not groups that are not politically motivated and are not concerned about the fortunes of any political party or in concerned about the fortunes of any political party or in capturing political power, but are above party politics and are capturing political power, but are above party politics and are interested in other areas of nation-building and thus interested in other areas of nation-building and thus contribute to national integration and a focus on non-political contribute to national integration and a focus on non-political issues.issues.

EXAMPLES:EXAMPLES:

Non -Government ORGs Examples:World Vision,MCCSS,Action Non -Government ORGs Examples:World Vision,MCCSS,Action AIDAID

There are also government-organised NGOs such as Mahila There are also government-organised NGOs such as Mahila Mandal, Youth Clubs,Co-operative Societies, National Service Mandal, Youth Clubs,Co-operative Societies, National Service Scheme, n e h r u Y uva Kendras and government sponsored Scheme, n e h r u Y uva Kendras and government sponsored organisations in the form of Trusts setup in the name of organisations in the form of Trusts setup in the name of diseased leaders, for example, the Kasturba Gandhi Trust, diseased leaders, for example, the Kasturba Gandhi Trust, Gandhi Smarak Nidhi,Nehru and Kamla Nehru Trust, Indira Gandhi Smarak Nidhi,Nehru and Kamla Nehru Trust, Indira Gandhi Trust, and the recent Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.Gandhi Trust, and the recent Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.

Role of Voluntary Organisations in Social Role of Voluntary Organisations in Social WelfareWelfare

In fact, the social and economic development programme, In fact, the social and economic development programme, enunciated in the fourteen point constructive programme of enunciated in the fourteen point constructive programme of Gandhiji, was used as a spring-board to accelerate the process Gandhiji, was used as a spring-board to accelerate the process of political struggle for independence and a way to activate the of political struggle for independence and a way to activate the underprivileged and down-trodden masses to develop underprivileged and down-trodden masses to develop themselves economically and socially, on a "self-help through themselves economically and socially, on a "self-help through mutual help" basis. A network of voluntary agencies was created mutual help" basis. A network of voluntary agencies was created to promote different constructive programmes like village to promote different constructive programmes like village industries, Khadi, Nai Talim, Leprosy Work, Harijan Seva, etc. industries, Khadi, Nai Talim, Leprosy Work, Harijan Seva, etc. with the help of thousands of selfless and dedicated workers. with the help of thousands of selfless and dedicated workers. This was the basis of social welfare programmes by the This was the basis of social welfare programmes by the voluntary organisaticms in the post-independence period.voluntary organisaticms in the post-independence period.

The main objective of planned development is to mobilise the The main objective of planned development is to mobilise the known as well as the hidden, material and human resources in known as well as the hidden, material and human resources in such a way as to improve the socioeconomic living conditions of such a way as to improve the socioeconomic living conditions of the people to the maximum at a given time. In general,voluntary the people to the maximum at a given time. In general,voluntary organisations have a role.to play in the economic and industrial organisations have a role.to play in the economic and industrial development of the country and also to motivate people to development of the country and also to motivate people to eliminate the evil influences'of the industrialisation. eliminate the evil influences'of the industrialisation.

Though the voluntary organisation do not have much of a role Though the voluntary organisation do not have much of a role to play in transport and communication, they did play ai to play in transport and communication, they did play ai important role in the construction and maintenance or fielded important role in the construction and maintenance or fielded and village roads.and village roads.

IMPACT OF VOLUNTARY SERVICES IN SOCIAL IMPACT OF VOLUNTARY SERVICES IN SOCIAL WELFAREWELFARE

Voluntary organisations play an important role in social Voluntary organisations play an important role in social welfare through the development of education, health, welfare through the development of education, health, housing and providing welfare services for the weak, housing and providing welfare services for the weak, underprivileged and handicapped sections of the underprivileged and handicapped sections of the population and through efforts aimed at the social population and through efforts aimed at the social development of people, in terms of a change in their development of people, in terms of a change in their physical, intellectual, emotional, social and moral physical, intellectual, emotional, social and moral composition. Social development increases peoples composition. Social development increases peoples capacity to provide and contribute in greater degrees capacity to provide and contribute in greater degrees for the own well being as well as for the good of for the own well being as well as for the good of society. It is here that voluntary organisations have society. It is here that voluntary organisations have played and will have to still play an even more effective played and will have to still play an even more effective role in pushing the programmes of social development role in pushing the programmes of social development forward. While voluntary organisation have traditionally forward. While voluntary organisation have traditionally worked in the field of social welfare certain state worked in the field of social welfare certain state welfare organisations have also supplemented welfare organisations have also supplemented voluntary efforts, particularly in the field of beggary, voluntary efforts, particularly in the field of beggary, prostitution, juvenile delinquency, etc. However, in all prostitution, juvenile delinquency, etc. However, in all the fields,voluntary organisations emphasize the the fields,voluntary organisations emphasize the welfare aspect, particularly because state policy welfare aspect, particularly because state policy focuses primarily on giving financial and legislative focuses primarily on giving financial and legislative assistance to the state welfare organisations.assistance to the state welfare organisations.

