CIVIL SOCIETY MOVEMENT IN INDIA

CIVIL SOCIETY MOVEMENT
	Saroj Kumar Samal    M.A(Gold-Medalist) M.Phil(Sociology) & LL.B   Director, Saroj Samal’s I.A.S, New Delhi   Email: sarojksamal@gmail.com

The idea of ‘civil society’ has achieved prominence in sociological discourse over the past two decades, particularly in connection with successive waves of democratization, beginning in Latin America and Eastern Europe, and spreading across the developing world. In normative terms, civil society has been widely seen as an increasingly crucial agent for limiting authoritarian government, strengthening popular empowerment, reducing the socially atomizing and unsettling effects of market forces, enforcing political accountability and improving the quality and inclusiveness of governance.

            Civil society is the name given to the broad arena which lies beyond the private domain of the family, but outside the domain of both state and market. Civil society is the non-state and non-market part of the public domain in which individuals get together voluntarily to create institutions and organizations. It is the sphere of active citizenship: here, individuals take up social issues, try to influence the state or make demands on it, pursue their collective interests or seek support for a variety of causes. It consists of voluntary associations, organizations or institutions formed by groups of citizens. It includes political parties, media institutions, trade unions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), religious organizations, and other kinds of collective entities. The main criteria for inclusion in civil society are that the organization should not be state-controlled, and it should not be a purely commercial profit-making entity. Thus, Doordarshan is not part of civil society though private television channels are; a car manufacturing company is not part of civil society but the trade unions to which its workers belong are.

            Though there have been many variants in conceptualizing civil society in contemporary times most observers are of the view that the most important institutional component of civil society comprises voluntary groups of different hues and kinds. These include community groups, cooperatives, unions, associations, self-help groups, foundations, social service agencies.

            Clark defines civil societies as collective activities of citizens for purposes of social gain rather than individual gain-it is far from homogenous and not always civil. Another definition says that civil society is the space for free association where people could meet and form groups to pursue their enthusiasm, express their values and assist others. Some thinkers exclude profit seeking enterprises from the concept of civil society and so it is said that civil society includes individuals, groups and not-for-profit organizations but does not include government and bureaucracy or profit making organizations. Thus, civil society is an expression of the basic human desire to socialize with others through voluntary organizations. Civil society manifests itself in an almost infinite variety of voluntary and non-profit seeking groups from sports club to human rights watchdogs to political parties. In this way, Civil society is characterized by active participation in public affairs, reciprocal relation, cooperation, bonds of solidarity and trust along with distinctive social structures and practices characterized by thriving local associations. It may be noted here that civil society is quite fragmented and it may represent varied interest. But a strong civil society helps to ensure that no one is left without a voice at the decision-making table because for lack of resources.

            The term “Civil Society” can be traced through the works of Cicero and other Romans to the ancient Greek philosophers, although in classical usage civil society was equated with the state.

            The term fell into disuse in the mid-19^th century as political philosophers turned their attention to the social and political consequences of the industrial revolution. It bounced back into fashion after World War II through the writings of the Marxist theorist Antonio Gramasci, who revived the term to portray civil society as a special nucleus of independent political activity, a crucial sphere of struggle against tyranny. The term civil society suddenly became the catch word for everybody during 1990s.

            At the core of much of the current enthusiasm about civil society is a fascination with non-governmental organizations, especially advocacy groups devoted to public interest causes-the environment, human rights, women’s issues, election monitoring, anti-corruption, good-governance and other “good things” Such groups have been multiplying exponentially in recent years, particularly in countries undertaking democratic transitions. Nevertheless, it is a mistake to equate civil society with NGOs. Properly understood, civil society is a broader concept, encompassing all the organizations and associations that exist outside of the state (including political parties) and the market. It includes the gamut of organizations that political scientists traditionally label interest groups-not just advocacy NGOs but also labour unions, professional associations (such as those of doctors and lawyers), chambers of commerce, ethinic associations, and others. It also incorporates the many other associations that exist for purposes other than advancing specific social or political agendas, such as religious organizations, student groups, cultural organizations, sports clubs, and informal community groups.

            It is agrued that the modern state is oppressive, bureaucratized and dehumanized, the voluntary action will make societies humane and harmonious and at the same time it will make the modern state more sensitive to the needs of the people.

            The voluntary actions are also known as action groups, development agencies, advocacy groups, support institutions, voluntary development organizations. People’s action in India also encompasses many other citizens initiatives, movements and struggle catalyzed by ideology, religion or social group. Many are inspired by towering personalities (like Gandhi), on religious affiliation (such as Swami Vivekananda in the 19^th century and Mother Teresa in recent times). There are activities that have responded to local need (as after the Bhopal gas disaster), or that of empowering disadvantaged groups (as in many tribal groups). Some began small or local and stayed that way, as has Anandran established in rural Maharashtra by the renowned Baba Amte to serve leprosy patients. Others like Gram Vikas in Orissa, started work with a handful of volunteers in a remote community and have grown to cover hundreds more. A multitude of other movement represents causes and beliefs, such as the Chipko struggle to protect Himalayan forests and the Swadhyaya reform group of Pandurang Shashtri Athawale.

Civil society’s functional contribution to good governance could be: ·         Watchdog-against violation of human rights and governing deficiencies, ·         Agitator-on behalf of aggrieved citizens, ·         Educator-of citizens on their rights, entitlements and responsibilities and the government about the pulse of the people, and ·         Mobiliser-of public opinion for or against a programme or policy. Civil society acts through ‘social capital’-the capacity of people to act together willingly in their common long-term interest. Social capital is strong in a homogeneous, egalitarian society.

CIVIL SOCIETY MOVEMENT IN INDIA

            The Indian people had a brief experience of authoritarian rule during the ‘Emergency’ enforced between June 1975 and January 1977. Parliament was suspended and new laws were made directly by the government. Civil liberties were revoked and a large number of politically active people were arrested and jailed without trial. Censorship was imposed on the media and government officials could be dismissed without normal procedures. The government coerced lower level officials to implement its programmes and produce instant results. The most notorious was the forced sterilization campaign in which large numbers died due to surgical complications. When elections were held unexpectedly in early 1977, the people voted overwhelmingly against the ruling Congress Party.

            The Emergency shocked people into active participation and helped energise the many civil society initiatives that emerged in the 1970s. This period saw the resurgence of wide variety of social movements. Today the activities of civil society organizations have an even wider range, including advocacy and lobbying activity with national and international agencies as well as active participation

            Among the most significant recent initiatives is the campaign for the Right to Information, movement far Jan Lok Pal Bill. Beginning with an agitation in rural Rajasthan for the release of information on government funds spent on village development, RTI grew into a nation-wide campaign. Despite the resistance of the bureaucracy, the government was forced to respond to the campaign and pass a new law formally acknowledging the citizens’ right to information. Examples of RTI illustrate the crucial importance of civil society in ensuring that the state is accountable to the nation and its people.