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7 Types and Purpose of Social Service Organisations * C.P. Mathew Introduction A ‘Service’ is termed as ‘Social’ if its aim is the enhancement of the welfare of the individual or the community either through personal effort or by collective action. Social Services are, therefore, conceived as organised philanthropic actions to promote human welfare. However, social services are interpreted differently in different countries. It is restricted to relief services only among the European countries, whereas in Great Britain and Commonwealth Countries it has a wider meaning and includes health, education, housing welfare etc. In India, Social Services are generally understood as those activities which are meant for furthering the people’s welfare and these include education, public health activities, social security measures, social insurance, social assistance, child welfare, corrections, mental hygiene, recreation, labour protection, housing etc. We have had social welfare programmes, social service organisations, social reformers and workers in the cause of social welfare in India from the earliest times. Right through the centuries, commencing with the reign of King Ashoka or going back even to the days of Buddha, there have been many rulers and many among the common people of India who trod the path of Service to their fellow beings and adopted it as a life mission. Mahatma Gandhi’s work in this sphere constitutes a continuance in the present century of the National tradition. The ideal of social welfare is thus not new to us; it is an * Mr. C.P. Mathew, BSSS, Bhopal
Transcript
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128 Social Work Intervention with Communities and Institutions

7

Types and Purpose of SocialService Organisations

* C.P. Mathew

IntroductionA ‘Service’ is termed as ‘Social’ if its aim is theenhancement of the welfare of the individual orthe community either through personal effort or bycollective action. Social Services are, therefore,conceived as organised philanthropic actions to promotehuman welfare. However, social services areinterpreted differently in different countries. It isrestricted to relief services only among the Europeancountries, whereas in Great Britain and CommonwealthCountries it has a wider meaning and includes health,education, housing welfare etc. In India, Social Servicesare generally understood as those activities whichare meant for furthering the people’s welfare andthese include education, public health activities, socialsecurity measures, social insurance, social assistance,child welfare, corrections, mental hygiene, recreation,labour protection, housing etc.

We have had social welfare programmes, social serviceorganisations, social reformers and workers in thecause of social welfare in India from the earliesttimes. Right through the centuries, commencingwith the reign of King Ashoka or going back evento the days of Buddha, there have been many rulersand many among the common people of India whotrod the path of Service to their fellow beings andadopted it as a life mission. Mahatma Gandhi’s workin this sphere constitutes a continuance in thepresent century of the National tradition. The idealof social welfare is thus not new to us; it is an

* Mr. C.P. Mathew, BSSS, Bhopal

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Types and Purpose of Social Service Organisations 129

integral part of our national character and history.

Social welfare organisations play a vital role inrendering Social Services in every country, especiallyin developing and underdeveloped countries. In thisunit we are discussing about various types of SocialService Organisation and purposes.

Formal and Informal OrganisationsFormal Organisations refer to a structure of well-defined jobs, each bearing a definite measure ofauthority, responsibility and accountability. FormalOrganisation lays down the pattern of relationshipbetween individuals and the rules and regulations,which guide the behaviour of individuals.

Informal Organisation is an outcome of socialinteraction between individuals in a formalorganisation. Whenever people work together, theyevolve informal groups bound together by common,social, technological interests. Such groups constituteinformal organisation. Informal organisation representsrelationships between individuals in the organisationbased on interest, personal attitudes, emotions,prejudices, likes, dislikes, physical location, similarityof work etc. These relations are not developed accordingto the procedures, rules and regulations laid downin the formal organisational structure.

Informal Organisation comes into existence becauseof the limitations of the Formal Organisation. Itrepresents “natural grouping of people at work”. Thebirth of small groups in an organisation is a naturalphenomenon. These groups may also overlap becausean individual may be a member of more than oneinformal groups. In many cases, informal groupscome in to being to support and supplement theformal organisation.

Now we can see the differences of formal and informalorganisation with the help of a table given below:

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130 Social Work Intervention with Communities and Institutions

Sl.No. Formal InformalOrganisation Organisation

1. It is created to achieve It has no predeterminedpredetermined objectives. objectives.

2. There is an official Its structure is basedhierarchy relationship. on human emotionsIt refers to the and sentiments. Itstructure of well-defined to the refersauthority and responsibility personalrelationships,relationships. which develop

automatically whenpeople work together.

