Q7. Examine the role of civil society in Indian administrative development.

Civil Society refers to the “third sector” of society, distinct from government and business, comprising non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, voluntary associations, and citizen movements. In India, civil society has played a transformative role in administrative development, moving it towards a more transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric framework.

Role in Administrative Development

• Promoting Transparency and Accountability: Civil society has been the driving force behind landmark administrative reforms.
  • Example: The Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) movement in Rajasthan was instrumental in the enactment of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, a revolutionary tool for administrative accountability.
• Advocacy and Policy Formulation: Civil society organizations (CSOs) act as research and advocacy groups, highlighting governance gaps and proposing policy alternatives.
  • Example: The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, emerged from a massive anti-corruption movement led by civil society activists.
• Monitoring and Social Audit: CSOs and NGOs often act as watchdogs, monitoring the implementation of government schemes and conducting “social audits” to identify corruption and leakages, forcing administrative course-correction.
• “Last Mile” Service Delivery: CSOs often partner with the administration (Public-Private-People Partnership) to deliver services in remote areas where government machinery is weak, especially in health (e.g., leprosy eradication) and education (e.g., Pratham’s ASER report).
• Empowering Vulnerable Sections: They organize and empower marginalized communities (e.g., tribal, Dalits) to demand their rights and access administrative services.

Conclusion

Civil society acts as a vital bridge between the people (the ‘principal’) and the administration (the ‘agent’). By playing the roles of an advocate, a watchdog, and a partner, it has been indispensable in pushing Indian administration to evolve from a ‘ruler’ to a ‘service-provider’.