PROGRAMME PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION 2(1+1)

Lesson 18 : Role of Local Bodies, Organizations and Extension Agencies in Programme Execution

Non government and voluntary organizations

These are development oriented small organizations that provide services either directly to the rural poor or to grass root organizations. These have a strong network at grass root level and better able to understand local problems and their solutions. Voluntary agencies are characterized by greater commitment to people, intensity of work, continuity and greater acceptability among the community. These Non Government Organizations (NGOs) and voluntary organizations take up specific projects for implementation of programmes and generally work through their own sub-centres and clubs established in communities. Sub centre workers and club members are trained and guided for implementation of projects in the community.

The important role played by non government organizations in programme execution include:

• The presence of NGOs in remote locations, where it is difficult to post the government staff, helps in monitoring and implementation of projects.
• These organizations are able to persuade the farmers to adopt new techniques because they maintain close ties and good rapport with them.
• They have the ability to modify general plans and models to suit local needs while execution of the programme.
• They help in identification of constraints and improving communication by usage of audio visual aids, organizing trainings and demonstrations.
• NGOs help to make accessible the latest technologies of the ongoing programme even to small scale farmers.
• Help in managing common resources of the community like soil, water etc. required for programme execution.