3. Formal relations are well Informal relations areplanned and are created unplanned and theydeliberately. originate

automatically.

4. Formal Organisations follow Informal Organisationthe official chain of does not have a fixedcommand, which can’t be chain of command. Itchanged. Communication is based on thehas to flow through formal sentiments of thechannel. members. There is no

fixed pattern ofcommunication.

5. Formal Organisation is Informal Organisationusually stable. does not last long.

We may add some more important elements of formaland informal organisation.

Functions of Formal Organisation

Planning

� Working out in broad outline that need to bedone and the methods for doing them to accomplishthe purpose.

Organising

� Establishment of the formal structure of authoritythrough which work subdivisions are arranged,defined, and co-ordinated for the defined objective.

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Types and Purpose of Social Service Organisations 131

Staffing

� The whole personnel function of bringing in andtraining the staff.

Directing

� The task of making decisions and embodying themin specific and general orders and instructionsand serving as the leader of the organisation.

Co-ordinating

� Major function of inter-relating the various partsof work.

Reporting

� Keeping those in responsible positions informedas to what is going on.

Budgeting

� All that goes with budgeting in the form of fiscalplanning, accounting and control.

The Informal Organisation is:

� Customary and not enacted.

� Not written regulations.

� Not portrayed in organisational charts.

It must be noted that informal organisation is basedon formal structure and cannot exist without it.The informal organisation allows an organisation ameasure of flexibility, which is a functional necessity.However, greatest weakness of the informalorganisation is its instability; its changeability andits unpredictability.

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132 Social Work Intervention with Communities and Institutions

Structured and UnstructuredOrganisationsWe are aware that “an organisation is a group ofpeople who are co-operating under the direction ofa leader for the accomplishment of a common end(Ralph. C. Davis). The need for an organisation ariseswhen two or more persons unite together to achievesome common objectives.

Organisation is one of the basic functions ofmanagement. Its importance lies in the systematicallyevolved pattern of relationships designed to set inmotion the process of managerial functions. Structuredorganisations are those organisations, which areformed, and functioning with a clear structure orframework of relationship. As structure, organisationis a network of internal authority, responsibility,and relationships. It is the framework of relationshipsof persons, operating at various levels, to accomplishcommon objectives. Thus, a Structured Organisationhas got three major elements:� Formal Structure� Definite Authority� Clear ResponsibilityWhen we think about structured and unstructuredorganisation in a social work context, there are alot of organisations falling under this category. Allthese organisations have a clear structural framework,be it a formal or informal organisation. For example—registered social service organisations, social welfaredepartments, co-operative societies etc.

On the other hand, unstructured organisation donot have a clear structure or framework and maynot be long-lasting. Committee Organisation,Community Organisation, Social Action are some ofthe examples of unstructured organisations. Theymay be formed as per the requirement or purposein order to achieve certain limited goals and objectives.These organisations are not formed for a shortduration.

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Governmental and Non-governmentalOrganisationsLocal, State and Central Level Organisations

The structure of welfare organisations differs inagencies which are established under public sectorfrom those which are of voluntary or private sector.Public or Government agencies are based upon alaw or order, administered within the frameworkof local, state and central governments and financedby the Government. Private Agencies or Non-Governmental Organisations are established byindividuals or philanthropic, religious, fraternal orhumanitarian groups; their management is vestedwith a board of directors. These organisations aresupported mainly by contributions, donations,endowments or trust funds.

Public Social Service Agencies (GovernmentOrganisations)

Our country has a long tradition of Social Service.Our sovereign and democratic republic standscommitted to ensure justice social, economic andpolitical to the people and usher in a welfare state.After independence, the concept of social justicebecame part and parcel of our constitution and isreflected not only in the preamble, but also in thedirective principles of the state policy.

