Vol 8 Issues 2/3
Regn. no. MAHENG/2004/15104
www.ngoconnect.org
A ‘SHAKTI’ PROJECT
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May-June, July-Aug, 2011
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” – Desmond Tutu
I n d i a ’ s Fi r s t N G O N e w s ta b l o i d CONNECTiNG NGOs must support India Against Corruption “ A battle we must not lose “ - Pritish Nandy Let us just look at the issues over which the battle between the Government and us citizens is being fought. And then let’s decide where we want to stand, each one of us, on the issue of corruption. The first question is: do you think a corrupt Government can fight corruption on its own, and within its own ranks? If your answer is no to that, then we need to create an independent institution to fight corruption. Right? Well, that’s precisely what Anna is asking for. He is asking for a Lokpal that the Government cannot influence or manipulate. This is the first battle. The second battle is over four things. One: Should the Prime Minister come under the purview of the Lokpal? Almost everyone I know thinks he should. A honest Prime Minister wouldn’t care. A dishonest one must be supervised. Two: Should Members of Parliament come under the Lokpal? I have not met a single person till date who thinks that our MPs are so honest that they need not be supervised. My guess is if a referendum is ever taken, Anna will get a 100% yes to this question, given what people think of our politicians and the standards of probity in public life. The third question is even more obvious: Do all public servants need to come under the Lokpal? India’s answer will be yes, yes, yes. Every day, in every area of our life and work, we are constantly harassed, intimidated and extorted by corrupt Government officers. The poorer you are, the worse is the torture. So yes, every public servant, every Government officer must come under the Lokpal. Question four: Who should give permission to file an FIR against a corrupt judge? If the Lokpal can look into corruption charges against the PM, the MPs and Government servants, isn’t it only logical to expect it to do the same against judges? The third and final battle is over an even simpler thing: The Citizen’s Charter. Should every Government office have such a Charter which will clearly state which officer will do what work and in how much time? And should an officer who refuses to do his work in time or asks for a bribe to move a file be punished? Anna believes that officers not doing their work in time amounts to corruption and must face the same treatment. Isn’t it rather obvious what India thinks about this? ...Every Indian will endorse the idea of a Jan Lokpal as Anna and his team have envisioned it, with the help of thousands of Indians who have contributed online to the process of drafting the bill. …. And what if there are charges against the Lokpal? Well, there’s a provision there too. You can go straight to the Supreme Court and seek justice out there. ——. This is possibly the most corrupt Government we have ever had. It has good reason to be scared.
Civil Society shows its Power seen necessarily as two sides of the same coin. R&R must always, in each instance, necessarily follow upon acquisition of land. Not combining the two “ R&R and land acquisition “ within one law, risks neglect of R&R.
The many faces of Civil Society
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t’s a concept that defies definition… the varied forms civil society has taken over the years, and it’s still not clear who qualifies as a member. Tune in to the national conversation since Anna Hazare went on fast for the Lokpal bill in the first week of April, and the impression is inescapable: Civil Society is here. It will take on the Political Class and/ or Government on behalf of you and me. That impression of coherence across neatly drawn battle lines is misleading. It hides the sheer number of different stories that have been told about “civil society” in our country from different locales and at different moments in time. Chequered History 19th century Not all descriptions of civil society have been flattering. The German expression used by both Hegel and, Marx, Burgerlichegesellsc haft, translates not only as “civil society” but also as “bourgeois society”. 1970s Post-Emergency, the JP movement opens gates of civil society in India as a perceptible presence. PUCL&DR, formed during Emergency, fights for “lost but worthwhile” causes. 1980s Lokayan project takes definition of non-state actors beyond “voluntary organisations” and “NGOs”, to “non-party political formations” or “NPPF”. The Left finds NPPF anti-Marxist. Allies/Rivals In 1980, Indira Gandhi sets up Kudal Commission, allegedly to conduct a witch-hunt against NGOs. Years later, Rajiv Gandhi appoints Sanjit (Bunker) Roy of SWRCTilonia as adviser to Planning Commission. In 1989-1990, L C Jain and Rajni Kothari, both members of the Planning Commission, join Medha Patkar’s protest on the Narmada dam. 1990s Opposition to “globalisation” brings non-state groups in India on common political platforms. In the West, breakdown of USSR encourages funding of many “movement” groups. NOW Lines between “civil society” and “political class/government” sharper than ever, with trust in politics and government at a low. Many are uncomfortable with the solutions bandied by civil society. “Paradoxically, all the solutions suggested by civil society invoke an expansion of government bureaucracy. Each bill, the Lokpal
This has, indeed, been the experience thus far.
Volunteers fast for Anna Hazare in support of his anti corruption campaign in Bangalore
included, envisions a separate authority. Today lines between “civil society” and “political class/ government” are sharper than ever, with trust in politics and government at a new low. ( excerpts from http://www.expressi ndia.com/ latest-news/ The-manyfaces-of- Civil-Society/ 812667/ )— Vandita Mishra
Food Security Bill insecure
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he Right to Food Campaign appealed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to set aside the government draft of the Food Security Bill which “minimises government’s obligations, restricts people’s entitlements and is devoid of any accountability”. Rejecting the government’s draft Bill, the Campaign gave a national call for action. In an open letter to the Prime Minister, the Campaign said the draft Bill approved by the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) had no commitment towards nutritional security or to seed production, procurement (including local procurement), storage and distribution as an integrated process to address issues of food and nutritional security. The Campaign, which is a conglomeration of several social activist groups, said the Bill interprets food security only as distribution of cereals and cooked meals and is completely silent on distribution of pulses, millets and oil under the public distribution system (PDS). It came down heavily on the proposed cash transfers (in lieu of foodgrains).. Giving cash without ensuring proper food availability was putting people at the mercy of food retailers and cartels which could lead to greater corruption than the projected leakages in the PDS, apart from putting the farmers at risk.
problems related to identification of the below poverty line households and exclusion errors were well known. Campaign members regretted that the draft Bill gave full powers to the Centre to modify or withdraw most entitlements. Among the signatories are Aruna Roy and Nikhil Dey (National Campaign for People’s Right to Information), Kavita Srivastava and Binayak Sen (People’s Union for Civil Liberties), Annie Raja (National Federation for Indian Women), Jean Dreze, Anuradha Talwar, Gautam Modi and Madhuri Krishnaswamy (New Trade Union Initiative), Arun Gupta (Breast Feeding Promotion Network of India) and Arundhati Dhuru (National Alliance of People’s Movements).
The Draft National Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation & Resettlement bill, 2011 “Foreword: Infrastructure across the country must expand rapidly. Industrialisation, especially based on manufacturing has also to accelerate. Urbanisation is inevitable. Land is an essential requirement for all these processes. Government also needs to acquire land for a variety of public purposes.In every case, land acquisition must take place in a manner that fully protects the interests of land-owners and also of those whose livelihoods depend on the land being acquired. Under our Constitution, land is a State subject but land acquisition is a Concurrent subject. So far, the basic law governing the land acquisition process has been the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. Although it has been amended from time to time, it is painfully evident that the basic law has become archaic.
Opposing the move to leverage Aadhaar — unique identification numbers, the Campaign apprehended that this would impinge on the civil liberties of the citizens and was a means of tracking and surveillance.
Land markets in India are imperfect. There is asymmetry of power (and information) between those wanting to acquire the land and those whose lands are being acquired. That is why there has to be a role for the government to put in place a transparent and flexible set of rules and regulations and to ensure its enforcement.
Seeking universalisation of the PDS entitlement, the Campaign said the
Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) need to be
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This draft Bill seeks to balance the need for facilitating land acquisition for various public purposes including infrastructure development,industrialisation and urbanisation, while at the same time meaningfully addressing the concerns of farmers and those whose livelihoods are dependent on the land being acquired. The draft bill is being placed in the public domain as part of a prelegislative consultative process. Comments are invited preferably before 31st August 2011. Separately, the Ministry of Rural Development has launched initiatives to update and digitise land records and to move from a presumptive system to a conclusive system of land records. --Jairam Ramesh
Govt. Bodies Exempted from FCRA 2010
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o Government or autonomus bodies such as Universities etc. need FCRA permission for accepting foreign donations? Not any longer. With effect from 1-July-11, all Government bodies have been exempted from FCRA provisions. However, two conditions must be met for this: 1. The body should have been established by a Central or State Act. 2. Its accounts should be compulsorily audited by the CAG. References:· Section 50 of FCRA 2010, · Order S.O.1492(E), dated 1-7-2011. Section 50 of the foreign contribution (regulation) act, 2010 - power to exempt in certain cases - act not to apply to all bodies constituted or established by or under a central act or a state act requiring to have their accounts compulsorily audited by the comptroller and auditor general of india WHEREAS the Central Government is of the opinion that it is necessary and expedient in the interests of the general public to exempt all bodies constituted or established by or under a Central Act or a State Act requiring to have their accounts compulsorily audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
NGO Connect
May-June, July-Aug, 2011 ○
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NGO News attention to popularising and promoting organic farming in the state to usher in a new “Green Revolution” in agriculture. In a bid to spread awareness about benefits of organic farming among farmers, hundreds of national and international organic farming scientists and experts gathered here for a three-day conference beginning June 22.
Forum vs. Sex Selection Mumbai: The Forum Against Sex Selection (FASS) was formed in May 2011 in Mumbai to renew the campaign against sex selective abortions which is responsible for the country’s appallingly skewed sex ratio. The group has over 50 members who communicate by the yahoo e-group. The members include Stree Mukti Sanghatana, Akshara, CCDT, MAVA, Population First, YWCA, Women Networking (an informal network of 20 NGOs and CBOs working on women’s issues), educational institutions and individuals. FASS has a core group and several sub-groups for effective functioning. The Forum has initiated discussions and conducted joint actions with educational institutions for joint actions, e.g. SNDT Women’s University and the Mumbai University. FASS is also in dialogue with the Maharashtra state government and the health minister to ensure the implementation of the PCPNDT Act. FASS recently conducted an interactive workshop for 70 participants to discuss its perspective and plan strategies to take the FASS campaign forward and to understand challenges to implementing the PCPNDT Act. Contact: fassindia2011@ gmail.com
The draft Nat. Policy on Seniors New Delhi: Although similar to the earlier 1999 policy drafted but never implemented, the new policy has some new features: A national Commission for Senior Citizens at the Centre with similar Commissions at the State level— each would be a statutory, autonomous body with powers of a civil court. Also mooted is a bureau for re-employment of senior citizens. The new policy focuses on the needs of older women; provision for free healthcare through CGHS- and at least one geriatric ward in each district. Incentives like taxexemptions to families who care for their elderly; health insurance for senior citizens- particularly those in rural areas and an increase in old age pensions – the new amount being Rs. 1000/- pm for BPL elderly. The draft policy uploaded on the Helpage website is open to suggestions. The plan is to get it passed within six months!!!The draft has converged schemes run by different ministries…so that there is one window.
