Modi calls for transparency in NGOs functioning

New Delhi, Sept 9 (UNI) Terming most of the NGOs as ''limousine labourers'' who serve the agenda of their funding agencies and not the society in general, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today called for transparency in the functioning of NGOs.

Addressing the gathering after releasing 'NGOs, Activists and Foreign Funds: Anti-Nation Industry', edited by Radha Rajan and Krishen Kak, Mr Modi said if functioning and background of politicians and political parties could be scrutinised why can't the functioning of the NGOs be put under the scanner.

Mr Modi, however, said that all NGOs could not be placed on the same platform as some were serving the purpose they were meant for.

''A proper framework should be in place to monitor the functioning of the ''service entrepreneurs'' who were catering to specific agendas of vested interests.'' This had now become imperative as more harm was taking place because of the endless stream of NGOs, cropped up in recent times, with no principle, no ideology, no cause to their credit, he said.

''Serving people has been a long tradition of India and 'shalas', 'goshalas', 'dharamshalas' were a product of that mentality which did not need an organisation to function, but simple dedication.'' Today's ''fly-by-night'' NGOs have no experience of functioning and they were not attached to the soil to understand the needs and specifics of people they wish to work for.

''And this was the cause of concern and needed to be probed, as they were working for 'other causes' than what seems apparent.'' Senior JD(U) leader George Fernandes, speaking on the occasion, said it was sad that the nation's security was being compromised due to lax control and monitoring, referring to the Naval War Room leak case and similar other 'leaks' unearthed recently.

''If proper vigilance was not maintained on the NGOs, we would be losing many things that directly affect our national security.'' It was important to know the sources of their funding as it had a direct bearing on the security of India, he added.

Accusing a political party of being guilty of the 'leaks', Mr Fernandes said it was playing with the national security.

''The ''mole'' thing being talked about recently wasn't a fiction. If one reads this book one would understand where all the moles were placed.'' Calling for a national debate, former defence minister said it was ironical that those who had nothing to do with defence were involved in dealing with it.

The book probes the role of mushrooming NGOs across the country and their functioning which were detrimental to national interests.

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