The Hindu Business Line : National meet on voluntary sector at Kochi

Kochi, June 11 The Planning Commission, Institute of Small Enterprises and Development (ISED) and the International Network on SMEs in Local Economic Development-India (INSLED-INDIA) are scheduled to organise a national seminar on June 18-19 at Kochi.

The conference is meant to provide a platform for critical evaluation and deliberations on the National Policy on Voluntary Sector (NPVS) announced by the country’s top planning body in July 2007. In recognition of the vital role of the voluntary sector in the development process, the policy is aimed at improving the engagement between the government and the voluntary sector.

Quoting from reports, ISED pointed out that there were around 12 lakh operational voluntary organisations working within the country with an active a workforce of close to 2 crore. Once the stakeholders and the target population are taken into consideration, the policy has the potential to affect several crore of people in the country.

‘landmark policy’

The NPVS, which acknowledges the existence and role of the voluntary sector, has been hailed by some as a ‘landmark policy’. It has also been criticised from various quarters as too rigid in its approach.

The Kochi conference, which seeks to ensure the participation of several stakeholders, including Ministries and Departments of Union and State Governments, corporate sector, United Nations agencies and donors.

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