Disaster Prone Regions Of India
Flood Prone Areas in India
Drought Prone Areas
Earthquake Zones in India
Cyclone Prone zones in India
From a Govt Source
Monday, August 22, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
A New Role of NGO
| An organic unity of the mainstream Left and the new social movements alone can help build resistance to the Right. |
A CLOSE look at the movements based on the mobilisation of people in the period after the Emergency in India reveals two distinct patterns insofar as their ideological positions are concerned. While the forces of status quo represented by the BJP with its pronounced right-wing ideology — both in the political and economic sense — seem to have succeeded in a big way, another stream of popular mobilisation that emerged around the same time — institutions and groups that could be classified as `new social movements' (NGOs in other words) — too has managed to strike roots among a cross-section of the people and also been able to shape the organisational set-up across the country.
Over the past few years, resistance to the rightward shift in the political discourse as well as in economic policy has been pronounced in several cases where these outfits have been in the forefront. Medha Patkar and the Narmada Bachao Andolan (as well as several such resistance movements to displacement) had managed to build a popular movement involving several thousand ordinary people at a time when even the Left parties (with their strong and well-knit trade union organisation) have been forced to restrict their agenda to mere symbolic actions against the establishment.
Such movements, be they the resistance to displacement in the Narmada Valley or the struggle against the mining activities in Jaduguda or against the setting up of production units that are bound to affect the environment adversely in many parts of the country, are, however, finding it difficult to take on the mighty establishment. The forces of status quo, after all, are not restricted to one political party or combine but are spread across civil society.
The status quoists have even managed to distort the agenda of some such groups (particularly where the NGOs concerned are unapologetic about their source of funds) in such a manner that even sections that mean well turn out to be articulate apologists of the development paradigm opted for by the establishment. These NGOs, which merely serve as centres for disbursement of funds from the international institutions and donor agencies from the West and also provide attractive employment opportunities to the elite, do not fit into the category of new social movement in any sense.
The new social movements were the response of a whole generation of young men and women, whose transition from adolescence to youth happened to take shape when political parties and platforms were being reduced to mere instruments of self-preservation by their leaders, and, even where the distortions were not as bad — the mainstream Left for instance — the leaders were united in resisting any critical evaluation and free thinking. This was true not just in India but across the world.
In India, the new social movements came from the spark from Naxalbari in 1967 followed by the anti-establishment protests across university campuses in the Nav-nirman Andolan in Gujarat or the call for Total Revolution by Jayaprakash Narayan and in the symbolic but determined acts of protest by youth and students immediately after Indira Gandhi announced suspension of democratic rights on June 25, 1975. A new generation that was coming of age in the universities, exposed as it was to Sartre, Camus and such other existentialist thinkers, was drawn into a mould where it considered the question of development not just as a statistical concern but as linked to human rights and the right to livelihood.
The new generation refused to accept the stated positions of the political parties as the truth and instead held human development and the right to life and livelihood as ethical concerns. Democracy was not just a political formulation for them and it was this attitude that laid the foundations for the new social movements of the early 1980s. This, after all, was also when the anti-establishment parties — the socialists and the communists — had shown their inability to match practice with precepts while the Jana Sangh had rechristened itself as the BJP.
The Janata experiment had revealed the proclivity of several socialists to turn apologists of the status quo leaving the youth who were mobilised as part of the JP movement to create a space outside. This was true of a whole lot of young men and women galvanised into the political space by Naxalbari. This was the context in which the new social movements emerged in India. But then, a characteristic feature of these movements was that they were driven by the idea that they must also be kept away from the most critical aspect of the political process — the electoral arena.
While those at the core of the new social movements were themselves the associates (in their past) of one or another radical political platform of the times — predominantly of the Gandhian socialist or the communist kind — they had committed themselves, in the 1980s, to steer the new social movements clear of parties. The parties, after all, were not able to internalise such concerns as environment, sustainable development and such other aspects on to their agendas as the ethical questions they were for the new social movements.
The strength of the new social movements in India was that they did not have any ideological baggage. The mainstream Left, for instance, was caught in celebrating technology as long as it came from the Soviet Union. It could not oppose the concept of huge industrial establishments or big dams for the Soviet Union too celebrated this as development. But then, such an autonomy as well as the distinct advantage the new social movements had of not having to explain their movements from within the confines of stated positions did have its weakness too. By deliberately alienating themselves from the electoral arena, these movements also left themselves to be weakened significantly. In other words, the forces of status quo have occupied the institutions of political democracy — ruling as well as the Opposition — and the new social movements are having to stay out of the policy-making process.
