Strengthening the Enabling Environment for Civil Society in India | Pre-Consultation Meeting, New Delhi
Voluntary Action Network India (VANI), New Delhi, organised a two-day Pre-Consultation Meeting on the Enabling Environment for Civil Society in India on 3–4 November 2026 at the Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, New Delhi.
The consultation brought together representatives of voluntary organisations from 14 states across India to reflect on the challenges, opportunities and essential conditions required to strengthen civil society organisations and voluntary action in the country.
The discussions focused on six key principles of an enabling environment for civil society:
Fundamental Freedoms
Legal and Regulatory Framework
Access to and Sustainable Resources
Open and Responsive State
Supportive Public Culture
Secure Digital Environment
The sessions featured valuable insights and experiences from distinguished speakers and civil society practitioners, including:
Mr. Harsh Jaitley, Chief Executive Officer, VANI
Mr. A.K. Singh, Secretary, LEADS, Jharkhand
Mr. Satish Girija, Secretary, Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra
Sisao and Subhashini Prabhakar, VANI
Mr. Dheeraj Tiwari, VANI
Ms. Harsha Vashisht, PRADAN
Mr. Sanjay Sharma, Anmol Foundation
Mr. Deva Balan, Researcher, NMCT
Speakers shared their field experiences, perspectives and recommendations on creating a more supportive, inclusive and enabling environment for civil society organisations.
The consultation was facilitated through three complementary approaches:
Expert presentations and reflections – sharing insights and institutional experiences.
Open discussions – encouraging dialogue on emerging challenges and possible solutions.
Group discussions – collectively identifying priorities, recommendations and actionable suggestions.
An important highlight of the meeting was the active participation of all representatives, who contributed their experiences, ideas and recommendations from diverse geographical and organisational contexts.
The consultation provided a valuable platform for collective learning, reflection and dialogue. It also reinforced the importance of collaboration among civil society organisations, government institutions and other stakeholders to protect civic freedoms, strengthen organisational sustainability, promote public trust and ensure a safe and enabling digital environment.
A strong and independent civil society is essential for an inclusive, democratic and sustainable society. Creating an enabling environment for voluntary action is therefore a shared responsibility.
Glad to have participated in this important consultation and contributed perspectives from grassroots civil society experiences through Anmol Foundation, Chhattisgarh.
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