Social Welfare is defined as those services whichare designed for those weaker and vulnerable sectionsof community who due to some hardship — social,economic, political, mental — are unable to makeuse of or are traditionally denied the use of theseservices. The scope of social welfare encompassesservices relating to women, children, youth, aged,the handicapped, scheduled castes and scheduledtribes, community welfare service, social defense,social welfare measures and social welfare servicesfor other weaker sections of society.

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134 Social Work Intervention with Communities and Institutions

Before discussing about the administrative structuresfor social welfare and the three tiers of our federalpolity, let us have a look at the Non-GovernmentalOrganisation.

Non-Government Organisations (VoluntaryOrganisations)

State is not the only association working in thesociety; there are a large number of voluntaryassociations (NGOs) which perform varied functionsfor the welfare, integration and solidarity of thesociety.

The term “Voluntarism” is derived from the Latinword “Voluntas” which means “will” of “freedom”.Political scientists defined “freedom of association”as a recognized legal right on the part of all personsto come together for the promotion of a purpose inwhich they are interested. Article 19(1) C of theConstitution of India confers on the Indian Citizensthe right “to form associations”. In the U.N.Terminology voluntary organisations are called non-government organisations (NGOs).

Definitions of Voluntary Organisations

Accordingly to Lord Beveridge, “A Voluntaryorganisation, properly speaking, is an organisationwhich whether its workers are paid or unpaid, isinitiated and governed by its own members withoutexternal control.”

Main Characteristics of Non-Government/VoluntaryOrganisations

i) It is registered under the societies RegistrationsAct, 1860, the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, TheCooperative Societies Act, 1904 or Sec. 25 ofthe Companies Act, 1956, depending upon thenature and scope of its activities to give it alegal status.

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Types and Purpose of Social Service Organisations 135

i i ) It has definite aims and objectives, andprogrammes for their fulfillment.

iii) It has an administrative structure and dulyconstituted management and executivecommittees.

iv) It is an organisation initiated and governed byits own members on democratic principles withoutany external control.

v) It raises funds for its activities partly from theexchequer in the form of grants-in-id and partlyin the form of contributions or subscriptions frommembers of the local community and/or thebeneficiaries of the programme.

Structure of Non-Government Organisations

General Body

(General Membership)

Executive Counsel/Managing Committee/Governing Body

Office Bearers

(President, Vice President, General Secretary,Joint Secretary,

Assistant Secretary, Treasurer)

Paid Staff/Volunteers

Social Workers

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Functions of Voluntary Organisations

In a democratic, socialistic and welfare society,voluntary/Non-Governmental Organisations play avery important role. They perform a number offunctions for the development of the country. Wecan discuss some of these functions.

i) Human beings by nature are gregarious. Theurge to act in groups is fundamental in them.People therefore form groups and associationsvoluntarily for their benefit as also of otherswith a view to lead a full and richer life. Thisphenomenon is reflected in voluntary associationswhich are formed for promotion of recreationaland cultural activities, social services, professionalinterest etc.

ii ) A pluralistic society with a democratic systemrequires a multitude of independent, non-government organisations to serve as a bufferbetween the individual and the state and thuspreventing the government from developingmonopoly in various fields.

iii) Organised voluntary action helps groups andindividuals with diverse political and otherinterests, contributes to strengthening the feelingof national solidarity and promotes participativedemocracy.

iv) The state does not have the requisite financialresources and manpower to meet all the needsof its citizens. The non-government organisationsby raising additional resources locally can meetuncovered needs and enrich local life.

In sum, “Non-Governmental Organisations” giveconcrete expression to the fundamental rights suchas freedom of association and expression and byidentifying the needs of individuals, groups and

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communities, initiate projects and programmes tomeet their needs. The NGOs also aim at sharingthe responsibility of the state in providing minimumneeds of the citizen, covering the areas of uncoveredand unmet needs, preventing the monopolistictendencies of the governments, and educating citizenabout their rights and obligations. They further aimat raising resources through contributions anddonations and organise activities of non-partisanand non-political nature for the well being of thesociety.

Local State and Central Level OrganisationsLocal Level: Social Welfare by Rural andUrban Local Authorities

Rural local authorities comprise the Panchayati RajInstitutions, which were introduced for localgovernance in the rural areas of the country. Thethree tier system of Panchayati Raj consisting ofGram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti and Zilla Panchayatare responsible to undertake the welfare activitiesfor their respective areas. Infact, Panchayat Rajbodies are very much involved in implementing andadministering the welfare programme assigned tothem.