The fallout of this can be seen not just in the manner in which development is sought to be defined by the establishment but also in the manner in which the political discourse is being dragged towards the Right. Despite having mobilised large sections against the BJP's political agenda in several corners across the tribal regions, these movements have hardly been able to convert this into a vote against the BJP. That is because those political platforms that are unambiguous when it comes to their opposition to mobilisation on communal and majoritarian slogans and the new social movements remain mutually suspicious of each other.
This need no longer remain so. While the ideological baggage of having to hold a brief for the Soviet Union (whether it be on technology-driven development or on the question of nuclear weapons or power) should no longer be a constraint for the mainstream Left, those still committed to the ideals that guided the new social movements too should agree that the challenge to democracy and its critical elements — the right to life and livelihood — is no longer localised.
Instead, the threat to these cherished values has emerged in the form of a well-knit organisation that commands unlimited resources as well as cultural notions that legitimise a further shift to the Right on both economic and political issues. The response to such a challenge, hence, cannot remain localised. An organic unity of the mainstream Left and the new social movements alone can help build resistance to the Right. This, indeed, is possible only when the two sides agree to go beyond their stated positions on critical issues.
http://basicnecessitiesfund.webs.com/apps/donations/
http://basicnecessitiesfund.webs.com/apps/donations/
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Role of NGO in India
NGOs in India perform a great role in helping people in a variety of ways. All the NGOs target the poor and the needy segments of the Indian society. For example the slum children in Mumbai, people in the tribal belts where government outreach programs are hard to reach, etc. NGOs perform very definitive role in India. They try to bridge the gap in the society by bringing welfare programs to people that are in variety of needs.
Welfare programs from the NGOs can be of various types. NGOs perform a wide range of activities. For example, there are NGOs that have special programs for extreme situations such as a medical emergency. If there is a plague in a city, they will come forward to help the people by sending required people to assist the victims and by sending them enough medical supplies. If there is a flood in a particular part of the country, they will send food aid to the affected people and volunteers to assist them. They may also provide temporary shelters to people in such situations. When tsunami hit India or earthquake caused severe havoc, many NGOs came forward with their help in terms of food aids, medical supplies and with volunteers. This is one of the roles of NGOs, that is helping people in times of a catastrophe.
http://basicnecessitiesfund.webs.com/apps/donations/
Not all India NGO movements operate this way there are number of India NGO movements that have ongoing missions in helping people. Some of them such as Tarang help people in a very specific way by providing educational services to the slum children of Mumbai. They offer quality education for free in India. They work with the slum children of Mumbai and help them with the required educational facilities. They have qualified educational faculties to teach the slum children of Mumbai. It is very important that these NGOs get enough financial support to run their welfare schemes and programs.
As part of their day to day operations NGOs also try to engage in gathering information on various segments of the society to identify the needs of people in specific areas. Added to that they also run various awareness programs to create social awareness on various areas such as health issues, educational issues etc. Educational NGOs in India and other India NGO groups also engage in fund raising events and campaigns to raise funds for their organization to implement their welfare programs successfully.
http://basicnecessitiesfund.webs.com/apps/donations/
There are no cut and dry kind of rules as to the role of an NGO. They primarily identify a social need in the society and try to address the issue at hand. It is only possible to get their programs implemented successfully with enough public support.
http://basicnecessitiesfund.webs.com/apps/donations/
Welfare programs from the NGOs can be of various types. NGOs perform a wide range of activities. For example, there are NGOs that have special programs for extreme situations such as a medical emergency. If there is a plague in a city, they will come forward to help the people by sending required people to assist the victims and by sending them enough medical supplies. If there is a flood in a particular part of the country, they will send food aid to the affected people and volunteers to assist them. They may also provide temporary shelters to people in such situations. When tsunami hit India or earthquake caused severe havoc, many NGOs came forward with their help in terms of food aids, medical supplies and with volunteers. This is one of the roles of NGOs, that is helping people in times of a catastrophe.
http://basicnecessitiesfund.webs.com/apps/donations/
Not all India NGO movements operate this way there are number of India NGO movements that have ongoing missions in helping people. Some of them such as Tarang help people in a very specific way by providing educational services to the slum children of Mumbai. They offer quality education for free in India. They work with the slum children of Mumbai and help them with the required educational facilities. They have qualified educational faculties to teach the slum children of Mumbai. It is very important that these NGOs get enough financial support to run their welfare schemes and programs.
As part of their day to day operations NGOs also try to engage in gathering information on various segments of the society to identify the needs of people in specific areas. Added to that they also run various awareness programs to create social awareness on various areas such as health issues, educational issues etc. Educational NGOs in India and other India NGO groups also engage in fund raising events and campaigns to raise funds for their organization to implement their welfare programs successfully.
http://basicnecessitiesfund.webs.com/apps/donations/
There are no cut and dry kind of rules as to the role of an NGO. They primarily identify a social need in the society and try to address the issue at hand. It is only possible to get their programs implemented successfully with enough public support.
http://basicnecessitiesfund.webs.com/apps/donations/
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Positive and Negatives of NGO's Role in Disaster Mgmt
Specialized tasks of medication, engineering services, transportation and shelter provision.
