Part B (Q6): Discuss National Policy on Voluntary Sector, 2007.

The National Policy on Voluntary Sector (2007) was formulated by the Government of India to recognize, enable, and empower Voluntary Organizations (VOs) or Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to play a crucial role in national development.

Objectives of the Policy

1. Enablement: To create an enabling environment for VOs that stimulates their enterprise and effectiveness, safeguarding their autonomy while ensuring their accountability.
2. Partnership: To enable VOs to legitimately mobilize necessary financial resources from India and abroad.
3. Collaboration: To identify systems by which the Government may work together with VOs on a basis of mutual trust and respect, and with shared responsibility.
4. Accountability: To encourage VOs to adopt transparent and accountable systems of governance and management.

Key Provisions

• Creation of an Independent Entity: The policy suggested creating a national-level, independent body (like a Charities Commission) to register, regulate, and facilitate VOs.
• Simplification of Laws: It called for the simplification and streamlining of various laws governing VOs (like the Societies Registration Act, Trust Acts, and FCRA) to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks.
• Partnership in Governance: Emphasized involving VOs in policy formulation, project implementation, and monitoring of government schemes.
• Capacity Building: Highlighted the need for the government to support the training and capacity building of VO staff to ensure professional service delivery.

In essence, the policy formally acknowledged that the voluntary sector is a vital partner in the nation's socio-economic development, moving beyond a purely donor-recipient relationship toward a collaborative partnership.