Two men on an organic ride Coimbatore: Two classmates V.Deepan and R.Muthukumar
decided to “live” and not “exist” so when they got a chance to make a difference, they decided to promote the cause of organic farming by travelling around the country promoting the cause and getting farmers in touch. They left on July 25 from Coimbatore with a Dell laptop, a canon 7D, A Sony hi-def handycam on their 2006 Royal Enfield. (See pix above). They plan to cover 40,000 kms with 100 kgs backpacks through Gujarat, Arunachal, Punjab, Rajasthan and Ladakh. After two weeks they have already visited several farms around the city and around Trichy documenting organic farming. Farmers have offered them hospitality. After the trip they plan to bring out a reference manual to link all organic farmers. Their dream is to set up an organic commune on the lines of the Tibetan settlement near Thimbam Ghats. Email travelong. vd@ gmail.com or call 8903662071 or 89036-18460.
SHGs to get loans at lower rates Hyderabad: The Government of India decided to reduce the rate of interest for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from 12 per cent to seven per cent to bring it on par with crop loans, addressing an international meet on microfinance, Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh said. Later the Minister said the decision was taken as part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) launched in Rajasthan. He said the subsidy on the loans would be borne by the central government. Stressing the need for regulating microfinance institutions (MFIs), the Minister claimed that the central government was working on an MFI Bill. He hinted that the process may take 12 to 18 months. Earlier, addressing the international summit on “Microfinance and Inclusive Development”, he noted that most MFIs look upon poverty only as a business, looking only at share prices, balance sheets, bottom lines and foreign institutional investors. He praised Andhra for being the pioneer of the SHG movement in the country and assuming the leadership role, accounting for 40 per cent of all the bank credit to all SHGs in India. (Andhra Pradesh has one million SHGs with 10 million members). The Minister said this achievement was now being replicated in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Orissa.
Bihar promotes organic farming Patna: After good roads, improving law and order, education and health services, Bihar is turning its
“This conference of national and international organic farming scientists and experts will boost the government’s plans of attracting farmers to adopt organic farming,” Bihar Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute Director RK Sohane said. The effort was part of the preparation of a progressive agriculture road map for the state for the next five years. The government has decided to promote organic farming in at least one village of all 37 districts.”The Bihar government launched an ‘organic farming promotion programme’ early this year for the cultivation of organic crops in all the districts for which Rs 255 crore has been sanctioned for five years.
Mumbai blast victims Mumbai: Three weeks after the Mumbai triple blasts, many victims are still struggling to get back to a normal life. An NGO called Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayta Samiti (BMVSS) has come forward to help the victims get back on their feet. The NGO has offered to provide the Jaipur foot for victims who have undergone amputation. “We have spoken to the hospital authorities and explained to them that the Jaipur foot is most effective in terms of maintenance. Since many of these patients come from poor backgrounds, we will provide the limbs free of cost,” said Narayan Vyas, a member of BMVSS. However, it will be a few months before the patients can utilise this offer.As per the number given to the NGO by the hospital authorities, five persons in Saifee Hospital and three in Harkisondas Hospital have undergone amputation. Apart from the Jaipur foot, the NGO will also provide callipers, crutches and wheelchairs.
New Rehab Centre Pune: After almost a year of construction, the Good Shepherd Recovery Home Rehabilitation Centre was inaugurated in February by Bishop Thomas Dabre of Pune. Based in the mountains outside Pune, the new centre was described by some as reminiscent of a “university campus”. With the gym completed and poultry, a vegetable garden, cows and water capturing facilities, the Centre will soon be almost selfsustaining. The Centre’s approach to rehabilitation is a comprehensive 34 month programme conducted by Sankalp. Check www.good shepherdrecoveryhome.org
Narcotics Bureau is 25 Mumbai: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) partnered with Sankalp Rehabilitation Trust to celebrate its 25th anniversary on March 27. Abhishek Bachchan started the day off at Nariman Point pledging his support to the cause. The participants walked to the Police Gymkhana at Marine Drive where a panel discussion was held with Mr. Y.Wanage (director NCB), MrVijay Kumar ( Deputy Dir. Gen., NCB), Dr. Shashi Menon (Dir. Kripa Foundation)
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and Mr. E. Tellis from Sankalp discussing issues of drug use.
Crucial victory for PLHIV Mumbai: Sankalp Rehabilitation Trust, along with a coalition of organizations filed an application in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of NACOs criteria for access to Second Line ART. The petition stated that second line treatment should be made available to all PLHIV who need it irrespective of any other criteria. With the persistence of the HIV/AIDS Unit of the Lawyers Collective, the court ruled in favour of PLHIVs right to health. The Supreme Court made it clear to the government that access to Second Line must be universalised. As per the order Second Line ART will be provided to all PLHIV who need it, whether they were in the private or public sector or on rational/ irrational treatment. In the first phase (3 months) universal access would be started at four Centres of Excellence across India with immediate effect. After a study of the initial phase, it would be scaled up to more ART centres. Contact Sankalp, Mumbai email sankalp. trust@gmail.com; tel: 02265252685
Himachal making ‘green’ roads Shimla: The government has been using waste plastic in road surfacing since 2010 as part of its ‘remove polythene, save environment’ campaign.: Himachal Pradesh plans to surface 150 km of state roads this fiscal by adding shredded plastic waste to tar. “Molten plastic with liquid tar has proven to be more resistant to water permeation, heat and high pressure than the normal material,” Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Gulab Singh said. “All PWD divisions are using plastic for roads. This year the PWD will build 150 km of roads surfaced with plastic waste. Last year 42 km of roads were built using this material,” he said. The Minister said the road construction cost per km by using bitumen was around Rs 12 lakh. But by mixing plastic in the bitumen, the cost came down to Rs 11 lakh per km. The government has been using waste plastic, including carry bags, disposable cups, and laminated plastics like pouches of potato chips, pan masala, aluminium foil and packaging material used for grocery items, in road surfacing since 2010. Himachal Pradesh, since October 2, 2009, imposed a ban on the production, storage, use, sale and distribution of all types of polythene bags made of non-biodegradable materials. After imposing the ban, the government launched a campaign “Polythene Hatao, Paryavaran Bachao” (remove polythene, save environment) across the state in three phases. To maintain regular supply of plastic waste for the PWD’s road surfacing projects, the government has developed a buyback mechanism. It has asked village panchayats and urban local bodies to segregate plastic from other waste in their areas. Which the PWD buys at Rs 4 per kg. (Source IANS)
No noise for the Gods Varanasi:*Probably in a lesson for the other states of India, the police
& administration of Varanasi succeeded in ensuring complete ban on Road D.J. used by Kanwariyas in the month of Savan. Satya Foundation, has been campaigning for reduction in noise levels since years and congratulated the administration & police for this historical milestone. The S.P. City Shri Man Singh Chauhan, when contacted, commented that: “Due to the intensive campaigning by Satya Foundation, our work got easier. Not only the people, they have also made the officers aware about the problem of Noise pollution. We requested the Kanwarias to switch off the high-decibel D.J. & they agreed. This greatly helped the people, specially the students & patients “ Contact Chetan Upadhyaya, Satya Foundation, Tel: 09212735622
Friends Society annual report Baroda: The Public reading Room and library were instituted to promote healthy readings habits amongst the neighbouring communities. Today the profile of Readers shows that Sr. Citizens : from lower socio economic class from neighboring community; Youth : Students have been using the library for different purposes. The Seniors like to time-pass in the clean environment; youth come to read the papers before going to work and students come to read the Jobs section!! 80 % of readers come from (lower income groups) While 15 % of readers are from families whose children are at the Friends Society Balwadi. No fees are charged and newspapers in English and Gujarati are available. Over 4000 Gujarati Books, 1000 Hindi Books and 1000 English Books are available : Gujarati, Hindi and English Magazines are also available for children, women and others. To encourage self-employment among women and also promote their educational and social development 40 women from lower socio economic class from neighboring community, aged 1535 and with some education, enroll for the embroidery and tailoring classes. To understand specific needs and integrate children belonging to the mainstream of society and foster self confidence in them 40 children (from lower socio economic class aged 2.5 to 5 years enroll for the Balwadi. Daily meals are sponsored by Jalaram Temple, Karelibaug Contact: 0265-2750629, Mob: 097243 08364
Swami Vivekananda Schools Chennai: Established in the year 1979, Swami Vivekananda Rural Development Society, has been focusing on social empowerment of the rural masses. *One of its units, “Single Teacher Schools”, was launched in 2002. “Our focus has been on ‘Education & Health’ for the poor and downtrodden in remote villages which do not have access to educational and health infrastructures. Even in Education, our thrust is on child literacy .” Till date the Society has promoted 450 single teacher schools in Thiruvallur and Kanchipuram Districts, benefiting 15,000 children, who are given value based education with General Science,
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NGO News Mathematics, languages and basics of Yoga as curriculum, along with training in nutrition and health through local teachers Watch: Contact Haran Bar at haran. br@gmail.com
NGOs express concern over illegal activities Assam: Wildlife and environment NGOs have expressed concern that poaching of wild animals and illegal tree felling has lead to the rapid shrinking of forest cover in the Dibru Saikhowa National Park (DSNP). The Dibru Saikhowa Conservation Committee has claimed that the forest resources of the national park were depleting because of encroachment of land and illegal cutting of trees. Salix tetrasperma, for instance, is one of the many rare and valuable trees in demand for making furniture and cricket bats for sale in the national international markets. It is reported that more than 1,000 trees, mostly of this particular species, have been felled in May. Poachers too are reported to have access to interior areas of the park, and animals like wild boar, deer, wild buffaloes and elephants are being poached regularly. In March, elephants were killed by poachers near the Paulami camp of the park. (Source Protected Area Update August 2011) Contact: DFO Tinsukia Wildlife Division DibruSaikhowa NP, P.O. Tinsukia – 786125 Assam. Tel: 0374331472(O), 333083(R)
The Eureka Super Kidz programme Chennai: The program started last year with adopting 200 villages. More people came forward to support and adopt villages and the Eureka program was done successfully in 500 villages last year. This year they aim to reach children in over 1000 villages. “Implementing projects successfully has several elements - planning, raising funds, organizing and training people and ensuring effective execution. But ensuring success in a changing environment takes more than just executing plans. It requires constant monitoring of intermediate results and periodic course corrections to make sure we get the results we started out to achieve. Evaluation was done in a randomly selected set of Eureka program villages as well as another random set of Control villages (where the Eureka program was not running). Broadly, the evaluation has found that the Eureka program has made a very large impact on the learning outcomes of children in most subject skills. There are a few skills where the impact is less visible and these need more attention. Going beyond the Eureka program, the evaluation also adds to the growing evidence that learning levels of children in poor villages in TN is very low. Contact ”Balaji Sampath balajisampath@gmail. com www.eurekachild.org