The support was massive and above expectation. However, the absence of a coordinated effort and the resultant incorrect application was the sore part. An in depth analysis of their working and contributions to determine their positives and negatives is therefore a must. The recent experience reveals their under mentioned strengths and weaknesses.
POSITIVESStrong Grass Root Links. Gaining their strength from the masses these organizations are well linked in their areas of influence. Moreover, their selfless approach and unpaid working, help them gain the sympathies of people.
Innovative and Adaptable. In most cases NGOs do not have a set agenda to operate. Their basic aim being to serve humanity they are capable to undertake varying nature of tasks.
Sincerity of Purpose. At occasions NGOs are blamed to have secondary objectives of self propagation. In certain cases it might be true, however, the basic purpose to serve humanity remains in built to any NGO.
Expertise. NGOs are usually well trained and have requisite expertise to apply their resources. They have the specialized man power and technical know how to implement their objectives.
Cost Effective. Charity and donations forms the base of their finances. This very system, make these outfits highly productive with almost negligible input.
http://basicnecessitiesfund.webs.com/apps/donations/
NEGATIVESLimited Institutional Capacity. In most cases the scope of NGOs particularly at national level and below does not match their organizational abilities. Their intended tasks are usually not within their own capabilities and they normally need outside assistance from the government and local establishment.
Resource and Financial Constraint. Small scaled NGOs normally do not have sufficient funds and resources to manage their affairs. Absence of a regular source of income and mere dependence on donors and charity are their vulnerabilities.
Isolated Working. NGOs are very weak in inter communication and coordinated working, either with the government or with their fellow organizations. They have their own agenda and work with a particular mind set. In large scale disasters duplication and wastage of efforts are therefore a common doing.
Limited Field Sustainability. Dealing with disasters at occasions require prolonged field employment. The associated staff of NGOs are normally not permanent. They are linked to some other jobs for their regular incomes. Long term employment of NGOs for field work is therefore a problem.
Compatible Understanding. Their direction and way of working is self assessed. They usually lack understanding of the broader social and economic context. The problem arises when they have to operate in coordination with the government and its agencies. Their limited focus and inability to view the overall framework not only limits their own out put but is also a drag on others
http://basicnecessitiesfund.webs.com/apps/donations/
The support was massive and above expectation. However, the absence of a coordinated effort and the resultant incorrect application was the sore part. An in depth analysis of their working and contributions to determine their positives and negatives is therefore a must. The recent experience reveals their under mentioned strengths and weaknesses.
POSITIVESStrong Grass Root Links. Gaining their strength from the masses these organizations are well linked in their areas of influence. Moreover, their selfless approach and unpaid working, help them gain the sympathies of people.
Innovative and Adaptable. In most cases NGOs do not have a set agenda to operate. Their basic aim being to serve humanity they are capable to undertake varying nature of tasks.
Sincerity of Purpose. At occasions NGOs are blamed to have secondary objectives of self propagation. In certain cases it might be true, however, the basic purpose to serve humanity remains in built to any NGO.
Expertise. NGOs are usually well trained and have requisite expertise to apply their resources. They have the specialized man power and technical know how to implement their objectives.
Cost Effective. Charity and donations forms the base of their finances. This very system, make these outfits highly productive with almost negligible input.
http://basicnecessitiesfund.webs.com/apps/donations/
NEGATIVESLimited Institutional Capacity. In most cases the scope of NGOs particularly at national level and below does not match their organizational abilities. Their intended tasks are usually not within their own capabilities and they normally need outside assistance from the government and local establishment.
Resource and Financial Constraint. Small scaled NGOs normally do not have sufficient funds and resources to manage their affairs. Absence of a regular source of income and mere dependence on donors and charity are their vulnerabilities.
Isolated Working. NGOs are very weak in inter communication and coordinated working, either with the government or with their fellow organizations. They have their own agenda and work with a particular mind set. In large scale disasters duplication and wastage of efforts are therefore a common doing.
Limited Field Sustainability. Dealing with disasters at occasions require prolonged field employment. The associated staff of NGOs are normally not permanent. They are linked to some other jobs for their regular incomes. Long term employment of NGOs for field work is therefore a problem.
Compatible Understanding. Their direction and way of working is self assessed. They usually lack understanding of the broader social and economic context. The problem arises when they have to operate in coordination with the government and its agencies. Their limited focus and inability to view the overall framework not only limits their own out put but is also a drag on others
http://basicnecessitiesfund.webs.com/apps/donations/
ROLE OF NGOs IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT
NGOs are defined as “private organizations which conduct and pursue activities to relieve sufferings, promote the interests of poor, provide basic social services or undertake community development”.
