Don’t Outsource Development: The Perils of International NGOs (INGOs) Interventions

Agenda-Driven INGOs:

• INGOs have pushed donor-driven agendas that harmed local communities.
• Examples: Tanzania, Kenya, Bolivia, India.
• INGOs in India promoted projects that ignored local realities.

INGOs and Female Foeticide:

• INGO interventions increased female foeticide in India.
• Western narrative ignores historical role of British colonial policies and Western NGOs.
• British land reforms and narratives perpetuated gender imbalance.
• INGOs promoted sex determination technologies.

INGOs’ Push for Population Control:

• India’s population was seen as a global concern.
• INGOs influenced India’s family planning policies.
• Economic leverage cemented INGOs’ control.

INGOs Invading Intellectual Space:

• INGOs established strongholds in prestigious institutions.
• Population Council and Rockefeller Foundation’s influence on AIIMS.
• INGOs promoted sex determination technology.

Decline in Child Sex Ratio:

• Significant decline in child sex ratio after the introduction of sex-determination technologies.
• States with easier access to tests saw sharper declines.

Conclusion:

• Gender imbalance in India is an example of harm caused by external agencies.
• Local policymakers must exercise caution and skepticism when considering advice from INGOs and consultancies.

 

 

 

 

A Change in Stance: RBI Hints at Rate Cut

Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Decision:

• MPC maintained status quo on interest rates in its first meeting.
• Decision aligns with the last committee meeting.
• Stance changed from withdrawal of accommodation to neutral.
• Opens up space for easing policy rates in subsequent meetings.

Why the Change in Stance?

• Greater confidence in navigating disinflation.
• Expectations of easing food prices due to good monsoon and agricultural production.
• Sizable buffer stocks of foodgrain.
• Inflation forecast retained at 4.5%, projected to trend lower to 4.3%.

Growth Outlook:

• RBI projected economic growth at 7.2% this year.
• Drivers of growth, consumption, and investment gaining momentum.
• Rural demand trending upwards, urban demand holding steady.
• Government capital spending rebounding, private investment gaining steam.

Conclusion:

• RBI’s change in policy stance hints at a rate cut in December.
• Unexpected weather events or worsening geopolitical conflicts could lead to higher inflation and a rethink of policy.