There are compelling complementarities between the Government and
Non-government sector - while NGOs have closer community and
organisational basis and an ability to innovate; Government has the
reach, scale and infrastructure for programme delivery over a large
area. But there are serious doubts, and suspicions on both sides. Also
systems of institutionalising the partnership do not exist in
departments and government bodies. In this context, ARAVALI was
initiated as a result of the joint effort of the Government of Rajasthan
and a few leading voluntary agencies in 1994 to promote innovations in
development and act as a interface between the government and the
voluntary organizations.
ARAVALI began formal operations in 1997. While the broad goals and
objectives of ARAVALI were indicated in its Memorandum of Association (MoA); it was left to ARAVALI
to chalk out its strategy and activities. Thereafter, ARAVALI began with
the preparation of a 5 - Year Perspective Plan (1999 - 2004).