In wider usage, the term NGO can be applied to any non profiting organization which is independent from the government. NGOs are typically value based organizations which depend, in whole or in part, on charitable donations and voluntary service. Although theNGO sector has become increasingly professional over the last two decades, principles of altruism and voluntarism remain key defining characters. NGOs range in their size and scope from large charities as CARE, OXFAM, World Vision of global fame to regional, national and community based self help groups. They include research centres, religious institutions and professional associations. Based on their functioning NGOs can be divided in two distinct categories.
Operational NGOs. Such organizations work for the betterment of humanity through practical application of their resources and abilities. They under take welfare measures, development projects and assists the governments and its agencies in crises management.
Advocacy NGOs. This type of NGOs are more focused and deals with a specific purpose with a view to defend and promote a particular cause. Commonly dealt issues are health, education and poverty. At times a no of advocacy NGOs may unite under a single operational NGOwhile advocating their particular cause. Physical application usually is not within the domain of such types.
Operational NGOs find their roots in masses on contrary to the other type. Their role in disaster management is of paramount importance. These can further be classified as under.
Community Based Organizations. These are normally membership organizations made up of a group of individuals who have joined together to further their own interests. Normally based on communal system such organizations are weak in resources and funds with prime dependence on charity and donations. However, having grass root foundations, if linked with the two types being described below, communal organizations can be very effective.
National Organizations. Well financed and sufficiently equipped such organizations have national objectives. They primarily focus within the boundaries of a particular country, although at times may have international links. Edhi foundation and Insar Burni trust are the glaring examples.
International Organizations. Normally based in developed countries such organizations operate around the world particularly the developing countries. They have a wider scope and are linked to world fame bodies as UNO and world bank. At times they play an intermediary role between these organizations, governments and small scaled NGOs.
Role in October 8th Disaster. The country saw more than 160 local, regional and international NGOs responding to the disaster. They brought specialized capabilities and resources with varying means to apply them. The major contributions can be listed as under.
Augmentation and occasional replacement of local and regional administration.
Provision of mass casualty evacuation and related relief.
Assistance in restoration of basic life support systems and public services.
Coordinating and prioritizing the efforts of independent volunteers.
Communication and sharing of information among government agencies, various private entities and the public.
http://basicnecessitiesfund.webs.com/apps/donations/
In wider usage, the term NGO can be applied to any non profiting organization which is independent from the government. NGOs are typically value based organizations which depend, in whole or in part, on charitable donations and voluntary service. Although theNGO sector has become increasingly professional over the last two decades, principles of altruism and voluntarism remain key defining characters. NGOs range in their size and scope from large charities as CARE, OXFAM, World Vision of global fame to regional, national and community based self help groups. They include research centres, religious institutions and professional associations. Based on their functioning NGOs can be divided in two distinct categories.
Operational NGOs. Such organizations work for the betterment of humanity through practical application of their resources and abilities. They under take welfare measures, development projects and assists the governments and its agencies in crises management.
Advocacy NGOs. This type of NGOs are more focused and deals with a specific purpose with a view to defend and promote a particular cause. Commonly dealt issues are health, education and poverty. At times a no of advocacy NGOs may unite under a single operational NGOwhile advocating their particular cause. Physical application usually is not within the domain of such types.
Operational NGOs find their roots in masses on contrary to the other type. Their role in disaster management is of paramount importance. These can further be classified as under.
Community Based Organizations. These are normally membership organizations made up of a group of individuals who have joined together to further their own interests. Normally based on communal system such organizations are weak in resources and funds with prime dependence on charity and donations. However, having grass root foundations, if linked with the two types being described below, communal organizations can be very effective.
National Organizations. Well financed and sufficiently equipped such organizations have national objectives. They primarily focus within the boundaries of a particular country, although at times may have international links. Edhi foundation and Insar Burni trust are the glaring examples.
International Organizations. Normally based in developed countries such organizations operate around the world particularly the developing countries. They have a wider scope and are linked to world fame bodies as UNO and world bank. At times they play an intermediary role between these organizations, governments and small scaled NGOs.
Role in October 8th Disaster. The country saw more than 160 local, regional and international NGOs responding to the disaster. They brought specialized capabilities and resources with varying means to apply them. The major contributions can be listed as under.
Augmentation and occasional replacement of local and regional administration.
Provision of mass casualty evacuation and related relief.
Assistance in restoration of basic life support systems and public services.
Coordinating and prioritizing the efforts of independent volunteers.
Communication and sharing of information among government agencies, various private entities and the public.
http://basicnecessitiesfund.webs.com/apps/donations/
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