Women Against Sexual Violence Bangalore: The “Women against sexual violence and sexual repression” group has been functioning since Nov. 2009 to put an end to the violence being perpetrated on women’s bodies and societies. A nationwide network of
women, women’s organisations and groups have been particularly active in the North East and Kashmir where the army has been deployed and where custodial rape, sexual violence etc, have been allowed to continue. In Chattisgarh, and other states, the adivasi women are the target of offensives launched by the State in the name of curbing “Maoism” and leading to state-protected violence. The WSS has been issuing several Fact finding reports including those on the Gajapathy gangrape case, and women under the GreenHunt campaign in Jharkhand. A mission in Orissa could not be completed due to police harassment. To join the movement. Contact against sexualviolence@gmail.com or contact UmaChandru@ gmail.com Tel: 98440 80227
Chalo English Sikhayein Mumbai: The Chalo English Sikhayein Project was inaugurated on July 1 at Indian Merchant Chambers. The Project envisages volunteers going to schools to help students to better their English skills. Principals of Shakari Vidya Mandir, Janabai &Madhavrao Rokade School, Asmita School and Seva Sadan spoke about how the project had helped their students. And subsequently a volunteer and a student shared their experiences. A Skit was performed by PCGT’s Ms. Ankita Pandya & Group. The initiative is supported by the Dharma Bharathi Mission, BCAS Foundation (Bombay Chartered Accountas Society, PCGT (Public Concern for Governance Trust), Giants International and the Kanta K. Varma Smarak Trust. Contact: publicconcern@gmail.com
Citizen Run Chennai: A Citizen Run is a Run to gain awareness and support for small, non-government organizations actively engaged in quality work for the welfare of the socially, economically and physically disadvantaged. A 4 km, Citizen Run was organised on August 7. from Lady Wellington College, to Kamarajar Salai and was followed by an entertainment programme . Bhumi was one of the four beneficiaries of the 13th Citizens’ Run.Contact http:// citizensrun.doattend.com/
Goal!!!! Chennai: Slum Soccer is a social development organization which uses the medium of football to bring about Societal Development. They are the Indian National Partners to the Homeless World Cup Foundation and are responsible for selecting, training and funding the Indian National Homeless Football team’s passage to the prestigious international tournament every year. Around 75 nations take part in this event annually and India is ranked 35th in the world. They are also a part of the Street football Network convened by the organization, Street Football World, a strategic alliance partner of FIFA. This year the world cup kicks off in Paris in August and in order to raise funds Slum Soccer conducted a concert on July 30 in which some of the finest bands in the city performed, including La Pongal, Circuit, Grey Shack, Wolf’s Lair and headlined by Benny Dayal’s ‘Subject to Change’. Contact: prahalathan@bhumi.org.in
National Green Tribunal operational New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), a judicial body aimed at expediting environmentrelated cases, began functioning on July 4, an Environment Ministry official said.”The first hearing of the NGT began today. The tribunal, which will deal with environmental cases, is an independent unit which has been launched with an initial support of the Environment Ministry,” the official said. Launched last October, the tribunal is headed by former Supreme Court Judge LS Panta. Headquartered in Delhi, the NGT will have four circuit branches in the four regions of the country. “It is an important initiative and India is only the third country after Australia and New Zealand to have a dedicated (green) court. Anybody and everybody can approach the NGT for civil damages arising out of non-implementation of various laws of the environment,” Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said during the launch of the NGT. There are about 5,000 environmental cases pending in various courts of the country. (Source IANS)
Haryana goes hitech to curb female foeticide Chandigarh: The Haryana Health Department has developed a ‘Mother and Child Tracking’ software to curb female foeticide and ensure timely health check-ups of mothers and children.The Health Department spokesperson said that the software has already been uploaded in the computers installed in all Community Health Centres (CHCs). Officials and health workers will identify and register the pregnant women in their respective areas. Information collected by the health workers would be fed in the computers of health centres and information would be made available online. “Officers of the department would regularly monitor the information regarding pregnant women and children and take effective steps to check female foeticide in the state,” he added. Haryana has the worst sex ratio in the country, with only 877 females per 1,000 males as per estimates of Census-2011.
Free `Change Management’ Strategies Mumbai: Toolbox India is a notfor-profit organisation which is interested in exploring opportunities to partner with non-profits who are interested in Change Process and Strategic Management. It will offer NGOs pro bono consultation in change process management. Check out www.toolboxh2o. in Contact: alvin@toolboxh2o. in or Vijaya: vijaya@toolboxh2o. in
Losing weight and donating Bigloser Community Fitness Initiative on the Social Media platform,Twitter, started in February 2011. The First Chapter of the Bigloser initiative will run till February 2012. Bigloser aims at using the desire to be fit, for donations to
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charity. Under the program, a participant who wants to lose weight donates a fixed amount per weight lost to charity. The total weight lost (say 15 kilos) will be multiplied by the donation rate (Rs10 per kilo) and the amount thus arrived at (Rs150) will be donated to charity. Currently, there are more than 70 participants/ sponsors active under this program. “We hope to generate interest by engaging more people to achieve their fitness goals and in the process help donate money to charity as well. For more details about Bigloser (including how to participate, sponsor,etc.) visit: http:/ /www.bigloser india.com Bigloser is looking for suitable charities to whom to channel the money raised via the gateway. Proposals from charities dedicated to the nutrition of children, mentally/ physically challenged and elderly are invited. Please send details of your org. in terms of a) Founders/ Trustee b) Geographical Area covered c) Profile/history and d) Amount of people fed every month/ year. Please include any other information you think is necessary. Email proposals to contact@ bigloserindia.com
CPAA Wellness Camps Mumbai: 273 individuals were screened at an ENT cancer screening camp conducted on May 28 at the Phoenix Mill premises. (Birla Wellness, Cipla and Johnson & Johnson supported CPAA’s activities). Chief Guests, Designer Shaina N C and actress Sharbani Mukherjee launched CPAA’s Tobacco Cessation Programme, ‘Quit Tobacco For Life’ on this occasion. ENT cancer screening camps were also organized at Naigaon Police Sankul (Complex) for police personnel and their families on May 3; on 8th June at Anuraj Industries at Goregaon for the workers of Ashirwad Industrial Estate. Tobacco users who would like help to quit can contact Dr. Kunal Oswal on 022-24924000 or make an appointment to attend clinics at Prabhadevi on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. CPAA and MIG Cricket club cohosted a drawing competition for children on May 30 at their club in Bandra. 125 children including some childhood cancer patients, in the age group of 5 - 15 years participated. In Delhi an early detection cancer screening camp was organized on May 9 at Siddharth Public School, Govindpuri. Residents of nearby slums availed of this facility in large numbers. Pune: Cancer awareness lectures were held for Junior Red Cross students, Hamal Panchayat construction workers of Vascon and for 300 women of ‘Sasa - Mahila Griha Udyog’, Sanaswadi. Subsequently, 2 early detection cancer screening camps were held for 135 men of the Hamal Panchayat and Nhavare Sugar factory and 3 early detection cancer screening camps were held for 159 women of nearby villages. CPAA in association with Pidilite Industries, Shaina NC and Manish Malhotra presented ‘Caring with Style’, a fashion show at Intercontinental-The Lalit, in Mumbai on June 19. The glamorous fashion show saw a lavish mix of celebrities from the film fraternity, prominent industrialists and achievers from different walks of life sashaying down the ramp. Kajol Devgan graced the occasion as Chief Guest with Nita Ambani as guest of honour
Vivek Oberoi inaugurates the Quit Tobacco Programme
Making Rural Life Easier Social entrepreneurs have come up with innovations to address routine problems of the rural poor and make their daily life easier. Pune-based Ossian Agro Automation Pvt Ltd invented Nano Ganesh, a GSM mobile-based remote control system exclusively for use with water pump sets in agricultural areas. Ostwal, a graduate in electrical engineering who invented the system, says that by simply making a phone call, a farmer can switch the motor on or off from wherever he is. This is the first time that such a “remote control” that uses wireless-link technology has been made available to farmers. Ossian Agro has installed 10,000 systems and is now planning to tie up with Jain Irrigation to spread across the country and tie up with mobile operators to reach out to these farmers. Another example is Chennai-based Venkat Subramanian, founder and CEO of E-farm, a farm-to-home supply chain platform for procuring and delivering fruit and vegetables transparently, economically and efficiently. The company has ties with farmers, intermediaries, logistics providers, distributors and small-time retailers, all the way up to local roadside vendors, into a single chain backed by a quality information system to deliver fresh, low-priced farm produce. Using E-farm’s SMSbased solution, farmers match buyer and seller with prices at which they want to buy and sell. Transparency is one of the key features. Membrane Filters is a Pune-based start-up whose product, Jal Doot, uses National Chemical Laboratory technology on ultra-filtration membranes to filter out viruses and bacteria from water. Jal Doot is an integrated system that uses surface water from any rural water source such as a well, lake or river. The entire system is mounted on a three-wheeler and delivers pure potable water directly at the doorstep at 3 ps per litere. The product is US-India patented and 15 such Jal Doots are being operated in Maharashtra (and all by women), said Sarang Devi, vicepresident of Membrane Filters (India) Pvt Ltd. Nuru Energy, on its part, has developed an affordable and clean lighting system for the rural poor. The Nuru Light is a multifunctional light that can be mounted on a wall, worn around the neck or made to stand freely.It boasts of LED lights that do not break or need to be replaced. The power generators for charging the light include POWERCycle - a human-powered
NGO Connect
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NGO News a bogus complaint of “Atrocity” (i.e. insulting a member of Scheduled Caste) against Shenoy. Under pressure of the builder and his henchmen, the police arrested Shenoy on Saturday to minimize his chances of getting bail promptly.
cycle - which can recharge portable lights in 120 minutes, enabling the lights to produce 50-60 watts of power; POWERGrid (a plug-in charger); and POWERSolar - a solar panel charger. These chargers can charge up to five lights at once. Founded three years ago, the company has invented the world’s first pedal generator, for which it holds a patent. According to a company spokesman, pedalling for 20 minutes is enough to generate power for 30 hours. Finally, Artoo IT Solutions Pvt Ltd has come up with a software solution designed for microfinance field staff, which takes over the entire process of data collection and loan disbursement online to do away with paperwork, avoid innumerable delays and reduce expenses.
