National Policy on the Voluntary Sector (2007)

National policy on voluntary sector was formulated in 2007 to encourage an independent and effective voluntary sector which can contribute to the social, cultural and economic advancement of the country.

Scope of the Policy: To be covered under the Policy, voluntary organizations (VOs) should broadly have the following characteristics:

• They are private, i.e., separate from Government
• They do not return profits generated to their owners or directors
• They are self-governing, i.e., not controlled by Government
• They are registered organizations or informal groups, with defined aims and objectives.

Objectives of the Policy: The specific objectives of the policy are listed below:

• To create an enabling environment for VOs that stimulates their enterprise and effectiveness, and safeguards their autonomy
• To enable VOs to legitimately mobilize necessary financial resources from India and abroad;
• To identify systems by which the Government may work together with VOs, on the basis of the principles of mutual trust, respect, and shared responsibility; and,
• To encourage VOs to adopt transparent and accountable systems of governance and management.