The urban local authorities consisting of municipalcorporations, municipal committees, and notified areacommittees created by the Acts of the concernedState legislature are assigned obligatory anddiscretionary functions in the field of social welfare.For instance Section 43 of Delhi Municipal CorporationAct, 1957 makes it incumbent on the Corporationto make adequate provisions for construction andmaintenance of drainage works, public latrines andurinals, water supply, pollution control, checking ofdangerous diseases, provision of transport facilities,provision of medical relief and establishment of

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maternity and child welfare centers, lighting, namingand numbering of life and property in case of fireand the like and so on.

The concept of democratic decentralization has gotmuch importance in the field of development. Theaspect of welfare has come to be understood as theprimary responsibility of the individuals. Therefore,through people’s participations and decentralizationof power, the government is trying to achieve thegoal of total development. Besides Government efforts,there are a number of NGOs working with the locallevel with more flexibility and proximity.

State Level Organisation

The State Governments and Union TerritoryAdministrations formulate and implement variouskinds of welfare services programmes on their ownin their respective jurisdictions for the benefit ofthe socially and economically weaker sections ofthe society.

The State Government/Union Territories Administra-tions carry out their welfare obligations andprogrammes mainly through their departments ofsocial welfare and voluntary organisations. At thestate level, the incharge of the Department of SocialWelfare is the Welfare Minister and secretary togovernment is the administrative head of thedepartment.

The secretariat helps, guides and advises the Ministerin the formulation of policies of the department, ingetting the legislation passed by the state legislature,and supervises the execution of the policies, schemes,projects and programmers undertaken by theDirectorate.

The Directorate is headed by a Director who isassisted by Additional Director, Joint Director, Deputy

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Directors, Administrative officer and supporting staff.In the field, the Divisional and District Social WelfareOfficers function at the district level and executethe various welfare programmes in their respectivejurisdictions.

The administrative and staffing pattern at all thestages is more or less the same and so are thekinds of welfare services provided in each stateexcept for some minor variations.

The functions of the State Social Welfare Boardsare as follows:

i) To promote the growth of voluntary social welfareagencies, with special reference to developmentof welfare service in areas uncovered at present.

ii ) To administer the grant-in-aid programme.

a) on behalf of the Central Social Welfare Boardfor development and

capital grants and

b) on behalf of the State Governments formaintenance grants.

iii) To assist the Central Social Welfare Board inthe provision of a field counselling service foraided agencies.

iv) To administer the programmes of rural welfareprojects.

v) To simulate effective co-ordination among voluntarywelfare agencies at the States and local levelsand

vi) To assist the Central Social Welfare Board andState Government in the further developmentof welfare services.

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Central Level Organisation (Union Level)

At the central level, although the responsibility offormulating overall policy and planning of social welfareprogrammes rests with the new department of socialwelfare, the initiation and execution of certain welfareservice and stimulating the effective co-ordinationamong voluntary welfare agencies (especially at theNational Level) will rest with the Central SocialWelfare Board.

Central Social Welfare Board

The important landmark in the history of voluntarysocial welfare was created in 1953, with the provisionof Rs. 4 crore for the social welfare sector in thefirst five year plan.

The question before the planners then was whetherthis amount should be utilized through governmentmachinery or by voluntary agencies, as at that timethere was no independent department of social welfareeither at the center or in the state. Under theleadership of Pandit Jawaharlal Lal Nehru, it wasdecided that social welfare needed a special kindof machinery, that had elements of flexibility,dedications and nearness to people. It was thenfelt that it should be handled not by the governmentmachinery but by the voluntary workers who haddedicated their service to the needy. Accordinglyan autonomous Board was created which was chargedwith the responsibility of preparing plans and schemesto be funded from out of the provision made in thefirst five year plan. An outstanding social workerwas to be made the Chairperson of the CentralSocial Welfare Board. Dr. (Mrs.) Durgabai Desmukhwas its first Chairperson.

