ISLAMABAD, July 2: The government has decided to streamline the functioning of non governmental organizations (NGOs) with a view to improving their efficiency.

According to sources in the ministry of population, special measures are being taken to regularize the working of NGOs under National Trust for Population Welfare (NATPOW), which was established in 1994.

The sources said due to malfunctioning and misappropriation of funds, the donors had stopped grants for NGOs working in Pakistan.

The sources disclosed that there were 250 NOGs registered with the NATPOW but due to mishandling of the funds, they had not been getting funds from the donors for the last one year.

The sources said with a view to improving the efficiency of NGOs, particularly working in the population sector, the government had decided to scrutinize NGOs and there would be new elections of board of directors of NATPOW. A representative of the UNFPA will also be included in the board of directors of NATPOW so that the performance and working of the NGOs, working for the population welfare programmes, will be scrutinized to disburse more funds.

The sources said the government wanted to strengthen public-private partnership to promote population planning programmes in the country with the help of NGOs.

Referring to the performance of NGOs, the sources said there were many good and efficient NGOs and making constructive contribution in the country.

Under NGO Regulation Ordinance, the performance of NGOs is also being evaluated so that the funds could be disbursed to genuine NGOs only. — APP