People Mumbai: July 22 was Chief State Information Commissioner Vilas Patil’s last day in office.Post retirement, Mr Patil plans to live in Mumbai and will be available to guide RTI activists in Mumbai. ”There is great need for mentoring RTI activists as well as Public Information Officers (PIOs) and appellate authorities, through books, articles, meetings etc. I would like to be part of initiatives for this purpose, taken up in the right spirit,” he said. Mr Patil expressed eagerness to use his insights for good of Maharashtra’s people and RTI activists community in general. With his help and cooperation, “We hope to be make good things happen, especially in our proud State”. Contact Krishnaraj 98215 88114
Text-to-Speech screen reader Mumbai:. A visually-impaired student from a Marathi-medium school, Azharuddin is hoping to better his score in college because his screen-reader can now read aloud his Marathi notes. Called the Text-To-Speech (TTS) synthesis system, this new software will hit the market in November. Sponsored by the Centre’s department of Information Technology, TTS is a screenreading software application that identifies and interprets Indian language text being displayed on the screen. TTS can read Marathi, Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam and Bengali. 30 visually-impaired students have been roped in for a month-long training workshop for the software by the developers - the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in Juhu. The TTS system gives instructions and commands in the students own language and accent. Moreover, one can type out scripts, notes, stories etc. “For the last two years we have been working on the software to ensure maximum comfort to users. From the native accent to the pace of the voice output, we have tried to steer away from mechanised voices that have been in use till now,” said Birchandra Singh, a linguist and project coordinator, C-DAC, Mumbai. “Once the workshop is completed, we will make note of the feedback from the students being trained and subsequently, refine it.” Students are being trained by Harshad Jadhav, 28, who is
Contact: Senior Police Inspector Jadhav Manikpur Police Station in Vasai — 0250 2332110, DSP Deepak Devraj 0250 2332614, Kamlakar Shenoy — 98709 87359, Krish 98215 88114 Chief SIC Vilas Patil (fourth from left) flanked by Mohd Afzal, G R Vora, Sunil Ahya, Krishnaraj Rao and Kalpana Gavas (head of Chief SIC’s secretariat)
visually-impaired himself. “The students, who are divided into batches of 10 each, attend the workshop for five days in a week. From computer basics to Microsoft office by the end of the six-week workshop, students will send mails in Marathi, read Marathi websites and e-papers,” he said. The developers are also hoping to create a similar software for more than 22 regional languages by the end of next year. “We are hoping to record commands for languages such as Gujarati, Assamese, Oriya, Manipuri, Kannada and Bodo,” said Pawan Kumar, staff scientist, CDAC, Mumbai. “We also aim to reach out to tiny pockets of the country by creating an androidbased mobile software by 2012.”
Celebrating the Environment Kolkata: Kaikhali Jibandisha continued its awareness campaigns among school students by commemorating world environment day on July 6 and Aranya Saptaha (Forest Week) July 16 at Haltu Girls’High School and Sucheta nagar Balika Bidyamandir in South Kolkata. These campaigns had active participation through song, recitation, dance and drama. Slogans and posters were also made by the students and they planted a number of saplings keeping in tune with the aim of West Bengal to plant 4 crores of saplings in the year. The awareness campaigns were conducted with active support from teachers, Educationists, Social Workers and Environmentalists. Kaikhali Jibandisha also launched its journal “Jibandisha” with a new look. Contact” spdatta2003 @yahoo.co.in
Masum report on Anti- POSCO Movement Orissa: Recently MASUM visited some villages of Kujong Tehsil district where a huge police force cordoned hundreds of villagers including women and children who were protesting, under the banner of Posco Pratirodha Sangram Samiti (PPSS), the entry of police and district officials for “forcible” land acquisition”. They are now preparing the list of the criminal cases registered by the police of Odisha which were filed against the protesting villagers. Contact Kirity Roy, Secretary,Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha, (MASUM) “Kirity Roy” kirityroy@gmail.com & National Convenor (PACTI), Programme Against Custodial Torture & Impunity, Hooghly, Phone- +91-3326220844 / 0845 e.mail : kirityroy@gmail. com Web: www.masum.org. in
Pak-India Forum Against Nuclear policy Lucknow Declaration 2011 endorsed by the 2nd Uttar Pradesh State Convention of Pak-India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD) on July 10 strongly voiced the need to establish a nuclear bomb-free, visa-free, and clean energy policies in the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations. It also voiced that Democratic values and systems of governance must become the prevailing norm for the entire South Asian region; Immediate steps be taken by all the governments of the region to halt militarization and to gradually reduce military expenditure in a publicly stated, transparent and pro-active manner. They also asked that steps be taken for the restoration of rights to natural resources like water, land and forests, to their rightful ownership by the common people of the region; the illegitimate and destructive appropriation of these rights by the forces of globalization, which we believe are anti-people, be halted. “We therefore pledge our continuing support for all pro-people movements in their struggles against the forces of globalization acting under the direction of what we believe to be the illegitimate and self-appropriated power of bodies like the WTO, World Bank, IMF and ADB”. Endorsed by Magsaysay Awardee Dr Sandeep Pandey, senior Advocate Ravi Kiran Jain, Pakistan’s noted human rights activist Saeeda Diep, senior social activist and former inspectorgeneral of police SR Darapuri, Adviser to Right-to-food Commissioners appointed by Supreme Court Arundhati Dhuru, were among the prominent people present during its adoption.
Whistleblower arrested Mumbai:: RTI Activist Kamlakar Shenoy who blew the whistle on Shivalik Ventures land fraud at Golibar and Wadala, was arrested on July 16 by Vasai Police. A member of RTI Activists Union against Land Mafia, Shenoy has been blowing the whistle for long on Shivalik Ventures. In response to his complaints, Magistrate Court at Ballard Pier Court had ordered that Ramakant Jadhav, the proprietor of Shivalik Ventures, along with 12 officers — three IAS officer and 9 CIDCO officers — be prosecuted for land grabbing and various illegalities in the Slum Rehabilitation Scheme being carried out by MHADA and other authorities. (However, under pressure of Home Minister R R Patil, the police have refrained from taking action.) In retaliation, the proprietor of Shivalik Ventures maliciously filed
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Monsanto Quit India! ‘No Corporate control of Indian agriculture!” A Nation-wide Day of Action was held on Aug. 9,(Quit India Day) & Kisan Swaraj Week Aug. 915. Monsanto has become the world’s largest seed company by employing many devious strategies and tactics It is notorious across the world for a variety of misdeeds and crimes – polluting natural resources, killing and maiming humans with its products, bribing officials for approvals, falsifying safety reports to show the most dangerous chemicals like dioxin as safe, colluding with regulators through revolving doors between the company and government, false advertising etc. ‘No food shall be grown that we don’t own’ – that is Monsanto’s reported objective. Monsanto seeks to own that food through patents and IPRs, using hybrids and Genetically Modified seeds, to prevent competition and force farmers to return to the company perpetually for seeds. Even on its most friendly turf USA, Monsanto is now facing an anti-trust investigation. *Monsanto’s Misdeeds in India* - Mahyco-Monsanto used its Bt cotton seed monopoly to set exorbitant prices. The A.P. government had to use the MRTP Commission Essential Commodities Act and then a special Act to finally push its price from Rs.1800 per packet to Rs.750.- Monsanto actually sued A.P. and Gujarat state governments that they have no right to control seed prices – with Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi as its lawyer! - Monsanto entered into licensing agreements with other seed companies - Monsanto is on the Board of USIndia Knowledge Initiative in Agriculture, under which bio-safety regime for GM crops was sought to be weakened - Monsanto entered into hushed-up agreements with several states (Rajasthan, Orissa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, J&K) to spend hundreds of crores of public funds every year to purchase Hybrid Maize seeds from Monsanto and distributing them free of cost to farmers, creating a ready market. - Monsanto is pushing the sales of its herbicide glyphosate which is known to cause reproductive problems. Recently, gross violations were exposed in its GM maize field trials in Karnataka.-Contact: Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture (ASHA)
POSCO Update The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging that the police have occupied most of the school classrooms at Badagabapur village in Orissa and converted these schools into their fortresses to fight the anti-land acquisition villagers, who have been opposing the move of the Government to hand over their
land to the South Korean Steel Company POSCO. The Commission observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of right to education of the children in the State of Orissa and in particular in Jagatsinghpur District near the proposed POSCO Steel Plant site and issued notices to the Chief Secretary and DGP, Government of Orissa calling for their reports in the matter within four weeks. The students are scared of going to schools because of the arms stocked by the police on the premises and most of the students are not going to schools near the proposed POSCO Plant due to presence of the policemen. Moreover, the media report also alleged Instead of regular teachers, the State Government has appointed Shiksha Sahayaks (Assistant Teachers) on contract basis for taking classes.
Waste to wealth Bangalore: Companies are investing in technologies to turn organic waste into natural gas. Leftover food and kitchen waste are potential sources of energy. And now there is a way to harness this potential through “Serigas technology” developed by Scalene Energy Research Institute (SERI), the research wing of bio- technology and power engineering firm Scalene Cybernetics. Serigas technology is a simple process based on the principle of multi-stage anaerobic digestion. It uses a specifically- designed “Microbe Incubated Bio-Reactor” and a natural gas refinery to process organic waste, everything from food leftovers, to kitchen and municipal waste, oil effluent, agricultural crops, slaughter waste, poultry or fish waste, animal dung, night soil, weeds such as water hyacinth, water lettuce and so on. Serigas, the “organic” natural gas produced as a result, is enriched using a proprietary technology called the “Spiral Protium Accelerated Reactor Super Enrichment”. It can then be used as a fuel, filled in cylinders or transported in pipes for cooking, automobiles and industrial usage. As much as 300 kg of gas can be produced from one tonne of organic waste which, the company claims, is 50-60 per cent more than what is produced by conventional technologies. Serigas. Early this year, the company
launched SERIGASTM organic gas plants in various sizes which can process waste ranging from 3 kg to 4,000 kg a day. Scalene will supply the technology to Indian Telephones Industries, a public sector unit, for production on a large scale. “This will enable organisations and households to have their own source of energy which is carbon neutral, thereby radically changing the production and usage of energy,” says A R Shukla, advisor to the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Companies such as the UB Group and Malankara Plantations have already signed agreements with Scalene for such power plants in Nelamangala, Bangalore and Kottayam. Among others setting up the plant include Prabha Power Corporation (Hyderabad), House of Khoday’s (Bangalore), Global Green Energy Parks (Bangalore); and Krish Power & Gas( Ghaziabad). Wipro, has been producing energy from the leftover food and kitchen waste at the cafeterias on its large
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NGO News campus in the city since the last two years. Its green efforts launched since 2009-10 have helped to save 15 million units of energy and 12,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases, Wipro claims.
