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There are 30,000 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Nagaland, according to 2011 census. This means there is one NGO for every 66 persons and 545 such organisations are being registered with the state government every year. At this growth rate, the state could be home to nearly 35,000 organisations today, which is a huge number for a small state. This doesn’t comes as a surprise as there are dozens of organisations for different tribes, regions, religions, districts, villages, interest groups, churches, colonies, student bodies, and the list goes on. Some may say that there are too many civil society organisations in the state. Of course the number is huge and it’s confusing sometimes as some communities even have more than one organisation claiming to be the apex body. However, it can be of great help if such units work in sync for the common good, especially during a crisis like the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic that has pushed the whole world to the edge. To contain the spread of this contagious disease, community participation is required. If all the civil society organisations join hands and seriously fight the virus at the grassroots, along with the centre and state governments, we can surely defeat this invisible enemy. However, if such units do not co-ordinate, the whole society will be affected like the whole human body is affected when one organ malfunctions. This is why organisations can be a boon or a bane depending on the roles they play in a crisis like this.
Many organisations in the state have come forward to help fight the deadly virus in various forms- through material, financial and moral support. Without their help, it will be difficult for the government authorities and departments to deal with this unprecedented health emergency thus far. Their help and support is commendable. In the meantime, there are also organisations and societies that are obstructing the government from executing its programmes and policies. Instead of helping fight the virus, some have no respect for rule of law; not afraid to flout government directive and even hinder frontline workers, including medical practitioners from performing their duties. Setting rules and regulations that supplement state’s guidelines should be welcomed but anything that overrides government’s directions can lead to anarchy and chaos. Some organisations in the state have shown complete disregard for government advisories. What we see today in Nagaland is different civil bodies demanding and complaining about different things day in and day out, causing utter confusion even to the public. In a crisis of this magnitude, it would be wise on the part of civil society organisations to place their common suggestions and demands to the government for implementation after thoroughly deliberating on ways to face the situation more effectively. Such prudent approach will help the government in the fight against the virus. The state government too should embrace positive criticisms, implement feasible suggestions and work closely with civil societies at all levels besides involving the common people in the combat against this deadly virus.