The main function of the Board was to give grants-in-aid, technical guidance to voluntary organisationsengaged in different types of social welfare activities.

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One of the functions of the board was also to createorganisations in the areas where these did not exist.It was found that in slums and in the rural areas,there were no services for women and pre-schoolchildren. The Board accordingly launched a schemenamed the family and child welfare projects. Thepresent integrated child development services (ICDS)programme is really the outcome of these efforts.

Central Social Welfare Board was setup on therecommendations of the Planning Commission as asemi-autonomous body, but the power of theadministration was vested in the ministry of education.It was registered as a company from 1st April 1969under section 25 of the Indian companies Act, 1956in order to have greater autonomy and flexibility.

Objectives of the Board

� Foster the health growth of voluntary social serviceagencies.

� To assist voluntary welfare programmes for thespecific groups of persons, women, children andthe handicapped.

� To co-ordinate the welfare schemes of variouscentral and state Government.

� To develop new programmes of welfare and organisepilot projects.

Structure of Central Administration

The ministry of welfare is headed by a Cabinet orState Minister who is assisted by the Minister ofState/Deputy Minister. The Department has two broaddivisions; one headed by the Secretary - Welfareand the other headed by the Secretary, Dept. ofWomen and Child Welfare. The Secretary-welfareis assisted by an additional secretary. The Secretary,Department of Women and Child Welfare is assisted

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by two joint Secretaries. In each wing there areDirectors, Deputy Secretaries, Under Secretaries,Joint Directors and other officers to handle thetasks. The ministry is assisted in its functions bya number of subordinate organisations, nationalcommissions and national institutes over which theministry exercises its administrative control.

� Central Social Welfare Board

� National Commission for Scheduled Castes andScheduled Tribes

� Minorities Commission

� National Institute of Social Defence

� National Institute for the Visually Handicapped

� National Institute for the OrthopadicallyHandicapped

� National Institute of Rehabilitation

Activities of the Ministry

The Ministry has been taking up large number ofsubjects and accordingly undertakes multi-dimensionalfunction relating to the welfare of various sectionsin the society like:

� Policy, planning and co-ordination of programmes

� Operations of central and centrally sponsoredschemes

� Guidance and direction to the state

� Association with Planning Commission

� Convening of conferences of state minister/secretaries of social welfare.

� Constitution of commission, committees/studyteams

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� Assistance to voluntary organisations

� Informal and mass education activities

� Publications

� Research, education and documentation

� Participation in international conferences, seminarsand workshops etc.

Bilateral And International Agencies

Bilateral Agencies

The word bilateral means, “Agreement made betweentwo countries”. In this, agreement two countriesmake agreement to have duty free entry of donatedsupplies for relief and rehabilitation of the poor andthe needy without discrimination of caste, creed orrace. Under these agreements, commodities likefood grains, milk powder, cheese, processed foodstuff, drugs, medicines, multi vitamin tablets, hospitalequipment, and supplies like ambulances, mobiledispensaries, agricultural implements etc. are receivedby approved organisations, from approved organisations,located in respective countries. Government of Indiaencourages such assistance. The Ministry of SocialJustice and Empowerment operates the bilateralagreements on gift deliveries entered into by theGovernment of India with the Governments of FederalRepublic of Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, UnitedKingdom and United States of America.

The Food Corporation of India is entrusted with theresponsibility of handling the port operations workin respect of gift consignments, coming under theagreements on payment for the services at approvedrates. The expenditure on handling clearance andinland transportation of gift deliveries to the approvedconsignees’ destination is borne by the Ministry asper terms of the Agreement.

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International Agencies

Though the well being of the people is the concernof the state, it can not be fulfilled due to the lackof financial resources, manpower, and other resources.Therefore the State depends upon the help and supportof other nations and countries to ameliorate thelot of its poor and needy. It is upon this recognitionthat the International co-operation in social welfareis needed in order to secure social and economicwelfare of human beings everywhere. Internationalsocial welfare organisations can be classified intofive groups:

i) Government Agencies of International character,e.g. United Nations, World Health Organisation,International Labour Organisation etc.

ii ) Private International Organisation, e.g. TheInternational Conference of Social Work, WorldFederation of Mental Health, The InternationalUnion for the Child Welfare.

iii) Private International Organisations havingautonomous organisations in each country, e.g.International Red Cross, the YMCA and YWCA.

iv) National Government Agencies extending theirhelp to other countries, e.g. The United StatesTechnical Co-operation programme popularly knownas point 4 Programme.

v) National Private Agencies extending their socialservice to other countries, e.g. The Ford Foundationand the Rockefeller Foundations in India.

