Civil Society is a concept and a sphere of voluntary, non-state, and non-market organisations that represent citizens' collective interests, operating independently of the government and the market. It includes a diverse range of entities like Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), community groups, social movements, trade unions, and professional associations.
The origin of civil society in India is deeply rooted in its history, with a long tradition of voluntary service and social reform movements. The concept evolved through reformist and nationalist phases, beginning with 19th-century movements like the Brahmo Samaj, founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828, which fought against practices like sati and promoted women's education. Post-independence, it expanded to address governance gaps and advocate for marginalized communities, leading to significant movements like the Chipko Movement in the 1970s and the campaign for the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
Civil society works by acting as a bridge between citizens and the state, influencing public policy through advocacy, delivering essential services like health and education, and serving as a watchdog to ensure government accountability and transparency. Its functioning is governed by various legal frameworks, including the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and the Indian Trusts Act, 1882.
It connects directly to concepts of democratic governance, Public Interest Litigation (PIL), and fundamental rights like the freedom of association guaranteed by the Constitution. A key regulatory mechanism is the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010, which regulates the receipt and use of foreign funds by these organisations.
The FCRA has changed significantly, most notably with the FCRA Amendment Act, 2020, which introduced major restrictions. The 2020 amendment banned the transfer of foreign funds between FCRA-registered organisations (sub-granting), reduced the cap on administrative expenditure from 50 percent to 20 percent, and mandated that foreign funds be routed through a single designated bank account in New Delhi. Subsequent rules, such as the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026, have further expanded government oversight by prescribing a curated list of permissible activities and requiring extensive disclosures, which critics argue restricts the autonomy and work of human rights and advocacy groups.