The proliferation of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Kashmir has reached an unprecedented scale. With thousands of NGOs operating in the region, the lack of coordination and oversight has created a chaotic environment. The absence of a unified regulatory framework has led to confusion, exploitation, and a loss of trust among the people. The question that looms large is: Who is who? In a region where emotional empathy runs deep, the unchecked growth of NGOs has given rise to both genuine humanitarian efforts and fraudulent activities. This essay delves into the challenges posed by the unregulated mushrooming of NGOs in Kashmir, the exploitation of public empathy, and the urgent need for a coordinated supervisory body to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective utilization of resources.
Mushrooming of NGOs in Kashmir
Kashmir, a region marked by decades of conflict and socio-economic challenges, has become a fertile ground for the establishment of NGOs. These organizations, ranging from small local groups to larger international entities, claim to address a wide array of issues, including healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, and disaster relief. However, the sheer number of NGOs operating in the region has made it difficult to distinguish between genuine organizations and those with dubious intentions. During Ramadan, the problem becomes particularly pronounced.
As the dawn breaks, the doorbell rings, and an agent appears, collecting donations for an NGO. This scenario repeats itself throughout the day, with individuals carrying receipt books that can be easily purchased. By evening, as many as 20-30 NGOs may have sent representatives to collect donations. These agents, often hired boys, target places like mosques, markets, officers, Colonies and public spaces, appealing to the emotional empathy of the Kashmiri people. However, in most cases, the authenticity of these NGOs remains unverified. The lack of a centralized system to monitor and regulate these organizations has created an environment where fraudsters and scammers thrive.
Exploitation of Public Empathy
Kashmiris are known for their generosity and willingness to help those in need. This cultural trait, while admirable, has been exploited by unscrupulous individuals and organizations. Crowd funding appeals, both individual and organizational, have become increasingly common. In many cases, patients or their families seek donations for medical treatments, often amounting to 30-40 lakhs. Despite guidelines requiring validation from treating doctors and medical superintendents, these appeals often bypass proper verification. As a result, funds are collected without ensuring that the treatment is unavailable in local tertiary care hospitals or that the patient genuinely requires financial assistance. Even someone as experienced as I am fell victim to an NGO (name withheld), whose Chief Executive falsely claimed to be a cancer survivor and solicited funds for cancer patients. He is now unreachable and unresponsive.
The lack of coordination among NGOs exacerbates the problem. A single patient may receive donations from multiple sources, leading to an uneven distribution of resources. In some cases, donations collected in crores are handed over to the patient’s family, only for the patient to pass away before receiving treatment. The family, in turn, refuses to return the funds to the NGO, leaving the organization unable to assist other deserving patients. This not only wastes valuable resources but also erodes public trust in the philanthropic ecosystem.
The Need for a Coordinated Supervisory Body
The current state of affairs calls for urgent action. The establishment of a supervisory body or coordination mechanism is essential to bring order to the chaotic NGO landscape in Kashmir. Such a body would serve several critical functions:
Verification and Registration
All NGOs operating in Kashmir should be required to register with the supervisory body. This would involve a thorough verification process to ensure the legitimacy of the organization, its objectives, and its operational transparency. Centralized Database: A centralized database should be maintained, containing information about all registered NGOs, their areas of work, and the beneficiaries they serve. This would prevent duplication of efforts and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently. Monitoring and Accountability: The supervisory body should have the authority to monitor the activities of NGOs, ensuring that funds are used for their intended purposes. Regular audits and reports should be mandatory, with strict penalties for non-compliance.
Coordination among NGOs
A coordinated approach would prevent the exploitation of beneficiaries and ensure that resources are distributed equitably. For instance, if a recipient is registered with Aadhaar, other NGOs should be informed to avoid multiple donations to the same individual. Public Awareness: The supervisory body should also focus on raising public awareness about verified NGOs and the importance of donating to legitimate causes. This would help build trust and encourage more people to contribute to genuine humanitarian efforts.
During interactions with notable NGOs like HELP – Help Poor Voluntary Trust, Help Saba charitable Cancer Trust etc the need for a coordinated approach became evident. Mr Farooq Sahib, Chief executive of the HPVT trust, emphasized the importance of a Coordination E- grid, Committee and or supervisory body to oversee the operations of NGOs in Kashmir. He highlighted instances where patients received donations from multiple sources, leading to the exhaustion of funds without reaching the most deserving cases.
In some cases, donations collected in crores were handed over to the patient’s family, only for the patient to pass away before receiving treatment. The family’s refusal to return the funds left the NGO unable to assist other patients in need. Such cases underscore the urgent need for a mechanism to ensure that donations are used effectively and reach those who need them the most. A coordinated approach would not only prevent the exploitation of resources but also restore public trust in the philanthropic ecosystem.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While the establishment of a supervisory body is a step in the right direction, several challenges must be addressed. These include resistance from unregistered or fraudulent NGOs, the need for political will, and the logistical complexities of implementing a centralized system. However, the benefits of such a system far outweigh the challenges. By ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficient resource allocation, a coordinated approach would enhance the impact of NGOs in Kashmir and restore public trust in their operations.
Conclusion
The mushrooming of NGOs in Kashmir, while indicative of a vibrant civil society, has led to a lack of coordination and oversight. The exploitation of public empathy, coupled with the absence of a regulatory framework, has created an environment where fraudsters thrive, and genuine efforts are undermined. The establishment of a supervisory body or coordination mechanism is not just a necessity but an urgent imperative. Such a body would bring order to the chaotic NGO landscape, ensure the effective utilization of resources, and restore public trust in the philanthropic ecosystem. As Kashmir continues to navigate its socio-economic challenges, a unified and coordinated approach to NGO operations is the need of the hour.
(The Author is a Medico at Mubarak hospital, Member of GCC, Group of Concerned Citizens, Director Healthcare, HelpSaba Charitable Cancer Trust Sr. columnist who writes for social, moral, and religious columns. He can be reached at: [email protected])
