TN Governor exhorts NGOs to play pivotal role in society

Chennai, Dec 18 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Governor S S Barnala today said voluntary organisations should play a pivotal role in bringing socio-economic development, keeping pace with the changing times and trends.

Addressing the 84th annunal general body meeting of Guild of Service (Central) here, he said though there was development in every sphere in the country, a lot should be done for the uplift of the poor, especially women and children in the villages.

''We can be a developed nation only when the villages are developed. The government alone can't bring this change. The voluntary organisations and NGOs should play a pivotal role in bringing about socio-economic development,'' the Governor said.

It was heartening to note that the Guild of Service had effected a transitional change, he said, adding that instead of campus-based institutional approach, the organisation had turned its focus to provide care and assistance through community-based programmes with greater focus on family as operating units and through self-help groups.

Pointing out that women constituted half of India's population, of which more than 50 per cent live in villages and semi-urban areas, Mr Barnala said, ''empowerment of women alone will help us to attain our mission of becoming a developed nation.'' The Governor said he was pleased to learn that the Guild of Service emphasised on formation of Self Help Groups, aiming at women empowerment and was undertaking programmes for their livelihood, training and poverty alleviation.

UNI