ROLE OF GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONSROLE OF GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS

IN PROMOTING SOCIAL WELFARE IN PROMOTING SOCIAL WELFARE The government has accepted it The government has accepted it as as a major means of social a major means of social

welfare and is providing financial assistance without directly being welfare and is providing financial assistance without directly being involved in the functioning of voluntary organisation. The Government of involved in the functioning of voluntary organisation. The Government of India has recognized that voluntary organisations are not able to carry India has recognized that voluntary organisations are not able to carry out the welfare programmes to a great extent and moreover the out the welfare programmes to a great extent and moreover the government bureaucracy being rule bound and essentially government bureaucracy being rule bound and essentially conservatives, it may not be advisable to entrust development work to conservatives, it may not be advisable to entrust development work to the bureaucracy. So a shift has come about in government thinking the bureaucracy. So a shift has come about in government thinking regarding inductment of NGOs in development since the Sixth Plan regarding inductment of NGOs in development since the Sixth Plan period.period.

While the voluntary agencies have been involved in the government's While the voluntary agencies have been involved in the government's welfare programmes for a long time, the idea that the scope of this co-welfare programmes for a long time, the idea that the scope of this co-operation should be widened has been gaining ground for a few operation should be widened has been gaining ground for a few decades. In October 1982, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi wrote to all the decades. In October 1982, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi wrote to all the Chief Ministers that consultative groups of voluntary agencies must be Chief Ministers that consultative groups of voluntary agencies must be established at the state level. The document of the Seventh Plan (1985-established at the state level. The document of the Seventh Plan (1985-90) made this resolve clearer when it is said that during this plan, 90) made this resolve clearer when it is said that during this plan, serious efforts will be made to involve voluntary agencies in various serious efforts will be made to involve voluntary agencies in various development programmes of rural development. Significant for the development programmes of rural development. Significant for the voluntary social services, is the constitution of the central social welfare voluntary social services, is the constitution of the central social welfare board. Finally, of the greatest potential significance is the constitution of board. Finally, of the greatest potential significance is the constitution of a Division of Social Security in the Central Government.a Division of Social Security in the Central Government.

The problem of coordinating the activities' of government and non-The problem of coordinating the activities' of government and non-governmental agencies is in some ways more difficult than the problem governmental agencies is in some ways more difficult than the problem of coordinating the activities of central and state governments. The of coordinating the activities of central and state governments. The need as well as the difficulty of co-coordinating government and NGOs need as well as the difficulty of co-coordinating government and NGOs are much greater. Particularly within the field of Social Welfare, as are much greater. Particularly within the field of Social Welfare, as different from the areas of health and education, different from the areas of health and education,

The Planning Commission attempts to establish a liaison between these The Planning Commission attempts to establish a liaison between these two efforts in three ways:two efforts in three ways:

By associating NGOs in the process of planning.By associating NGOs in the process of planning.

By entrusting some government sponsored programmes to NGOs By entrusting some government sponsored programmes to NGOs for implementation.for implementation.

By promoting the growth of NGOs through a programme of grants-in-By promoting the growth of NGOs through a programme of grants-in- aid.aid.

There are two ways by which the government could help the existing There are two ways by which the government could help the existing agencies to function effectively and grow in response to changing agencies to function effectively and grow in response to changing situations. One is by offering direct help in terms of finances and situations. One is by offering direct help in terms of finances and equipment. Another way is in the manner in which the existing agencies equipment. Another way is in the manner in which the existing agencies may continually be associated with statutory action. Yet another may continually be associated with statutory action. Yet another important way in which the government can help the voluntary important way in which the government can help the voluntary agencies in through legislation. Voluntary agencies, if they are worth agencies in through legislation. Voluntary agencies, if they are worth the name, must be born of voluntary endeavor. However, it is possible the name, must be born of voluntary endeavor. However, it is possible for the government to create conditions under which people may be for the government to create conditions under which people may be encouraged to organize new voluntary agencies.encouraged to organize new voluntary agencies.

IDEOLOGIES OF VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONSIDEOLOGIES OF VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS

As the limitations of state-sponsored, project-As the limitations of state-sponsored, project-based, top-down development became apparent, based, top-down development became apparent, the 1980s and the 1990s saw increasing attention the 1980s and the 1990s saw increasing attention focused on private, professional development focused on private, professional development organizations called non-government organizations organizations called non-government organizations (NGOs) NGO is a United Nations term coined (NGOs) NGO is a United Nations term coined mainly to indicate the difference between the mainly to indicate the difference between the organizations of the states, which are its direct organizations of the states, which are its direct members, and the organizations that do not belong members, and the organizations that do not belong to the state. Privatisation and globalization to the state. Privatisation and globalization catapulted the NGOs onto centre stage, often catapulted the NGOs onto centre stage, often according them a major role in dealing with the according them a major role in dealing with the new social, economic, political and environmental new social, economic, political and environmental concerns (Voluntary Action Network India,). The concerns (Voluntary Action Network India,). The founding members of the NGOs that came up in founding members of the NGOs that came up in the 1980s and the 1990s were still the middle calls the 1980s and the 1990s were still the middle calls or lower middle class professionals and quasi-or lower middle class professionals and quasi-professionals.professionals.