International Agencies in India

Among the International agencies which first organisedtheir activities in India may be included the RedCross, the YMCA and the YWCA. These organisationsare now working in India through their national

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organisations, which are autonomous in all respects.After World War I, the League of Nations initiatedcertain International organisations, which in duecourse began to work in India. Among these, themost important was the International LabourOrganisation. Then came, after the end of the WorldWar II, the United Nations Economic and SocialCouncil, the UNICEF, The WHO, and the FAO. Amongother agencies, which have recently established theirregional offices in India, are the InternationalConference of Social Work and the InternationalUnion for Child Welfare.

In addition to the agencies mentioned above, thenames of some more International Organisationsmay be added:

� Action for Food Production (AFPRO)

� Co-operative for American Relief Everywhere (CARE)

� Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

� Indo-German Social Service Society (IGSSS)

� International Association of Lion’s Club

� Rotary International

� Salvation Army etc.

Donor Agencies

One of the major activities of any Non GovernmentalOrganisation is mobilizing financial support for itsactivities. A number of National and Internationalorganisations are providing funds to the social serviceorganisations. Such agencies are known as Donoragencies. They give support to the social serviceactivities on the basis of the project proposals,submitted by the Organisation. Generally donoragencies are providing funds and other services to

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the registered organisations for their various socialwelfare activities for the needy and marginalized.The amount of their support varies from project toproject according to the requirements or the gravityof the problems. The donor agencies mainly raisefunds from its Citizen and the Government. Someof the Donor agencies are:

� Cordaid, Germany

� Church Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA)

� Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA)

� Christian Children’s Fund

� World Vision

� Co-operative for American Relief Everywhere (CARE)

� Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

� Indo-German Social Service Society (IGSSS)

� Caritas India etc.

UN Bodies

The United Nations has set up various organisations forgroups needing special help. Their contributions tointernational welfare may be discussed as follows:

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) wasestablished by the General Assembly on 11th December1946. Its purpose is to help developing countries toimprove the condition of their children and youth.Unicef provides assistance in such fields as health,nutrition, social welfare, education, and vocationaltraining. It also helps Governments to assess theimportant needs of their children and plancomprehensive programme to meet them. A largepart of Unicef aid is in the form of providing equipment,

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Types and Purpose of Social Service Organisations 147

drugs, well-drilling rigs, school garden supplies,prototype equipment for day care centers and equipmentfor the production of the textbooks. Unicef was awardedthe Nobel Peace Prize in 1965 and the Indira PeacePrize in 1989.

Office of the United Nations High Commissionerfor Refugees

The office of the United Nations High Commissionerfor Refugees (UNHCR) was established on 1st January1951. It provides legal protection, and at the requestof a Government, material assistance for the refugees.UNHCR’s head quarters is in Geneva. There are 40Field Offices. UNHCR was awarded the Nobel Prizein 1954.

There are a number of other U.N bodies workingfor the social welfare. Some of these organisationsare:

� United Nations Center for Regional Development.

� United Nations Development Programme.

� United National Educational, Scientific and CulturalOrganisation.

� United Nations Environment Programme.

� United Nations Institute for Training and Research.

� United Nations Research Institute for SocialDevelopment etc.

Charitable Organisations

Charitable Organisations are those organisationsestablished for helping the poor or needy people.These organisations are mainly formed to serve theneedy through a charitable approach. The Missionariesof Charity (MC) is one example of such charitableorganisations. Most of its workers are fully dedicated

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to service and they serve without expecting anythingback. These institutions provide institutional careto the poor and neglected. They also provide food,clothing, medical treatment etc. for needy people.

