"Umang - Milieu of Mela" to be Held at DoMS, IIT Roorkee
April 18-19, 2006

The Department of Management Studies, IIT Roorkee, is organizing "Umang - Milieu of Mela", a two-day event on 18 and 19th April 2006. Umang aims to bring together government, non-government organizations, academicia and the private corporate sector for increasing professionalism within the voluntary sector.

The event commences with a workshop that focuses on the refinement of NGOs by introducing them to latest innovations in the field of marketing and finance. Distinguished speakers shall delve into the concept of "Public-Private-Partnerships" where they will share their thoughts and experiences. The following day, a marketing fair shall be organized where NGOs shall showcase their products in a festive environment.

NGOs occupy an increasingly prominent political role, influencing policymaking in all areas of social and economic change. Over the past several years, there has been an exponential growth in the number of NGOs operating across the entire spectrum of development activity in the country. However, despite the increase in the numbers of NGOs playing a crucial role in wide-ranging functional areas, there is a conspicuous absence of any plausible framework to ensure the accountability of these organizations. The need for 'Good Governance' is being increasingly felt in every sector of social and economic activity across the world. While the Corporate Sector has attempted, and to some extent succeeded, in institutionalizing better governance practices, NGOs have unfortunately lagged behind.

There has been a shift in the role of NGOs from charity to empowerment, development and social change. Hence, there is an increased need for better accountability. Accountability and Transparency are key issues in governance, and the voluntary sector needs to set benchmarks in this regard. Accountability to funding sources, though important, is not enough, and greater emphasis should be placed on social accountability to the stakeholders. A national strategy for social marketing and franchising is necessary to restructure the voluntary sector with due emphasis on transparency and accountability.

This workshop should become an occasion for an honest look at the many problems that beset the voluntary sector in India today, and simultaneously, to curb unethical and corrupt practices within the voluntary sector.

Umang would be one among the many steps taken towards social responsibility¸ for it is symbolic of the department's constant endeavor to bring about a positive change in the mindset of future managers towards society.