The United States has welcomed recent decision taken by the Indian Government of lifting restrictions from some Non-governmental Organization (NGO)s asserting that the move will strengthen civil society in the country.

State Department Deputy Spokesperson, Mark Toner, while speaking with the reporters on Tuesday, said, “We certainly would welcome and do welcome any actions by government that support and strengthen civil society. I'd refer you to the Government of India with respect to any specific actions that have been taken regarding the NGOs in India.”

“But we want to see a strong, healthy civil society throughout the world. And that certainly extends to India, which is a strong democracy. We believe that a strong and vibrant civil society only strengthens that democracy,” he added.

Tone said that the United States appreciates and supports some very good work done by many of these NGOs that play in strengthening civil society. But it is for the Government of India to work with them with regard to taxes and regulations that these NGOs need to comply on ground.

“We are very clear not just with respect to India, but with many countries around the world, about our support for NGOs and the important role that they play in any democratic society. And in so far as we push for a more welcoming environment for these NGOs to work in, that's just the way we work,” said the Deputy Spokesperson.

By Prajakt K