The Charitable Organisations are registered underthe Charitable Endowment Act -1890. Section 2 ofthe Charitable Endowment Act defines ‘charitablepurpose’ as including general relief to the poor,education, medical relief and the advancement ofany other object of general public utility.

Societies and Trusts

The Voluntary Organisation can be registered underthe Societies Registration Act – 1860, Indian TrustsAct – 1882 or under Section 25 of the Indian CompaniesAct – 1956. Most of the Non-GovernmentalOrganisations are registered under SocietiesRegistration Act.

Societies are formed with some deliberateintention following some system in their day-to-dayaffairs as well as rules for their governing andproceedings. The following activities should be handledproperly, since it is vital for better function of anyorganisation.

� Primary study on the attainability of the objectivesstated by the organisation.

� Recruitment of manpower, right people for theright job, to attain the organisational goals.

� Drafting of a constitution, which consists ofmemorandum of association and rules andregulations.

� Making sure of the registration of the societyby appropriate legal authority.

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Types and Purpose of Social Service Organisations 149

Memorandum of Association and rules and regulationsare two important parts of a society’s constitution.While memorandum of association defines the objectof the Organisation recognised and approved by theRegistrar, rules and regulations define the internalmanagement principles, which is binding on themembers. Societies are more democratic in theirsetup. Usually elections are conducted to elect themanaging committee. In some cases, founder membersmay be permitted to remain life members of themanaging committee.

Trust

Welfare programmes are also run by charitable trusts.The Indian Trusts Act –1882 provides room forregistering and running Public, Private, Religiousand Charitable Trusts. A Trust is an obligation annexedto the ownership of property and arising out of aconfidence reposed in and accepted by the trustee(s),for the benefit of another and the owner. The followingare the objects of a charitable trust:

� Trusts for the relief of Poverty

� Trusts for the advancement of Education

� Trusts for the advancement of religion and

� Trusts for other purposes beneficial to thecommunity. (Not falling under any other threeheads, e.g. renovation of roads, supply of water,repairing of bridges etc.)

Conclusion

Social welfare organisations play a vital role inrendering social services in every country, especiallyin developing and underdeveloped countries. In thischapter we discussed about various types of SocialService Organisations and their purposes.

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150 Social Work Intervention with Communities and Institutions

We are aware that “an organisation is a group ofpeople who are co-operating under the direction ofleadership for the accomplishment of a common end”.The need for an organisation arises when two ormore persons unite together to achieve some commonobjectives.

Organisation is one of the basic functions ofmanagement. Its importance lies in the systematicallyevolved pattern of relationships designed to set inmotion the process of managerial functions.

The Central Social Welfare Board in India wasregistered as a company on 1st April 1969 undersection 25 of the Indian Companies Act, 1956 inorder to have greater autonomy and flexibility.

There are few Bilateral Organisations working inthe field of social welfare. The word bilateral means,“Agreement made between two countries”. Countriesmake agreement with another country to have dutyfree entry of donated supplies for relief andrehabilitation of the poor and the needy withoutdiscrimination of caste, creed or race. Under theseagreements, commodities like food grains, milk powder,cheese, processed food stuff, drugs, medicines, multivitamin tablets, hospital equipment, and supplieslike ambulances, mobile dispensaries, agriculturalimplements etc. are received by approved organisations,from approved organisations, located in the countries.

International co-operation in social welfare is neededin order to secure social and economic security ofhuman beings everywhere which are indispensablefor securing world peace and stability.

One of the major activities of any social serviceorganisation is mobilizing financial support for itsactivities. A number of National and Internationalorganisations are providing funds to the social serviceorganisations. Such agencies are known as Donor

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Types and Purpose of Social Service Organisations 151

agencies. They give support to the social serviceactivities on the basis of the project proposals,submitted by the organisation. Generally donoragencies provide funds and other services to theregistered organisations for their various social welfareactivities taken up for the needy and marginalized.

The United Nations has also set up variousorganisations for groups needing special help.

References

Avasti & Maheswari, Public Administration, LakshmiNarayan Agrawal, Agra.

S.L. Goel and R.K. Jain, Social Welfare Administration,Vol. II, Deep and Deep Publication, New Delhi.


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