OBITUARY
Since October 2008, the company has been operating a bio-gas plant which runs on kitchen water and food leftovers, and sludge from the sewage treatment plant generated daily at Wipro’s Electronic City Campus. The plant is designed to process three tonnes of solid waste a day and yields 160-180 cubic metre of gas. The manure produced as a byproduct is weedless, odourless and is used as a soil conditioner. The two biogas plants in the campuses saves Wipro 50 tonnes of LPG and prevents GHG emissions of 100 tonnes,” says Ram Ramakrishna, vice- president, Facilities Management Group, Wipro Technologies. At Wipro, the waste-to-wealth dictum has now spread to other areas of operations. A paperrecycling plant processes 20 tonnes of waste paper a year; It also recycles 32 per cent of the water used in its offices. By 2013, the company’s aim is that “not more than 5 per cent of the waste generated from the company’s operations should end up in landfills”. By 2009-10 about 76 per cent of the waste generated was recycled by internal or external partners a company report stated.
India’s oldest microfinance firm on the verge of closure Mumbai: The controversial Andhra Pradesh microfinance law is set to claim its first victim. Vijay Mahajanpromoted Bhartiya Samruddhi Finance Ltd (BSFL), India’s oldest microfinance institution (MFI), is collapsing under the burden of bad loans. With borrowers in Andhra Pradesh refusing to repay, bad loans are growing and threatening to wipe out its entire net worth and reserves. “We are unlikely to survive beyond the next two to three months if we don’t get fresh funds,” Mahajan said. The possible failure of Basix, as BSFL is popularly known, will be more than just the end of a microfinance company. Also being snuffed out will be the dream of one of the iconic figures of the Indian microfinance movement. One of Mahajan’s key aims has been to improve financial inclusion and, thereby, better the lot of the poorer sections of society. The “Basix mission is to promote a large number of sustainable livelihoods, including for the rural poor and women, through the provision of financial services and technical assistance in an integrated manner”, according to a message on the group’s website. “Basix will strive to yield a competitive rate of return to its investors so as to be able to access mainstream capital and human resources on a continuous basis.” The chances of BSFL’s survival are bleak unless it gets money from banks, said Mahajan, who founded the company in 1996. BSFL’s stakeholders include International Finance Corporation and Small Industries Development Bank of India. If BSFL shuts, at least 5,000 people — most of them field workers — will lose their jobs, Mahajan said. The group has a total of 10 companies, including the parent firm.
Shehla Masood A Bhopal RTI activist was shot dead on Aug. 16th by an unidentified person in front of her residence in the posh Koh-e-Fiza locality. “Shehla Masood was shot dead around 11 am in her car,” said Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Adarsh Katiyar. The motive and details of the killing are awaited, he said, adding a hunt had been launched to nab the assailant. Shehla, who sat on a fast here recently in support of Anna Hazare’s ‘India Against Corruption’ campaign had also been working on a number of other things including wildlife conservation. She was actively involved in raising issues related to the deaths of tigers in the various sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh. Known to be a hard worker, Shehla also ran a company called ‘Miracles’ which used to do various things including event management. A CBI probe has been ordered by the MP Govt. after protests. All of them fall under two business verticals-knowledge services and financial inclusion. Meanwhile, the effect of the Andhra Pradesh repayment squeeze is spreading, with the level of bad assets rising to 3% from 1% in other parts of the country. Microlenders are in a critical state, Mahajan said. “ Even perfectly fine MFIs are facing a crisis as banks are not lending,” he said.. Lenders to BSFL include HDFC Bank Ltd and Axis Bank Ltd. Andhra Pradesh, accounting for more than a quarter of the Rs20,000 crore microlending industry, promulgated a law in October to control microlenders, after a spate of reported suicides following alleged coercive recovery practices adopted by some of them. The law, which restricted MFIs from collecting money from borrowers on a weekly basis, made it mandatory that government approval be obtained if a borrower takes more than one loan. While repayment rate dropped to 5-10% following the state law, commercial banks, which typically provide 80% of the funds to the industry, stopped lending. “BSFL is one of India’s two largest MFIs, Earlier this month, the government unveiled a draft Bill on microfinance regulation that accorded sole regulatory power to RBI. But, according to Mahajan, while the proposed Microfinance Institutions (Development and Regulation) Bill offers a sound framework, the situation will get worse because of the time it will take for the legislation to be put in place. The Andhra Pradesh government won’t dilute its stance on microlenders.
“It (the proposed federal law) doesn’t change the fact that MFIs come under the purview of moneylending activity and, hence, the state law,” Reddy Subramaniam, principal secretary (rural development) , Andhra Pradesh said, ‘and a number of judgements from high courts that prove this fact.” But Mahajan says,”I will not give up hope till the very last moment. This is not about Basix. This is the death knell to financial inclusion in India. Today, there are 92 lakh households in Andhra Pradesh who are appearing on the defaulters list of the National Credit Bureau. We cannot just stand by and let this happen,” he said.
Solar Power can meet 7% of India’s power Needs As a shortage of coal and sagging power production targets make industry experts look to alternative sources of power, solar energy is emerging as the likely best bet, though not yet in the league for heavy-duty industrial use. Understanding the potential, many corporate giants such as Tata group, Videocon, IBM, Godrej, Infosys, DLF, iGATE Patni, and public sector enterprises including Gail, Bhel and IOC have started using solar power. And most of them save over 10% on electricity bills. By using solar energy, India can save around $5.5 billion on its coal and oil imports bill. “When the number of lights and water heaters of our manufacturing plants and factories will run on the heat by sunshine on rooftop solar panels, electricity bills have to take a plunge,” said Anirudh Dhoot, director, Videocon. IT service firm iGATE Patni is using solar water heating in cafeteria along with solar lighting for basement parking area. “All these installations are at very niche level. After understanding the technology it will become the exciting source of energy,” said Sanjiv Kapur, global head (BPO), iGATE Patni. —. Himani Chandna Gurtoo http:// www.hindustantim es.com
Green tribunal stops HPl hydropower project Shimla: In a major setback to the construction of a hydroelectric project in Himachal Pradesh that will provide drinking water to Delhi, the National Green Tribunal (NGT), stopped construction and land acquisition for the multimillion hydropower project. The 40MW Renuka hydel project in Sirmaur district was being executed by the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation violating environmental norms A bench headed by Justice CV Ramalu, in its interim order, directed the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation (HPPCL), to stop the 40MW Renuka hydel project in Sirmaur district dam construction completely. The Rs 2,700 crore Renuka dam, mainly funded by the central government, is to be built on a tributary of the Yamuna river. The tribunal also directed the project authorities to stop awarding land compensation to the affected villagers. Petitioner Durga Ram challenged the environmental clearances awarded to the project by the Ministry of Environment and Forests in October 2009.He argued that the environment impact assessment (EIA) report for the
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project was inadequate and there were several discrepancies in the figures of the total area to be acquired for the project and the total number of families to be affected. The tribunal, which is dealing with environmental cases, is an independent unit that was launched on July 4 with an initial support of the Environment Ministry. (Source IANS).
Indian State and the Art of Fabricating False Cases Bangalore: Two spectres haunt civil society in India – the spectres of communalism and globalisation. As a part of this invasion, minorities are attacked and international organisations decide on the policies of the Indian Government today. Land, forests, hills, lakes, rivers and seas are sold to corporates. While many groups and people’s movements are resisting both these tendencies, the Indian State is using its executive machinery in a brutal way to suppress dissent. Many innocent people are criminalised, branded and jailed. Dr. Binayak Sen is the most well known personality in this category of ‘fabricated cases’ by the Indian State. Many false cases are now being framed on those who are resisting POSCO. When evidence is missing for their guilt, efforts are being made to create false evidence. Over 20 organisations in Bangalore organised a one-day Convention on the ‘Indian State and the Art of Fabricating False Cases’. at NGO Hall, Cubbon Park, on July 30. Among the topics were :1.False charges on people’s movements: Globalisation, Development and People’s Movements Speakers: Prafulla Samantarai (Well known activist/intellectual from Orissa) ;Prashant Paikray (Official Spokesperson, Anti-Posco Movement, Orissa) ; Swami Vishua Bhadrananda Shakti Bhodi (Director, Alathoor Siddha Ashramam/Editor, Ethir Disha Magazine) 2.Communalism and Branding.Chairperson: Gauri Lankesh, Editor, Lankesh Patrike Speakers: K.L. Ashok (State Secretary, Karnataka, Communal Harmony Forum, Teesta Setalvad (Well known anti-communal activist, editor of Communalism Combat); Fr. Ajay Singh (The main initiative from Kandhamal) ;Dr. K. Muhamed Najeeb (Solidarity Youth Movement) 3. War on Terror or War on People? Speakers: Sebastian Paul (Former Member of Parliament) U.S. Kumar (Mangalore Human Rights Forum); Sherif Kottapurath (Former CTO of Sun Microsystems); Bhasurendrababu (Media Critic/Political Observer) 4. Approaches of the Indian State, Media and Civil Society Responses: Speakers:S.A.R. Gilani (Professor, Delhi University); Kavita Srivastava (General Secretary, PUCL); Satya Sagar (Journalist/Activist) The Convention was organised By: Environment Support Group, PDF, PUCL, Pedestrian Pictures, SICHREM, Karnataka Vidhyarthi Sangha, Samanatha Mahila Vedike, Janasakti, Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike, Indian Social Institute, Students Christian Movement, New Socialist Alternative, Department of Women’s Studies – UTC, Moving Republic, Stree Jagruti Samiti,Solidarity Youth
Movement, Visual Search, Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan, Ambedkar Pilosophy Foundation, INSAF, Human Rights Law Network and Open Space.
Fund for unorganised workers New Delhi: The cabinet on July 28 approved the establishment of a national social security fund with an initial allocation of Rs 1,000 crore to provide social security benefits like insurance, pension and healthcare to some 433 million workers in the unorganised sector. (More than 94 per cent of India’s workforce is in the unorganised sector). The fund, announced by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee during the Union Budget for 2010-11, will benefit weavers, toddy tappers, rickshaw pullers and beedi workers, among others. “The fund will also facilitate evolution and funding of schemes by various departments which are currently involved in the welfare of these segments of workers.” The Ministry of Labour and Employment will be the nodal ministry for the operation of the fund, according to an official statement released after a cabinet meeting here. (Source IANS).
