Legal Definitions - quasi-autonomous nongovernmental organization

A quasi-autonomous nongovernmental organization, also known as a quango, is a type of organization that is partly controlled by the government but is not directly answerable to it. These organizations are usually set up to perform specific tasks or provide certain services.

• A tourist authority
• A university-grants commission
• A price-and-wage commission
• A prison or parole board
• A medical-health advisory panel

For example, a tourist authority may be set up by the government to promote tourism in a particular area. The government may appoint some members to the authority and provide funding, but the authority is not directly controlled by the government. Instead, it has some degree of autonomy to carry out its tasks.

Similarly, a prison or parole board may be set up to oversee the management of prisons and the release of prisoners. The government may appoint some members to the board and provide funding, but the board is expected to make decisions independently based on its own expertise and judgment.