Giving Compass' Take:

• Arun Kumar argues that the forced depoliticization of civil society in India has compromised its ability to build a democratic government.

• The author states, "without a vibrant civil society and empowered public, the republic is neither complete nor safe." How can CSOs rethink their roles to support civil society?

• Learn more about civil society's lasting impact on India. 

Civil society is a space that belongs to the citizen. It exists between the state and the market. As a plural, amorphous, and evolving space, it resists the absolute and overwhelming power of both the state and the market. It can be a conscience keeper, playing several roles, including promoting transparency and accountability in the governance structure, public awareness, empowerment of marginalised communities, and advocacy for policy change. 1In other words, civil society is the space where citizenship is lived and practised. And, these are precisely the reasons why civil society often becomes a fiercely contested space.

Both the state and the market—sometimes in conflict, often in connivance—try to capture this space because it is not just where democratic rule is legitimised, but also where power and profit are reproduced. And thus, civil society organisations (CSOs)—entities created to build and safeguard civil society spaces—are, in many cases, looked upon unfavourably.

In fact, strengthening civil society is seen as an ambush on the sphere of influence enjoyed by the state and the market. CSOs are taught to distance themselves from the ‘Political Individual’: the citizen who holds the government accountable and demands equality, liberty, and fraternity. Their primary role, CSOs learn, is to provide services and reach where the state and markets can’t or won’t; and not to question the ability, action, or competence of the state.

Read the full article about civil society and sustainable development in India by Arun Kumar at India Development Review (IDR).