TISS to start course on mental health Mumbai: With increasing stress levels and instances of spiralling violence, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in collaboration with the University College London, Catholic University of Lunan and Belgium, and some NGOs in India will introduce a course on mental health from the next academic year. “While there are not enough qualified professionals to treat mental health issues, there is almost a nonavailability of psychiatrists in nonurban areas,” said Dr S Parshuraman, TISS director. “Terrorism and poverty are closely linked with mental health issues. They are the prime reasons leading to stress.” The course will be offered in Mumbai, Chennai and Ranchi, and will prepare nurses to treat stress issues at tehsil levels and senior professionals to work at district levels. Trained professionals from the course will work closely with the government’s district mental health programme. The NGOs involved in the project are Banyan from Chennai which provides shelter to mentally ill destitute women and Brothers of Charity, which serves people in the field of education and healthcare. Students from different backgrounds - nursing, medicine, psychology can apply. Contact: TISS
Funds Available for Projects Applications are invited from social, medical and educational institutions by Venkateshwar Somani Charitable Trust, Shreeniwas House, Ground Floor, H. Somani Marg, Fort,(Behind Bombay Gymkhana) Mumbai 400001 Please send your formal request with supporting brochures and other details by mail. Mahindra Finance is offering to donate money to NGOs and hospitals to enable them to buy ambulances. www.mahindrafinance .com
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NGO News Niyamgiri Again
BBMP Budget
Why bother complying with regulations if a committee can decide that it didn’t matter much that the law was bypassed? MoEF finds itself on the backfoot, after its experts look away from the law.
CIVIC Bangalore had a public consultation on “BBMP’s Budget: Expectations of Citizens where Sri Manjunatha Raju, Chairman, Standing Committee, Taxation and Finance, BBMP presided. Chief Guests: Sri Narayana Rao President, Bangalore City Unit, JDS; Sri J. Alexander,President, Bangalore City Unit, KPCC; Sri K. Prakash, Secretary, Bangalore City Unit, CPI(M), Sri Ramakanth, President met, Bangalore City Unit, Loksatta on July, 22 at, Central College Campus.
The sacred landscape of Niyamgiri Hills in Orissa has in recent years become synonymous with the proposal to mine for bauxite in the region. The Niyamgiri Hills are sacred to the Dongria Kondh tribal community. Vedanta, the company proposing to mine the region, has not yet received a go-ahead from the government to tap the bauxite deposits on the hill tops. Since 2005 the battle over these hills has been fought on the streets, in the courts, through executive orders and key political decisions.
The Karnataka Local Fund Authorities’ Fiscal Responsibilities Act, 2003, requires local bodies to hold at least two meetings with citizens’ associations in the preparation of the budget.
The Orissa Mining Corporation (OMC) received environment clearance (mandatory under the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006) for its Lanjigarh Bauxite Mining Project on 28 April 2009 from the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). The ore from this project is intended to supply the alumina refinery plant of Vedanta, which is already up and running for the last several years. In fact Niyamgiri’s mining saga had first came to light when Sterlite Industries Limited (a subsidiary of Vedanta) constructed the refinery without fully disclosing the mining connect. While the refinery escaped the legal glare as a result, the subsequent focus fell on the mining, and remains so.
However, since no meetings were conducted by the BBMP while preparing its budget. CIVIC organised this meeting to provide a platform to citizens’ groups to give their recommendations on BBMP’s budget.
No Forest clearance : OMC’s Lanjigarh project, involves a total mining lease area of 721 hectares. Of which, 672 hectares is forest land, and the conversion of requires separate permission - which was still pending at the time the project
CONF HELD
Punjab Notifies Right to Service Ordinance Chandigarh: The Punjab government on July 27 notified the Right to Service Ordinance, 2011, which will ensure time-bound action by government departments and agencies for 67 public-centric services. , the stipulated time given to government agencies to complete formalities and respond to the people ranges from immediate and online to a maximum of 60 days. The ordinance notified each service rendered by the government.”This landmark decision would save people, especially the common man, from the harassment due to inordinate delay and cumbersome procedures,” a government spokesman said. In cases like giving copy of an FIR (first information report) or verification of foreigners, the agencies concerned have to do it immediately or send the reply online.The services relate to several government departments, including Revenue, Health, Transport, Food and Civil Supplies, Police, Personnel, Housing, Local Government And Home. The Transport Department now has to give registration certificate of a new vehicle and new driving licence within seven days, Revenue Department has to register all documents like sale deeds, general power of attorney and others within one day. Copies of birth and death certificates have to be given in two days by the Health Department while the Home Department has to issue marriage certificate within two days.
This meeting brought together all groups, namely, Residents’ Welfare Associations, urban poor groups, SC/ST groups, the disabled, children’s groups, women’s groups,etc. together to get their suggestions on their requirements/ demands from the BBMP budget in this financial year.*Web: www.civicspace. in / Email: **info@civicspace. in Kathyayini Chamaraj, Executive Trustee, 97318 17177
The ‘Never-the-less’ conference on July 22 in Bangalore was held to unify efforts, investments and innovation for addressing inclusion of persons with disabilities.The aim of the conference was to set the five year agenda to make inclusion of persons with disabilities, a reality. Some of the Speakers at the Conference: Mr. Harsh Gupta IAS : Director Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Ms. M V Savitri : Director, State Dept for the Empowerment of Differently Abled & Senior Citizens - Dr. M K Sridhar : Knowledge Commissioner, Jnayna Ayoga Mr. Ashwin Mahesh : Adviser to the Office of the Chief Minister Mr. Raja Shanmugham : President & Chief People Officer Happiest Minds Technologies Pvt Ltd Ms. Meenu Bhambhani: Gobal Head CSR, Mphasis Mr. Subramani L : Editor, Deccan Herald Mr. Sanjay Sridhar : Urban Planner and Director, EMBARQ India - Urban Development and Accessibility; Ms. Shanti Raghavan : Founder Enable India Mr. George Abraham : CEO, SCORE Foundation New Delhi Ms. Vasanthi Srinivasan: Chairperson, Centre for Corporate Governance and Citizenship, IIMB G Ravi, Head- Disability Programmes, Fourth Wave Foundation, Bangalore http://nevertheless .in/ Population First, an NGO which works on the issue of the declining sex ratio, organized a two-day Workshop on Gender and Media for journalists on August 3, 4. The purpose of the workshop was to sensitize young journalists on gender issues and also to motivate them. With the objective of ensuring greater sensitivity and better portrayal of women, the two-day residential training program was for media persons from the print and electronic media as well as ad agencies.<info@populationfirst.org> A workshop on ‘ Social audit Road map for Effective Public Accountability’ was held on July
26/27. Social Audit arises from the empowerment of citizens to access public records by RTI Act 2005. In the Workshop practical measures for channelizing citizens right for improving the public administration. Lessons gained from success stories of social audit by citizens in MGNREGA, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, public distribution system, analysis of Government budget and evaluating performance of MLAs. Active participation of the beneficiaries is essential for corrective actions by authorities controlling the schemes. “Social Audit enables direct public accountability of the instrumentalities of Government. MGNREGA is the first organized effort to promote legally mandated Social Audit— A Society for Social Audit, Accountability and Transparency is being funded from the funds of MGNREGA. Ms Sowmya Kidambi, is Director of the Society. Social audit of MNGERA has become mandatory as the vast areas on implementation are beyond the practical reach of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department. Some of the speakers were: Dr Amarjit Chopra, former President Institute of Chartered Accountant of India to explain professional challenge before the auditors; Anjali Bharadwaj of Satark Nagarik Sangathan which has practical experience of social audit of public distribution system and has initiated performance evaluation of MLAs; Yamini Aiyar from Accountability Initiative of the Centre for Policy Research to explain findings social audit of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and their review of budget. These presentations were followed by open house discussion on practical measures to promote social audit.
Consultants wanted for Villages Nasik: The Bhujbal Foundation in Nasik has adopted two villages which are 99 per cent Adivasi (Tribal) area. It wants to conduct trainings, seminars, workshops for the villages to develop status of living, health and education of these villagers. Please give suggestions on what needs to be done and how to go about it. Contact: Aaditi Morankar, Bhujbal Foundation, Nasik Email 1: admorankar@yahoo. in Email 2: aadisayee@gmail. com
Hiroshima Day Remembered Mumbai: About 3,152 Students from 78 colleges, social activists and citizens participated in the Peace Rally and took a pledge to work for Peace & Nuclear free World on Aug. 6 on the occasion of the Hiroshima bombing. The rally marched from Azad Maidan to Hutatma Chowk on Hiroshima Day. The Peace march was jointed organized by Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal and NSS Units of SNDT & Mumbai University to mark the 66th anniversary of the devastation of Hiroshima & Nagasaki. The after effects of the bombing and radiation claimed over three lakh lives over the years. Students wore aprons and Gandhicaps with slogans like ‘No More Hiroshima’, ‘Save Mother-Earth’. NSS Volunteers from various colleges carrying play-cards and banners — ‘NO-BOMB, YESPEACE’, and “We want to grow up, not to blow up”.
