A two day regional workshop on “Promoting Good governance in Civil Society Organizations” was held in Kolkata on 11-12 July 2010. The workshop was organized by Voluntary Action Network India in association with Mass Education, Kolkata. The main aim of the workshop was to enhance common understanding among the participants on issues of legitimacy, transparency and accountability, hence leading to the creation of an environment for promoting of good governance practices among the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).About 45 representatives of near about 25 CSOs from the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, and Chattisgarh participated in the workshop.

Sukumar Singh, Secretary, Mass Education welcomed the participants and stressed the importance of governance and the role the workshop will play for the participants in understanding the finer points of the governance. He announced the issues which will be discussed in the workshop besides Good Governance, such as new Direct Tax Code, He said “Good governance is must for the CSOs and if we are using public money then we must accountable for the money”

Harsh Jaitli, CEO of VANI, introduced VANI to the participants and the role its plays for the sector in articulating the voice of the sector and strengthening the sector. He highlighted the challenges faced by the sector and raised the issue of minimum wages, governing board, negative generalization by the public in large towards CSOs.  He suggested that CSOs should go for self regulation. He also introduced the new direct tax code to the participants and how it would be affecting he sector, section 215 of the income tax act and other new policies.

Retired Prof. Anil Guha,  while delivering the inaugural speech at the workshop said that, participation and transparency are two of the important steps to be followed by the CSOs leading to Good Governance which will given them credibility and acceptability.

Speaking at the workshop Sardhendu Banerji, President, Mass Education, rose some of concerns with the he found related to governance in civil society organization such salary structure, organizational structure. He also added that several NGOs lack governance and it is important to built their capacity on governance, and urged VANI to play a role in this.