The Newsletter of Public Concern for Governance Trust (PCGT) VOL. 5, ISSUE 1, July 2014 Profile Public Concern for Governance Trust (PCGT), a registered trust, founded by concerned citizens, mobilises public opinion, increases public participation and activism towards promoting honesty, transparency and accountability in governance. Vision To strive for good governance, contain corruption, uphold and inculcate values and enhance Sadbhavna in the citizens. Board of Trustees CHAIRMAN Mr. J. F. Ribeiro MANAGING TRUSTEE Mr. Dara Gandhy JT. MANAGING TRUSTEE Mr. Narayan Varma. TRUSTEES Dr. R. K. Anand Mr. Kumar Ketkar Dr. Ratna Magotra Mr. S. S. Puri Ms. Nandini Sardesai Mr. Gulam A. Vahanvaty Youth For Governance Projects Youth For Governance Projects
Transcript
The Newsletter of Public Concern for Governance Trust (PCGT)
VOL. 5, ISSUE 1, July 2014
ProfilePublic Concern for Governance
Trust (PCGT), a registered trust,
founded by concerned citizens,
mobilises public opinion, increases
public participation and activism
towards promoting honesty,
transparency and accountability in
governance.
VisionTo strive for good governance,
contain corruption, uphold and
inculcate values and enhance
Sadbhavna in the citizens.
Board of TrusteesCHAIRMAN
Mr. J. F. Ribeiro
MANAGING TRUSTEE Mr. Dara Gandhy
JT. MANAGING TRUSTEE
Mr. Narayan Varma.
TRUSTEES
Dr. R. K. Anand
Mr. Kumar Ketkar
Dr. Ratna Magotra
Mr. S. S. Puri
Ms. Nandini Sardesai
Mr. Gulam A. Vahanvaty
Youth For Governance Projects
Youth For Governance Projects
www.pcgt.org
PUBLIC CONCERN 2 VOL. 5, ISSUE 1, July 2014
If one walked into PCGT in the past month, it was buzzing with young interns deeply involved with
governance issues, preparing for Youth for Governance project. Considering 130 million new voters participated in the recent general elections, youth have played an important role and reinforced the Indian democracy. The energy of the youth needs to be respected and guided. It was very heartening to see the young animated interns having discussions with senior officers from Police, Anti-corruption bureau and the FDA Commissioner.
Public Concern for Governance Trust continues to raise issues related to governance. The cases of corruption, injustice and other wrongs that agitate the public are followed up with the respective public authority or the government departments after due deliberations. Illegalities in the Campa-Cola buildings and the proposed demolitions remained in public focus following the Supreme Court judgment with no corresponding action against the corrupt officials, architects and developers. Should the awardees of highest national honor like Bharat Ratna have some code of conduct in their professional conduct? The excerpts from letters to the Municipal Commissioner and Sachin Tendulkar reflect these concerns.
India recently voted in what could be called most watched general election. PCGT Pune Chapter organized series of lectures on “Elections without Corruption” through the year preceding the general elections of 2014. A new government has taken charge at the centre with a rare mix of hope and apprehension. It is to be appreciated that only democracy can provide moments of change and new beginnings. While it is too early to pass any value judgment, the civil society as a whole will need to be vigilant to see that India’s institutions and constitutional obligations of good governance will be respected. Narayana Murthy said of the new government, “it has been elected with such a wonderful majority, my best wishes are to them” (IE June 15, 2014).
We agree with the sentiment and hope that Prime Minister Modi has the wisdom to take his critics and rivals along as he undertakes the enormous task of steering the nation in very difficult and polarized times.
“Let us have faith that right makes the might, and in that faith, let us to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.” Abraham Lincoln
- Ratna Magotra
VOICES
EDITORIAL
****Interns Speak
Six students, from SVKM’s Pravin Gandhi College of Law (PGCL) and Government Law College (GLC),
interned with PCGT during the month of June 2014. The PGCL students were Shreshth Bhartia, Banat Bagga, Mitakshi Lakhani and Saumya Rout. Ritika Singal, Rhythm Buaria and Pooja Vasandani were from GLC. Interns have voiced their experience collectively as below.