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Hiroshima Day Remembered
Lucknow: A Seminar on nuclear radiation health hazards was organized on August 6 (Hiroshima Day) by: Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS) in association with Indian Medical Association (IMA) Lucknow, Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD), Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace (CNDP) and Jahangirabad Media Institute. Azim Premji University Public Lecture Series held a talk on Fostering Inclusiveness, Plurality and Equal Opportunity- Challenges for India’s Imperfect Democracy in Bangalore on Aug. 6. Speakers: were Aruna Roy, Nikhil Dey & Shankar Singh, Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan Enquiries: events@apu.edu.in www.azimpremji university.edu.in/ Civic Bangalore held a Public Hearing on Urban Health System in Bangalore and release of booklet ”Namma Aspatreyatta…” (“A Look at our Hospitals…”) on July 7, at S.C.M. House. Thee hearing as an analysis of suo motu disclosures under RTI Act of 4 hospitals. The meeting envisaged a discussion on the service provision by government hospitals in BBMP area, their standards, transparency, accountability, functioning, grievance redressal mechanism, functioning of Arogya Raksha Samithi, accessibility and delivery of health services. Contact: CIVIC Bangalore info@civicspace. in www.civic space.in A Two Day Workshop on Bank Linkages for the benefit of SHGs was held on 28-29 July at Noida. Bank Linkage of SHGs have been a very successful strategy for delivering financial services to the poor in a sustainable manner. Under the SHG-bank linkage program, NGOs and banks interact with the poor, especially women, to form small homogenous groups. SHGs are facing problems related with financial sustainability. AmitySchool of Rural Management conducted a management support programme to capacitate the participants in financial management of SHGs and Inter-linkages with banks, for the benefit of SHGs. This two day workshop provided a platform to various Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs), Bankers, Livelihood Promoters, SHGs, Government officials and NGOs to understand the importance and the fundamentals of Bank Linkage with respect to SHGs. Contact: Dr. P.C.Sabharwal, Director/ Dr. Ritesh DwivediAmity School of Rural Management, Amity University Tel: 91-120-4392753, 4392553, 4392554, Mobile: 08826767147 Website: www.amity.
edu/ asrum, email: pcsabharwal@ amity.edu, rdwivedi1@amity. edu The Human Rights Unit of Indian Social Institute, Bangalore held a two-week Course on “Legal Resources for Social Action and Empowerment’ from Aug. 3—16. The purpose of this course was to give a broad legal framework and practical tips, covering broadly various aspects of law that social activists / para-legal workers should be familiar with, in order to help people to get their rights. 50 relevant laws along with Practical tips, were covered. Contact: sishumanrights @gmail.com Samvada conducted a certificate Training Course on Youth Work for Inclusive and Sustainable Development in Kannada from July 12-20, in Bangalore with exposure and class room sessions with diverse methodologies. Details: Janardhan, SAMVADA Bengalooru Ph - 080 23468113/114. Email: samvada@gmail. com A two-day meeting on community based conservation of the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Sanctuary was held recently in the sanctuary. The meeting was jointly organized by the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), the Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra (VGKK), Kalpavriksh and the Zilla Budakattu Girijana Abivruddhi Sangha – a federation of various adivasi groups. Nearly 100 Soliga adivasis from over 60 podus (Soliga settlements) in the sanctuary participated. Other NGOs and individuals were also present. The three key issues discussed during the workshop were conservation priorities, livelihood security, and governance/ management of the sanctuary. It also noted that the vesting of community forest rights under FRA was crucial. This workshop gains significance for being the first of its kind in the country and also because the area has recently been notified a tiger reserve – a development opposed by the Soligas and several civil society organisations (PA Update Vol XVII, No. 2).Contact: Email:ashishkothari@vsnl.com Various voluntary organizations and action groups come together to organize the Conferene Against Warming the Globe at Madurai on July 22, 23, 24. Thousands of people from various parts of the state, country and the world are expected to take part in the conference which includes public meetings, seminars and a rally. There were displays of alternate models and modules of development along the conference;stalls selling books and films.
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AWARDS / CONFERENCES The 2011 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees
Fellowship for Women ScholarPractitioners The School for Advanced Research (SAR) is pleased to announce the new Campbell Fellowship for Women ScholarPractitioners from Developing Nations, made possible with a generous three-year grant from new SAR board member Vera R. Campbell’s family foundation. The Campbell Fellowship will support a female social scientist from a developing nation, either pre- or post-doctoral, whose work addresses women’s economic and social empowerment in that nation. The goal of the fellowship is twofold: 1) to advance the scholarly careers of women social scientists from the developing world, and 2) to support research that identifies causes of gender inequity in the developing world and that proposes practical solutions for promoting women’s economic and social empowerment.
Harish Hande & Nileema Mishra Nileema Mishra With a master’s degree in clinical psychology, in 1995, Nileema Mishra returned to her village of Bahadarpur, Maharashtra to organize Bhagini Nivedita Gramin Vigyan Niketan (BNGVN), or Sister Nivedita Rural Science Center. Starting with a self-help group of only fourteen women, other self-help groups followed, engaging in microcredit and such income-generating activities as the production of food products and distinctive export quality quilts. BNGVN enabled these changes by training women in production, marketing, accounting, and computer literacy. Driven by extreme economic distress, a shocking wave of farmers’ suicides struck Maharashtra, BNGVN helped create a village revolving fund that provided loans for farm inputs and emergency needs; they addressed health problems by building over 300 private and communal toilets; and activated a village assembly to discuss and resolve local needs. In less than ten years, BNGVN has formed 1,800 self-help groups in 200 villages across Maharashtra. Its microcredit program has caused to be distributed the equivalent of US$5 million, with a hundred-percent loan recovery rate Harish Hande From Bangalore trained in energy engineering, with a doctorate from the University of Massachusetts, decided to live with villagers in India to understand their situation first-hand. He believed that a decentralized approach in the spread of solar application- using small-scale, stand-alone installations is best for reaching poor, remote villages where the technology is most needed. Putting this belief into practice, he established Solar Electric Light Company-India (SELCO) in Bangalore in 1995. SELCO’s principal product offerings were solar PV lighting systems, water heating systems, and cook stoves to meet the needs of the rural poor. He separated from his business partners andwith the help of the International Finance Corporation and new, socially-minded investors” restructured the company and refocused on its social mission. While SELCO remained a for-profit business, it strengthened its purpose as a social enterprise, measuring performance by how it creates social capital instead of simple financial profit. To date, SELCO has reached more than half-a-million people by installing solar lights in 120,000 households, microenterprises, and community facilities. Poverty reduction is central to its goal. Hande says, “Until the poor become asset creators, we are not empowering them.” . Presentation Ceremonies on31 August 2011, Manila, Philippines
Yudhvir Memorial Award The trustees of the Yudhvir Foundation presented the 20th Yudhvir memorial award to Dr. A. Saibaba Goud, FounderChairman of Devnar Foundation for his outstanding services to the visually challenged. The award was given to him by Dr. Duggubati Purandeswari, Minister of State for Higher Education at the KLN Prasad Auditorium, Hyderabad on April 30. Contact Hindi Milap Office, Hyderabad Tel: 24732583/ 65500467
Toto Awards 2012 Toto Funds the Arts (TFA) invites submissions for its 8th annual arts awards for young photographers, writers, musicians and bands. There are six awards to be won – one for music (Rs 50,000), two for photography (Rs 25,000 each), two for creative writing in English (Rs 25,000 each), and one for creative writing in Kannada (Rs 25,000). All submissions must be original and must be received before 10 September 2011 . Young Indian nationals between the ages of 18 and 29 are eligible to apply. Toto Funds the Arts is a non-profit trust set up in 2004 in memory of Angirus ‘Toto’ Vellani, who was intensely passionate about music, literature and film. It nurtures and encourages young artists in India through awards, workshops and other events. For more information visit: http:// totofundsthearts. blogspot.com/2011_07_01_ archive.html
In addition to a stipend, and housing and office space on the SAR campus, the Campbell Fellow receives travel, shipping, and library resource funds; health insurance; and the support of a mentoring committee of established scholar-practitioners. The fellowship term runs from September 1 through February 28, 2011. The application deadline is November 1st. Application instructions are available in the website’s Resident Scholar Fellowship section at http://campbell. fellowship. sarweb.org/
CONFERENCES ‘Exploring a Sustainable Future’ 4-10 September 2011 The Workshop at Auroville, Pondicherry introduces some of the Auroville technologies and explores an integral approach to sustainable practices. The workshop includes theoretical sessions, practical demonstrations and site visits. The classroom sessions will cover topics such as the environmental crisis, concepts of sustainability, water harvesting, wastewater treatment, solar energy, earth construction, food, community-building and wellness. and will include visits to see practical applications of sustainable principles. The workshop is limited to 25 participants and will be conducted in English. Boarding and modest shared accommodation will be provided in Auroville, Pondicherry (Puducherry). The workshop fee is Rs 9000/- including boarding and lodging. Partial scholarship avail. Contact: Ms. Vandana Sanjay, 103 East, Trinity Woods, Near Bellandur Gate, Sarjapur Road, Bangalore –560034. Tel. 080-41534699; 9845459413. Send a soft copy of your application by email to avworkshop2011@gmail.com Applications and payment should reach Ms. Vandana Sanjay.
The Grassroots Institute Invites applications for its forthcoming residential field training courses. 1. Certificate “ Case Story & Study Writing” training date: 17-20. Application deadline: 30 September 2011, Place: Agra (Fatehpur Sikri), 2. International Certificate “Advocacy Skills for Development Action” training date: Nov 15-19 2011. Application deadline: 30 Oct 2011, Place: Shimla. For details contact: Training Team, Grassroots Institute, Email: info@grassrootsinstitute.in Website www.grassroots institute.in http://grassrootsinstitute.in/ift_programs.html
Programs for Artisans / Craftpersons The National Centre for Design and Product Development (NCDPD) is undertaking comprehensive industry-oriented Capacity / Skill Development Training programs for 7000 Handicraft Artisans / craftpersons at about 47 important handicraft clusters basis under the Human Resource Development Scheme of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) , Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India.
University of New South Wales and the Faculty of Law, University of Technology, Sydney is pleased to announce the inaugural International Conference on Feminism and the Law: Revisiting the Past, Rethinking the Present & Thinking the Way Forward. The Conference aims to bring together academics, lawyers, researchers, students and activists from India and around the world to explore how women’s experiences have been structured, impacted, controlled, or ignored by law. Prospective participants are invited to submit Abstracts of up to300 words to ilslaw@vsnl.com before August 15, 2011. Registration Fees: Standard INR 1500 Student INR 750 . Contact: ilslaw@vsnl. com; Please mention in the subject International Conference
Training Course on Disability and Development The XIII International Training Course is a unique opportunity for Actionaid Unit Co-ordinators/ Programme Managers/ Officers and Project Directors who wish to be sensitised, oriented and updated on the issues of persons with disabilities. The training would help them to initiate work on disability / strengthen the existing work Sept 8 to 15, 2011. Contact: The Training Co-ordinator, Actionaid, No. 139, Richmond Road, Bangalore - 560 025, India. Tel: 0091-80-43650650/ 647 Email: raghavendra. b@actionaid. org
Basic Research Methodology for Advocacy & Lobbying Sept. 13 -18 2011,Indian Social Institute, Bangalore Methodology for Advocacy and Lobbying for NGOs and CBOs, leaders of peoples’movements, young scholars and PG students. The participant is expected to be at least a graduate with a working knowledge of English. The number of seats available for thiscourse is 25. The course is in English. Registration Fee: Rs 500 rupees, Course Fee : Rs 500 The last date for applying is 25th of August 2011.Send your applications to The Head of Research Unit, Indian Social Institute, 24, Benson Road, Bangalore 560 046 or Email to: siresearchbang@gmail.com. Contact Ms. Lakshmi Periyasamy the Research Associate at +91-9886973770, (080) 23536189, 23536960, 23536364 during office hours.
