The voluntary sector or non-governmental organizations have emerged as a new force contributing to social upliftment and economic development. India is estimated to have 3.3 million registered NGOs. They play a vital role in the shaping and implementation of participatory democracy, and their credibility lies in the responsible and constructive role they play in society. They work at grassroots level in the remotest of  areas and their reach is much wider. During the nineties the distinctive trend was the emergence of welfare oriented, non-profit and empowerment oriented organizations. NGOs emerged as important players in the development arena. The emerging NGO or voluntary sector is also known as the third sector.

NGOs are engaged in development work in the remotest of areas in a variety of areas like health, education, water, environment, human rights, SCs/STs, Women empowerment, child rights, disability, etc., ensuring that people got their entitlements. Government has accepted role of  NGOs in the development process. Many a time, NGOs act as a bridge between hard-to -reach areas and  the government. Recognizing the important contributions made by this sector, in 2002 Planning Commission was declared the nodal agency for Government Organization - Voluntary Organization interface. This was the much needed step to have a focal point for an integrated and holistic view of the voluntary sector.