“Our journey with PCGT could be marked as a journey from one home to another where humanity breeds. The able guidance of the staff, the weekly meetings with the trustees, discussions on problems affecting our country, brainstorming sessions for solving these problems at grass root level and various other projects reinforce faith that the youth of the country in their little way can change the fate of the so called 'developing country in the state of moral decay' to a morally rich society
where high moral standards are prioritized over commercial progress. We believe that the office provides perfect ambience any intern would want and gives the intern full freedom to work at his/her comfort. The best thing is that each person’s opinion is taken into consideration and this place is free from authoritarianism. Also a hearty thanks to Mr. Julio Ribeiro for accepting all our views, respecting them and giving us the opportunity to stage them in front of prominent personalities such as Commissioner of Police and FDA. He is truly the most joyful part of PCGT and also their everlasting backbone.
PCGT has shown us the power and importance of RTI and along with that given us an opportunity to work on projects like ‘citizen policing’ which is a vital step towards fighting corruption.
It is our humble suggestion that PCGT should make its presence felt in the youth and should conduct more interactive sessions by promoting themselves through social media with the youth. PCGT should also advertise and popularize itself and its ideology because there will be a lot of people who would love to be associated with this phenomenal NGO but are not aware of its existence.
All in all it has been an amazing, fun-filled experience and we look forward to volunteer for the upcoming events!
One lesson for life that PCGT taught us is
"Be the change you want to see."
Shivani Explaining the YFG Project to the Interns
3PUBLIC CONCERN VOL. 5, ISSUE 1, July 2014
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“E lections without Corruption” Series at VIT Campus
Mr. T. S. Krishnamurthy former Chief Election Commissioner was the keynote speaker for the seminar on “Elections without Corruption” in an on-going series of lectures organized by Public Concern for Governance Trust (PCGT), Pune. Mr. Krishnamurthy said that an
election without corruption is today an oxymoron. The former CEC informed a 700 strong audience that it was very easy to form a political party as the constitution gives the fundamental right to citizens to voice their stand. He pointed out that the constitution does not have a law for political parties; there are no conditions to be fulfilled by them. Besides, the law does not insist on financial accountability nor limit the expenditure for them. All parties use these loopholes. He felt that
PCGT PUNE
reduction in the number of parties could bring a change. He was also critical of India following the outdated British system of first past post - which enables a candidate to get elected even if he wins 20% votes.
He said several important recommendations made by the election commission need to be accepted by the government for a better election process.
He concluded by saying that India can pride itself by being the only country which has had smooth transition.
He added “2014 Elections are an opportunity to show that we have a vibrant democracy.
Mr. Krishnamurthy’s talk was followed by a very inspiring talk by Acharya Dr. Vageesh. He had the audience spell bound as he talked of the difference between rajtantra (kingdom) and loktantra (democracy). He asked his young listeners to be vigilant, think
deeply and assess the candidate from all angles before they cast their vote. Quoting the great statesman Chanakya, he said that pressure of the Janmat – the people – was important to see that good governance is followed. He quoted the scriptures and historical texts and asked the audience to rise above petty politics, caste, community and vote for the right man.
The Principal Chief Income Tax Commissioner of
Pune region, Mr. P. C. Srivastava, enlightened the audience on common malpractices that abound during
the Election time. PCGT‘s Satish Khot then conducted a very vibrant Question Answer session in which the young audience participated enthusiastically.
In conclusion Mr. Subhash C. Nagpal , Acting Chairman of PCGT, reiterated the importance of every citizen’s vote, and directed the first time voters to cast their
vote judiciously.Dignitaries on the Dias
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PUBLIC CONCERN 4 VOL. 5, ISSUE 1, July 2014
RTI CONVENTION
The Western India RTI Convention 2014 was organized by Mahiti Adhikar Manch, Mumbai and the
Department of Civics & Politics, University of Mumbai, on June 7 and 8, 2014, at the University of Mumbai, Vidyanagari, Kalina, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. The Convention was co-sponsored by PCGT and BCAS Foundation, Mumbai.
