In a recent global survey, Bangladesh-based NGOs were ranked higher than those from India. Where is the sector going wrong?
Bangladesh has beaten India in a global non-governmental organisation (NGO) ranking, putting a question mark over the hype surrounding the role played by the sector in the country.
In the recently-released list of the top 100 global NGOs by The Global Journal, BRAC, a Bangladesh-based poverty alleviation NGO, bagged the fourth slot while India stood 15th in the list.
The Global Journal is a global international research journal publishing organisation which compiled a list of 1000 NGOs.
They were then subjected to two rounds before being narrowed down to the 100 best NGOs. They were ranked on their effectiveness, impact, efficiency, transparency, accountability, sustainability and on strategic and financial management.
Indian NGOs managed to get seven slots in the top 100 list while Bangladesh just managed two. Among Indian NGOs, Barefoot College, Arvind Eye Care System, Planet Read, Pratham, Gram Vikas, Rishi Valley Institute for Educational Resources and International Development Enterprises, featured in the rankings.
Alexis Kalagas, deputy editor at The Global Journal says he is highly satisfied at the performance of the Indian NGOs. "There is a common thread linking these organisations, which are focused on social entrepreneurship, public health, or education." Kalagas believes it is the NGOs' impressive ability to identify low-cost and innovative strategies to address significant challenges, and leverage the human and other resources in local communities that sets them apart. Wikimedia Foundation of the United States secured the top rank in the list followed by US-based Partners in Health and Oxfam of United Kingdom at second and third position respectively.
Pratham, an NGO which focuses on education, secured the 22nd rank. Madhav Chavan, CEO at Pratham says, "It is really good news because it means that the organisation's work is internationally recognised. However, I do not believe any work can be ranked in any way."
Commenting on the poor performance of Indian NGOs, Anusha Bhardwaj, at Gram Vikas (51st rank) says, "There are so many complexities involved in ranking an NGO. Every NGO works with a different set of people and with a different set of agendas."
Chavan adds that there might be many groups who might be doing excellent work but may not be known internationally.
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