Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are the voices of civil society and are operative forces of democracy and civic courage. In a binary relation with State, NGOs are expected to play the role of civil society guardians and it does not mean and should not be portrayed that they are taking opposing roles. In a democratic system, the collaborative efforts by the State and NGOs truly lead to a clearer understanding of the socio-political context for a contextualised global perspective. Though the NGOs compliment the government by providing human and financial resources, material and equipment, and communication facilities, the collaboration could be weakened because of the lack of trust and security issues.  In a well organised State -NGO relationship, synergy is created through complementarity thus reaching out to the intended resolve.

Responding to complex health issues like COVID 19 pandemic requires rapid and effective collaboration and co-ordination as well as communication between all actors: starting from Central and State Government ministries especially Ministry of Health, the district authorities and NGOs. A key component of the collaborative effort is the availability of transparent, accurate and up-to-date information to plan timely and effective responses to urgent health situations. NGOs working in the field play a leading role in the collaboration between the government sector and others working in health services. Many of the NGOs possess greater ability to reach the target populations even during pandemic times because of their long years of experience in working with people in their communities. They are trusted by the community people who are willing to listen to them and accept their offers.

Reflection on the persisting problematic nature of health issues as a heuristic device helps to illuminate some promising vistas in understanding the effective ways of collaboration in a broader perspective. Because of the complexities in socio-economic and environmental issues associated with health pandemic, State needs to form partnerships with other institutions, more importantly, NGOs to provide meaningful impact and acknowledge that the issue cannot be tackled with isolated effort. Qualified and trained NGO health staff help Government health institutions faced with lack of human resources by delivering preventive and curative health services to the populations especially in rural areas. The health personnel include those working in the health facilities as well as community staff working in the same catchment area as the health facilities.

Kennathady is a remote  Irulas tribal hamlet with 40 families. Located in the fringes of the reserved forest area of Michealpalayam panchayat of Anthiyur block in Erode district, Tamil Nadu,  it is a stranger to urbanisation and development. The lockdown has deprived these people from getting basic commodities and the Forest Ranger who is aware of Udhagamandalam Social Service Society interventions among these tribals facilitated the distribution of dry ration kits by giving special permission. Similarly, Oorali tribes were assisted in Vinobha Nagar located 13 KM from Sathyamangalam. On the request of District Rehabilitation officer, Tiruchirapalli MSSS has supported 350 PwDs with dry ration. Invited by the District Magistrate, Tuticorin MSSS by deputing 23 volunteers had been coordinating with Tuticorin Corporation, Cooperative department and consumer forum in packing and supplying of groceries and assorted vegetables at a nominal price in different locations to avoid crowding. Added to this, supply of cleaning materials, sanitizers and masks to the Government hospitals was found to be the worthy contribution.

Dharmapuri Social Service Society joined hands with Unorganised Workers Federation and Don Bosco College Dharmapuri, Dept of Social Work in rescuing forced migrant workers and entrusting them to the collectorate. An immediate enquiry about the Migrant Labour condition of Bondage and Non-payment of Minimum Wages and Equal wage, Immediate payment of wage arrears to the workers, provision of Release certificates and immediate relief and arranging to send them to their native villages by trains could become possible because of better collaboration.

The co-ordination with Police Department and Southern Railways has enabled Chengalpattu Rural Development Society in facilitating the verification of  120  stranded migrants’ request for safe return to their native places in Bihar, conducting medical check-up and arranging for their train tickets. A whopping Rs.5. 7 lakh was spent by Dharmapuri SSS  to take care of the food requirements of 11274 migrants. This was a coordinated effort with Southern Railways and District Administration while sending the stranded migrants safely back to their native places in Northern part of India.

By being connected with Government departments,  the Diocesan Social Service Societies (DSSS) could obtain necessary permissions to engage in the COVID 19 response.

Appointing DSSSs for providing Psychosocial support in 12 Districts is a great recognition and most sought intervention. Qualified and skilled volunteers work as tele- counsellors. Regional Forum – TASOSS providing counselling through toll-free helpline numbers of  Trichy Corporation is quite commendable.  DSSSs with Childline programmes are very much involved in child protection and counselling children in difficulties as seen in  Pondicherry,  Dindigul, Kottar, Pudukottai, etc., Domestic violence in the families are addressed by Government-funded Family counselling centres run by  Sivagangai, Trichy and Dindigul DSSSs.

As an NGO representing the Catholic Church, Caritas India is reporting to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, it’s contribution in addressing COVID 19 at Pan India level. The reporting from Tamil Nadu is timely and authenticated because of the internal co-ordination mechanism facilitated by Caritas India Manager Dr John Arokiaraj and Forum Director Fr. Albert Thambidurai under the guidance of Regional Forum Chairman Bishop Most. Rev. Thomas Aquinas. DSSSs themselves have strictly adhered to and have educated communities to follow Government advisories to not violate the rules of lockdown and operate within the permission granted. The time has come that Government must recognise the specific contribution of NGOs in terms of social capital and community networks, and must give an equitable share in decision-making for partnerships to succeed.