The Seventh Five Year Plan (1985-90) granted formal The Seventh Five Year Plan (1985-90) granted formal recognition to NGOs. The 1980 and the 1990s also saw recognition to NGOs. The 1980 and the 1990s also saw growth in the size and the number of NGOs, and growth in the size and the number of NGOs, and diversification of its roles into three types:diversification of its roles into three types:

1.1. NGOs that concentrate on development while acting as NGOs that concentrate on development while acting as intermediaries between donor agencies (indcluding the intermediaries between donor agencies (indcluding the government and foreign) and the poor.government and foreign) and the poor.

2.2. NGOs that concentrate on empowerment, which take NGOs that concentrate on empowerment, which take initiatives to form community-based organisations (CBOs), initiatives to form community-based organisations (CBOs), help the poor obtain their rights from the state, organize help the poor obtain their rights from the state, organize them around issues that adversely affect them, and lobby them around issues that adversely affect them, and lobby for them at various levels of the state, form networks for them at various levels of the state, form networks around popular issues and campaigns around issues such around popular issues and campaigns around issues such as energy, environment, housing or women’s rights.as energy, environment, housing or women’s rights.

3.3. NGOs as development consultants which provide training to NGOs as development consultants which provide training to smaller NGOs and CBOs, consulting services to smaller NGOs and CBOs, consulting services to governments and foreign agencies and conduct governments and foreign agencies and conduct documentation and research.documentation and research.

VOLUNTARY ACTIONVOLUNTARY ACTION

Meaning of Voluntary ActionMeaning of Voluntary Action The term voluntary action refers to the initiatives The term voluntary action refers to the initiatives

undertaken by people independently towards the undertaken by people independently towards the achievement of common goals and objectives. Lord achievement of common goals and objectives. Lord Beveridge describes voluntary action as that action Beveridge describes voluntary action as that action which is not directed or controlled by the state. He which is not directed or controlled by the state. He calls it a private enterprise for social progress. Thus, calls it a private enterprise for social progress. Thus, a voluntary organisation or agency is one, which is a voluntary organisation or agency is one, which is not initiated and governed by any external control not initiated and governed by any external control but by its own members. but by its own members.

Definition of Voluntary ActionDefinition of Voluntary Action According to Lord Beveridge: " The term voluntary According to Lord Beveridge: " The term voluntary

action as used here, means private action, that is to action as used here, means private action, that is to say, action not under the directions of any authority say, action not under the directions of any authority wielding the power of the state."wielding the power of the state."

Nature of Voluntary ActionNature of Voluntary Action

As regards a voluntary worker, Lord As regards a voluntary worker, Lord Beveridge points out that a voluntary worker Beveridge points out that a voluntary worker is someone who gave unpaid service to a is someone who gave unpaid service to a good cause, and the group, which was good cause, and the group, which was formed to run this good cause, came to be formed to run this good cause, came to be known as a voluntary organisation. He firther known as a voluntary organisation. He firther adds that in recent years there has been a adds that in recent years there has been a significant shift of meaning in these concepts. significant shift of meaning in these concepts.

Nowadays, many of the most active Nowadays, many of the most active voluntary organisations are staffed entirely voluntary organisations are staffed entirely by highly trained and fairly well paid by highly trained and fairly well paid professional workers. The distinctively professional workers. The distinctively voluntary character of such bodies is the voluntary character of such bodies is the product not of the kind of workers they product not of the kind of workers they employ but of the manner of their origin and employ but of the manner of their origin and method of government.method of government.

SOCIAL WORK AND VOLUNTARY SOCIAL WORK AND VOLUNTARY ACTIONACTION

Social work has also ensured the protection of human Social work has also ensured the protection of human rights through various social legislations. This rights through various social legislations. This enhances the happiness of the entire community by enhances the happiness of the entire community by protecting from injustice and by punishing those who protecting from injustice and by punishing those who do not conform to the social interest. do not conform to the social interest.

Besides ' social legislations tackle social problems like Besides ' social legislations tackle social problems like untouchability, child marriage. The dowry system, sati, untouchability, child marriage. The dowry system, sati, the devadasi system and various other social problems, the devadasi system and various other social problems, thus helping to build a wholesome community. thus helping to build a wholesome community.

The emerging new notion of social service as a force The emerging new notion of social service as a force and instrument in the promotion of planned social and instrument in the promotion of planned social change and development enlarges the scope or change and development enlarges the scope or professional social work activity, which traditionally, professional social work activity, which traditionally, has been associated with such fields of practice as has been associated with such fields of practice as child and family welfare, medical and psychiatric social child and family welfare, medical and psychiatric social work, school social work, correctional and group work, school social work, correctional and group services. services.

Social work has also taken up new responsibilities by Social work has also taken up new responsibilities by tying up with other disciplines to fight poverty and the tying up with other disciplines to fight poverty and the problems of modern society.problems of modern society.