State philanthropy, an oxymoron?- The Economic Times

State philanthropy, an oxymoron?- The Economic Times: "State philanthropy, an oxymoron?
PUSHPA SUNDAR

TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ SATURDAY, APRIL 08, 2006 12:14:21 AM]
Faced with a funds crunch, one innovation the government has attempted in social sector development is setting up autonomous Funds to attract and pool voluntary contributions from society. The Bharat Shiksha Kosh and the National Culture Fund are cases in point.

But should the state compete with private charitable organisations for philanthropic resources or seek to control them? Is state activity more competent than private initiative, or is private choice in disposal of wealth more efficient and therefore better for society? "