1. Backdrop

 

                It is now generally acknowledged that the ACANI (Association of Catholics Andaman & Nicobar Islands, have emerged as the third dominant  sector, playing a major role in the development of these Islands advocating development through community participation. In islands where governments are not able to carry development message to the people, ACANI have grown from a marginal player in the development field into active development counterparts. ACANI have brought development in the operational areas in ways that are usually innovative, indigenous and more practical, hence more acceptable and adaptable to the people. Apparently, they will continue to grow and increase the responsibilities to cover more areas especially in community development and environmental conservation.

 

                The situation prevailing in these Islands, in comparison with other states of India is totally different because of the influence of the time-honored system. Local Administration & the political System influence the work of the civil society and many line departments have had a presence in these islands for a long time although their activities have been floating. In some places such as the some part of the archipelago the government work with the NGOs having the community mobilizing clout while in other part NGOs are relatively free to work either directly with communities or in partnership with emerging local NGOs. In a few areas such as Campbell Bay & other tribal areas, the local administration is practically non-existent, though there seems to be some indication of the emergence of Self Help Groups promoted and motivated by highly committed efforts of the staff of ACANI. 

 

                Andaman & Nicobar Islands are recipients of large amounts of development assistance in the recent years because of Tsunami. This assistance is channeled through bilateral and multilateral agencies and through international NGOs. In the absence of strong and visible civil society institutions, donors provide funds to government organizations or work with the government.

 

                During the last few years, local government including the Panchayats has set the stage to gradually move towards a more open system and as a result the ACANI have been allowed to play a greater role in social and economic development of these Islands. While NGOs have the advantage of easily relating and working with the people due to their dedication and focus on uplifting the lower strata of society, it is also generally acknowledged that weaknesses in institutional capacity is a major constraint to them in playing their role effectively. The lack of exposure to the outside world has resulted in the limited knowledge of development concepts and thinking. The need to understand the process of development and to develop concepts that are relevant to the context has been widely felt.