The Convention was very well attended with RTI representatives from over 15 states. And over 300 delegates participated actively in the proceeding.
The delegates were apprised of the objectives, significance and overview of the Convention by Mr. Bhaskar Prabhu. Mr. Julio Ribeiro, Chairman, PCGT, gave an overview on RTI as a very important tool to combat corruption. Dr. Ms. Aruna Roy, the well known activist gave the keynote address. Mr. Ratnakar Gaikwad, SCIC, Maharashtra, spoke on the Role of Information Commission to strengthen RTI and how he has been able to dispose
off a huge backlog. Ms. Anjali Bhardwaj and Ms. Amrita Johri presented the data on the Preliminary findings of the survey by Second People’s RTI Assessment and Advocacy Group (RAAG) and Centre for Studies (CES).
The Convention discussed ways and means to increase awareness of RTI Act in the community and ways of implementation of the Act by Public Authorities in its true spirit.
Letter from Mr. Ribeiro to the Municipal Commissioner Shri Sitaram Kunte regarding the inaction and muted response of the BMC to his
Mr. Shailesh Gandhi Discussing with Students Mr. Bhaskar Prabhu addressing the Delegates
June 5, 2014
Dear Shri Kunte,
I would like to bring to your notice the inaction and muted response of the BMC to my RTI query in the mater of the Campa Cola CHS.
In reply to my recent RTI application seeking to know the action taken by the BMC against those officials / contractors / architects involved directly or indirectly in the construction of the illegal floors of the said CHS, the PIO and FAA of the Dept. of Building Proposals, City-I, “E” Ward Municipal Office, Byculla (W), Mumbai 8 except forwarding me the copies of identical Show Cause Notices, dt. 20-2-2002 served on 4 different contractors, viz., M/s. Madanjit Singh, Ishwarsingh Chawla, B. K. Gupta and Abdulla Yusuf Patel, the said RTI officials were silent about the follow up action, if any, taken against the aforesaid contractors or any other officials thus in a way failing to provide me full information sought for, thus violating the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005 also. It is surprising how the BMC kept quiet for full 12 years and more not only against the contractors who were served notices but also did not act against any other officials. We also wonder how the ends of justice will be met by pulling down the “illegal floors” only and not by identifying and punishing the guilty officials responsible and accountable for illegal constructions all over the city over a span of decades.
May we expect the BMC to use its foresight rather than hindsight to first prevent illegal structures coming up and nip it in the bud so as to avoid agony and misery to the innocent buyers and ignominy to the BMC.
With regards,
Yours sincerely,
Julio Ribeiro
Encl: Copies of my RTI application and the reply of thePIO/FAA
June 4, 2014
Dear Sachin,
The Trustees of the Public Concern for Governance Trust (PCGT) greatly appreciate hard work, self discipline and team spirit that have made you achieve the highest in the workd of cricket and you truly are an icon for the youth. We were happy to see that Government of Maharashtra has decided to include your life sketch in their text books to continue to inspire the youth.
I hope you will take the following suggestion in the spirit in which it is given. The Trustees at the weekly meetings, after appreciating your achievements, have expressed their discomfort with a ‘Bharat Ratna’ awardee promoting commercial products on television. Incidentally, this discomfort is prevalent in many sections of Mumbai society.
We will appreciate if you re-consider such commercial endorsements and instead, utilize your iconic stature and nation-wide popularity to endorse social messages that will inculcate ethical and civic values among the citizens in general and the youth in particular.
With regards,
Yours sincerely,
Julio Ribeiro
5PUBLIC CONCERN VOL. 5, ISSUE 1, July 2014
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PCGT – POLICE INITIATIVE
PCGT – POLICE INITIATIVEPolice Commissioner of Mumbai, Mr. Rakesh Maria has envisaged better policing with cooperation from the citizens of Mumbai.
Those willing to volunteer at Helpdesks at the police stations with special reference to crimes against women, assisting senior citizens, etc.
