NGOs-Key Drivers of Rural Development of India

India resides in its villages. The backbone of country's progress lies in rural development. The rural India's growth is still obstructed by infrastructural hurdles, malnourishment, illiteracy and unemployment. It has led to the migration of youth to cities in search of greener pastures. If we aim to achieve the goal of inclusive growth for all, the villages need to develop in line with their urban counterpart. Rural development is the integration of economic, social and political growth at the grass root level to improve the quality of life. It undertakes to provide equal opportunities in areas of health, sanitation, education and employment. NGOs have experienced a phenomenal growth; there are around 30, 000 organisations working in India alone that channelise 15% foreign funding for alleviating poverty or health and sanitation improvement programmes. With a view to develop rural India, it is important to decentralise the decision-making to NGOs. Governments should review their partnership with non-government institutions for strengthening the formal procedures from planning to implementation and review.

The paper examines the features of rural development and the role of NGOs in development. It also highlights the challenges and strategies that can be applied to the rural scenario for executing development plans. India faces a grave challenge of managing multiple problems unlike other nations and hence, the role of these voluntary organisations is very crucial. The reason for their growth can be attributed to awakening of the citizens, diluting role of the state and emphasis on inclusive growth through rural development. Rural development is a multifaceted process that requires aggressive involvement of educated, aware and inspired Indians. NGOs have a pivotal role to play in social change and development.