NGO turn transparent to public scrutiny

Priyanka Rajput
There are numerous non-governmental organizations(NGOs) in the country working for social causes.The questions are being raised about the lack of transparency and accountability in usage of funding in NGOs. In this kind of scenario believing that accountability and transparency should be two way street,environmental organization 'Paryavaran Mitra' has set an example by organizing a public hearing on the issue.

The NGO made a detailed presentation in this regard at the Gujarat Vidyapith on 14 April 2009. the volunteers showed detailed about funds received, salaries given, credentials and experiences of volunteers, trustees, spending assets and tax compliancy. It is probably the first NGO in the state to reveal details of its management and financial policies before the public.

A committee of reviewers consisting of R.N Das, chief information commissioner, Gujarat state, S.K Nanda, principal secretary, forest and environment department, Prof. Sudarshan Iyengar, vice chancellor of Gujarat Vidyapith, Shailesh Patwari, chairman of Naroda Enri project and Neeta Hardikar,trustee of 'Anandi' sanstha attended the public hearing. More than 250 people from industry, NGOs, academics and government took part in the event.

Mahesh Pandya, senior member of the organization said, "we,as a Paryavaran Mitra have attended nearly 303 industries public hearings while we have asked lots of questions to industries, to the state Government through RTI Act, we believe it is our responsibility to show our accountability to the society as well.And while, we are working on behalf of people, we should talk to them also.