CSOs play crucial roles in promoting democracy, fostering social cohesion, and filling gaps in public services, particularly in areas where government intervention may be limited. However, as the number of CSOs in the country continues to grow—now standing at 53—questions arise regarding their effectiveness and the challenges they face.

While the contributions of the CSOs are significant, it is essential to address the inherent problems in this sector to ensure that they fulfil their full potential.

The primary role of CSOs is to act as intermediaries between the government and the people; it should ensure that diverse perspectives are reflected in policy-making.

CSOs work to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, particularly for marginalised groups of society. By providing essential services in education, healthcare, and disaster relief, especially in rural areas, CSOs bridge the gap between what the State can provide and what the population really needs. This is just one example.

CSOs also foster a sense of community and civic engagement, encouraging citizens to take an active role in societal development initiatives. In our country, where traditions and social cohesion are deeply valued, CSOs should help maintain the delicate balance between progress and cultural preservation.

CSOs in Bhutan, however, face several challenges that undermine their effectiveness. One of the most pressing issues is duplication of efforts. With 53 CSOs operating in a small society, there is a risk that resources—both financial and human—are spread too thin. This fragmentation can lead to inefficiencies, where multiple organisations might work on similar issues without co-ordination, diluting their impact.

Also, the competition for limited funding can force CSOs to focus more on securing resources than on fulfilling their missions, which can compromise their effectiveness.

The other problem is the lack of strong governance and accountability mechanisms within some CSOs. While CSOs advocate for transparency, they must also uphold such standards internally. Weak governance can lead to mismanagement, a loss of public trust, and ultimately, the failure to deliver on their promises. Some CSOs are already struggling with leadership issues; others lack the capacity to implement programmes effectively.

It is increasingly becoming important to prioritise the quality and effectiveness of CSOs in country. Co-ordination and collaboration among CSOs should be encouraged to reduce overlap and ensure that resources are used efficiently. This can be facilitated through the creation of networks or coalitions that allow CSOs to share information, pool resources, and work together on common goals.

More important, perhaps, is strengthening governance among the CSOs. This can be achieved through clear accountability mechanisms, regular audits, and capacity-building initiatives to improve leadership and management skills.

The role of CSOs in Bhutan is too important to be undermined by the challenges they currently face. By addressing issues of overlap, competition, and governance, our CSOs can serve as vital agencies for social good.

The effectiveness of CSOs should be measured not by their number, but by their ability to bring about meaningful change in the lives of the people.