Some non-government organizations might see a dawn ahead, following the announcement by the Minister of Civil Affairs, Li Liguo, last week that charity and social welfare NGOs will be allowed to register directly with civil affairs bureaus.

Current regulations concerning NGO registration stipulate that social groups, foundations and non-profit organizations must receive permission from relevant government departments or public institutions before registering with civil affairs bureaus.

Charity NGOs, however, find it hard to be affiliated with appropriate supervisors, as some of their operations run across multiple sectors.

To alleviate poverty and deal with other social issues, Li said the government should "carefully cultivate" outstanding philanthropic organizations.

The greater freedom the government seems to be ready to grant NGOs means a lot at a time when the State-run Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) battles public anger and mistrust.

The existence of NGOs is proving to be a necessity rather than a luxury in societies throughout the modern world. The history of the 20th century persuasively demonstrated the inability of the welfare state and free enterprises to create just and sustainable societies. Prompted by the inadequacies of the state and the market, citizens across the globe have developed NGOs to help address a wide variety of social needs.

As our economy increasingly shifts toward a free market and private enterprises, the country is experiencing a decline in social cohesion and an increase in economic and social inequities.

The non-governmental sector can serve as an essential force that helps create a healthier balance between the potential excesses of the free market and the inefficiencies and limited resources of the State.

The role of government is irreplaceable, but as the country becomes ever more diversified and modernized, the government alone can't effectively manage the multitude of problems facing society.

The market will prove inadequate to the task of addressing these stresses of modernization.

Real progress will only be achieved through the sustained engagement of Chinese citizens acting through the institutions of civil society.

Working or volunteering in NGOs, Chinese citizens can provide essential services to others in their communities. They can devise new approaches for solving persistent problems. They can also promote tolerance and strengthen the accountability of government.

To get an adequate understanding of their roles, NGOs must strive to meet the highest standards of good governance: transparency, accountability, sound management and ethical behavior.

NGOs can only serve as credible advocates and watchdogs of government and business if they uphold the very standards they expect the public and private sectors to meet.

(China Daily 07/18/2011 page8)