NGO Policy in final implementation stages:Planning Commission

Lucknow, Mar 30 (UNI) Planning Commission member Dr Sayeeda Hamid today said the NGO Policy drafted by it was in the final stages of implementation.

''The Policy draft has already been forwarded to all the state governments for their suggestions. Several of the state governments including Uttar Pradesh have already provided their inputs,'' Dr Hamid told a news conference here.

She explained the NGO Policy aimed at facilitating better coordination and understanding between NGOs, Voluntary Organisations (VOs) and various Government Organisations (GOs) for effective implementation of development schemes.

''It seeks to create a synergy between the NGOs/VOs and GOs for optimum utilisation of available resoures and funds.'' The Planning Commission member emphasised better coordination between the central and various state governments for realising the common objectives of holistic development in the country.

''In the annual meeting between the Commission and various state governments, we hold wide ranging discussions regarding our programmes and road-blocks in implementation,'' Dr Hamid said.

She informed the Commission had also opened nine 'NGO Windows' to address specific problems of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in a better and coordinated manner.

Earlier, she inaugurated a workshop on 'GO-NGO Partnership' organised by Voluntary Action Network India (VANI) in association with Poorest Areas Civil Society Programme (PACS).

Dr Hamid also observed that the Right to Information (RTI) Act could become a major empowering weapon in the hands of the CSOs.

The one-day workshop aimed at examining issues relevant to collaborative relationship between government and CSOs.

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