Please contact PCGT office at Tel. No. 022-23526426 / 23526452, or email on [email protected]
022 23526426
ALL MUMBAIKARS TO
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PUBLIC CONCERN 6 VOL. 5, ISSUE 1, July 2014
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7PUBLIC CONCERN VOL. 5, ISSUE 1, July 2014
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GET INFORMED
Printed & Published by Shri J. F. Ribeiro on behalf of Public Concern for Governance Trust (PCGT) and Printed at Finesse Graphics & Prints Pvt. Ltd., 309, Parvati Industrial Premises, Sun Mill Compound, Lower Parel, Mumbai-400 013. Tel. Nos.: 24961685/24961605 Fax No.: 24962297 Published at Public Concern for Goverance Trust, B/2, Mahalaxmi Chambers, 22, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai-400 026. Editor: Dr. Ratna Magotra
RTI Clinics In MumbaiPCGT : Every Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.For appointments and details call : 23526426 / 23526452.RTI HELPLINE NO.: 93 2288 2288Address : B/2, Mahalaxmi Chambers, 22,Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai-400026.Email : [email protected] ● Vist us at www.pcgt.org
Giants International Charitable Trust : 1st & 3rd Monday of every month between 4.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m.● For appointments and details call 23679698Address: Orient Club., 2nd Floor, 9, Chowpatty Sea Face, Mumbai-400007Email: [email protected] us at www.giantinternational.org
BCAS Foundation : 2nd, 3rd & 4th Saturday of every monthbetween 11.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m.● For appointments and details call 66595601-05Address: 7, Jolly Bhavan No.2, Ground Floor, New Marine Lines, Mumbai-400020Email: [email protected] us at www.bcasonline.org
Indian Merchants’ Chamber 1st & 3rd Wednesday of every month from 4.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.Resource Person: Mr. S. K. Nangia● For appointments and details call 22046633Address: IMC Building, Churchgate, Mumbai-400 020
RTI Clinics In PunePune Municipal Council : Every Friday between 11.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m.● For appointments and details callMr. Marutirao Sail – Tel. 020 - 64005613Address: Nagrik Suvidha Kendra, Pune Municipal Council, Shivaji Nagar, Pune-411005Email : [email protected] ● Visit us at www.pcgt.org
PCGT: Every Saturday between 10.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m.● For appointments and details call C. R. Kutpelli – Tel. 020 - 64005613Address: No 3, Thube Park, 16 Shivaji Nagar, Pune-411005Email: [email protected] ● Visit us at www.pcgt.org
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PUBLIC CONCERN 8 VOL. 5, ISSUE 1, July 2014
FRIEND / VOLUNTEER WORK FORMI would like to volunteer with PCGT : YES NO From home At office (specify time)Skills that I would like to contribute:I would like to be involved in the following projects of PCGT:RTI Corruption Hatayenge Kuchh Aur
Date:
Note : Cheques to be drawn in favour of ‘Public Concern for Governance Trust’.Detach & send form to:Public Concern for Governance Trust (PCGT)
Mobile:Please join PCGT. There are three options :
DONOR CATEGORY
l Corpus Donation ` 100,000 and abovel "I Bless You" - ` 25,000 and abovel "I Support You" ` 10,000 and abovel Annual Supporter Admission Fees ` 200
Annual Subscription ` 300 Corpus Donation may be chosen for any of the following
Corpus Funds : l B. G. Deshmukh Memorial Corpus Fund l Corruption Hatayenge Corpus Fund l RTI-NV Corpus Fund l Kuchh Aur Corpus Fund l General Corpus Fund(Please note that donations to ‘ Public Concern for Governance Trust’ qualify for deduction u/s. 80G(5) (VI) of the Income Tax Act, 1961)
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Registration No. E-20164 (Mumbai)(THE BOMBAY PUBLIC TRUST ACT, 1950)
PUBLIC CONCERNC/o. Public Concern for Governance Trust (PCGT)B/2, Mahalaxmi Chambers,22, Bhulabhai Desai Road,Mumbai 400 026.
