Q. How do ‘Civil Society Organizations’ such as NGOs’ and ‘Self-Help Groups’ contribute to grassroot level social changes? Discuss.
UPSC Sociology 2025 Paper 1
Model Answer:
Civil Society Organizations and Grassroot Social Change
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), operating as the “third sector” beyond state and market, are pivotal agents of social transformation. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) exemplify how civil society catalyzes grassroots change by empowering communities and amplifying marginalized voices.
1. Empowerment and Capacity Building
SHGs foster economic and social empowerment through collective action. By pooling resources for micro-credit, they enhance financial independence, particularly among women. This process builds what Robert Putnam calls ‘social capital’—networks of trust and reciprocity enabling collective decision-making.
Example: Kerala’s Kudumbashree mission has empowered millions of women through SHG networks, improving livelihoods and enhancing participation in local governance while challenging patriarchal structures.
2. Advocacy and Policy Influence
NGOs function as pressure groups, advocating for marginalized communities and influencing bottom-up policy formation. Operating within Habermas’s ‘public sphere’, they facilitate democratic debate and hold the state accountable through what Gramsci termed counter-hegemonic action.
Example: The Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) in Rajasthan spearheaded the grassroots movement instrumental in enacting the national Right to Information (RTI) Act, transforming governance transparency.
3. Service Delivery and Governance Gaps
CSOs bridge critical gaps where state machinery remains weak or absent, providing essential services in education, health, and sanitation. They ensure last-mile delivery of government schemes while maintaining community ownership.
Example: Pratham’s Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) highlights learning gaps in rural schools, prompting policy interventions and community-led educational initiatives.
4. Mobilization and Consciousness Building
CSOs transform individual grievances into collective movements through Paulo Freire’s conscientization approach. They raise awareness about constitutional rights, gender equality, and sustainable development, fostering active citizenship.
Example: The Narmada Bachao Andolan mobilized tribal communities against displacement, bringing environmental justice and human rights to national attention.
Conclusion:
NGOs and SHGs are indispensable for grassroots transformation. By empowering marginalized groups, advocating rights, supplementing state efforts, and mobilizing communities, they strengthen participatory democracy and foster inclusive development from below.