International Conference on Eco-Social Justice De Novo 2011 International Conference with “Eco-Social Justice: Issues, Challenges and Ways Forward” as its theme is being organized by De Paul Institute of Science & Technology (DIST) Angamaly, Kerala in association with James Cook University Australia on November 8-11 2011 and will be held at the De Paul Institute of Science & Technology in Kochi, Kerala. Abstracts are invited in the prescribed format mentioned in the website (www.denovo. in). Contact: Rajeev S.P., Head, of the Department, School of Social Work, website: www.depaul.edu. in, www.denovo.in or P.V.Baiju, Dept of Social Work, Sanskrit University, Kalady, Kerala, India #(R)91 484 2699024 (O)91 484 2463380 Extn134
Folkschool Koraput, Orissa A three-day training programme on Facilitating Community Development in the light of Gandhian thoughts and values, will be held on 2-4 October 2011 at Athithi Bhaban Koraput. The training course will cover Antodaya , Sarvodaya, SWARAJ, ddressing the issues of gender and Village as the centre of development. The training programme will be suitable for the Development practitioners\ middle level functionaries\ field functionaries. The course fee is kept to Rs 1800 for 3 days which include lodging, boarding and course material. This training will be designed for 30 participants, so please reserve your participation as early as possible by Sept 15. Contact: Team, Folk School Koraput email- folkschoolkoraput@ gmail.com
Workshop on Lokpal & Right to Justice
This 5-day workshops starts from 1st week of August, 2011 in six regions and in phased manner. For more details of terms & reference and submission of Expression of Interest please visit website www.ncdpd.com or email us at ncdpd@ncdpd. com. The Application forms and details may also be obtained from all the Regional Offices / Marketing & Service Extn. Centres / Service Centres / CFCs of O/o. Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) , EPCH & NCDPD
The Indian Social Institute Bangalore is organising a workshop “Recent Bills on Lokpal and Right to Justice” on 10-11 Oct 2011 at Bangalore for lawyers with the goal to build the Lawyer’s Collective and to expand the Human Rights space. Medium:English, Registration Fee : Rs. 300/- Food and lodging expenses will be met by ISI Indian Social Institute. Contact: Adv.Fr. Stephen Kulandaisamy SJ, Tel. . (080) 23536364/ 23536189 (or) Ms. Viji Mob: 96201 35 138 Email: isi*humanrights@ gmail.com, vijayathilagam@ gmail.com, stepenksamy@ gmail.com
Conference on Feminism and the Law
9th Indian Fisheries Forum
10 – 12 February 2012 at ILS Law College, Pune, India Women’s Studies Center (Sponsored by UGC), ILS Law College, Pune in partnership with the Faculty of Law,
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Chennai, Dec. 19-23, 2011. The forum is being organized by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Cochin. The main theme of 9IFF is ‘Renaissance in Fisheries.
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CONFERENCES Protected Area Update Vol. XVII, No. 4, August 19 2011 (No. 92) Contact: Dr. G. Syda Rao, Convener, 9IFF, CMFRI, P.B. No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O., Kochi - 682 018, Kerala. Tel: 0484-2394867, Fax : 2394909. Email: contact9iff @gmail.com Web: www.9iff.org
This training programme is aimed at introducing the participants with the qualitative frame work of research and the rigour with which the data is collected and analysed for the study. Participants are expected to have familiarity with the social science research.
Indian Forestry Congress 2011
The programme will be six days of intensive training in the theoretical grounding and methodological aspects of the qualitative research with practical exposure in select techniques of the qualitative research.
November 22 to 25 in New Delhi. The central theme of the congress is ‘Forests in a changing world’ and it seeks to bring together various stakeholders of forestry, including the researchers, planners, implementers and beneficiaries. The main themes for the congress are Forests in Society, Forestry in an Expanding Economy, Expanding Frontiers of Forestry Sciences, Forest Biodiversity and Landscapes and Forests and Climate Change. Contact: Sandeep Tripathi, IFC 2011, ICFRE, P.O.New Forest, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Tel: 0135-2756497; Fax: 0135-2756497. Email: sandeeptrip@icfre.org. Web: http:// ifc2011.icfre.gov.in/
Student Conference on Conservation Science The 2011 Student Conference on Conservation Science (SCCS) will be held at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore from September 14 to 16, 2011. The organizers of the conference are the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF), IISc, the National Institute for Advanced Studies (NIAS) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)India. The conference is funded by ADM Capital Foundation. Contact: Bharath Sundaram, ConferenceAdministrator, SCCS-Bangalore.Email: sccs@sccs-bng.org Web: http:// www.sccs-bng.org
Trainings at CSE, Delhi 1. Training Programme on Urban Rainwater Harvesting Sept. 27-30, 2011 Course details available at: http://www.cseindia .org/content/ training- programme- urban-rainwater- harvestingseptember- 27-30-2011 Contact: Sushmita Sengupta, Tel: 011 – 29955124, Fax: 011 - 29955879 Email: sushmita@cseindia. org 2. Decentralised wastewater treatment and reuse - Sept. 28-October 1, 2011 Last date for applying: September 15, 2011 Some fellowships for participants from South Asia available. Course contact: Deblina Dwivedi, Email: deblina@cseindia. org Mobile: 9899596661 3.Covering India: Where Journalism Meets Environment - Nov 1-30, 2011 This certificate course is designed as a hands-on ‘bootcamp’, and targets those interested in a career in mainstream or niche news media, development communication, civil society campaign and advocacy initiatives, and industry CSR, among others. Some fellowships for participants from South Asia available. Course details: http://www.cseindia .org/node/ 2607 Contact: Sharmila Sinha, Emails: aagc@cseindia. org / cseindia sharmila@ gmail.com
National Workshop on Ecological Sanitation The Department of Civil Engineering of the Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat, Gujarat is organising a workshop on Ecological Sanitation on 20-21 October, 2011 to disseminate the recent advances in the science and technology of sustainable water and waste management techniques. Registration/Stall Fee: Research Scholar/Student Rs 300, Academician/ NGOs : Rs 500. There are two awards for outstanding performance in the field of water and sanitation one award for NGO’s and other for Research scholar/student. Those interested in participating for the award kindly send NGO profile or research paper then ten pages. Space is available for poster presentationDeadline for full length paper/ NGO Information Submission: 30 September, 2011 Contact: Dr K D Yadav, Email: kdjhansi@yahoo.com/ kdy@ced.svnit.ac.in Phone: 09428398266 0261-220 1821
A Training Programme on Qualitative Research Qualitative research takes a holistic understanding of research participants, views and actions in the context of their lives overall. While a wide array of approaches are available to undertake qualitative research, the principal focus remains on keen observation, in-depth inquiries and documentary evidences.
Medium of instruction will be English. The selected candidates will be given 2nd class train fare, food and lodging facility during their stay. Interested candidates can download application forms from our website www.css.ac.in. Communication in this regard can be mailed at info@css.ac.in. The course fee is Rs. 800 for teachers, Rs. 400 for research scholars who are getting fellowship and NGO representatives, and Rs. 200 for research scholars who do not have any scholarship. For further information applicants can contact the Course Director Dr. Ratnawali: sinha_ratnawali @yahoo.com, info@css.ac.in Centre for Social Studies,Gujarat. Ph : 0261 2227173-74 Email : info@css.ac.in
Global Finance and Human Security in South Asia Venue: Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi Org. by The Department of Economics, Lady Shri Ram College for Women (University of Delhi) in partnership with the Heinrich Boll Foundation The Autumn School will attempt to examine the causes of the recent finance-led global crises and the implications for peoples’ rights and human security. In this context, the deliberations will focus on the status of women in South Asia - a region that suffers from severe poverty and stark gender inequities. The programme of the School will use multiple formats of lectures, panel discussions and presentations with emphasis on elicitive learning, participant-led discussions and simulations. Additionally, a skill-building workshop will train participants to evaluate policies/projects for sensitivity to gender concerns For further details, please contact: www.lsr.edu.in/ AutumnSchool2011
Empowerment of Rural Women in Uttarakhand Status, Challenges and Solutions (Sponsored by UGC, New Delhi) October 14-15, Venue: B.S.M.P.G., Roorkee, Uttarakhad. Hill women’s suffer from very hard work which takes heavy a toll on them. One of the most common complaints women have is Leukemia, poor nutrition - anemia and body ache.
You can: * sponsor an issue for Rs. 20,000/per issue * release an ad (10cms. x 1col.) for Rs. 1000 per issue. This newstabloid goes out to hundreds of NGOs, Corporate houses and the public. If you would like to insert an ad/ sponsor an issue, pls contact us. All ad copy/ news should be sent/ emailed to: shaktisrc@yahoo.com SHAKTI TRUST 5E, Gulmohar, 20, Convent Road, Bangalore 560025 Tel: 09341867487
c/o ERA, 1st Floor, N. M. Wadia Bldg. 123 M G Road, Mumbai 400001
Tel. No: 09341867487 e-mail:shaktisrc@yahoo.com. 8
FEE: Teacher/Academician – Rs. 500,Students/Research Scholars – Rs. 300 For Details pls contact: Dr.Rajesh Chandra Paliwal Deptt. of political Science,B.S.M.P.G. College, Roorkee, (Haridwar) Uttarakhand Email-drrajesh.paliwal@gmail.com Ph. 09412439436, 08126848054
Health Care as A Fundamental Right The Human Rights Unit of Indian Social Institute, Bangalore will hold a 5-day course on Health Care As a Fundamental Right from Aug 27-31 to update the knowledge of the Health Care workers. It also provides broad Legal frame work and Practical Tips covering present challenges and opportunities in the Health care involvement, health policies and indicators, Empowering the Marginalized for Health. It aims to build up the capacity of our health workers with the help of Eminent, Experts, Doctors. Contat: isihumanrights@gmail.com
A Gender Perspective Nov 1 – 5, 2011
Ad.RATES
Mafia and muscle power. The Uttarakhand agitation is a great land mark in the awakening of political consciousness of women. The women understand the need for participation in large numbers in the broader political movements for a cause and participated eagerly in the regional movement for securing a separate state. The National Seminar will be focusing on various topics related to women of Uttarakhand.
Course on Bamboo Application Technology Centre For Green Building Material & Technology, Bangalore is conducting a course on Bamboo technology to popularize the use of bamboo for an Integrated Environment friendly development and generating Employment opportunities for the masses. For more details visit website: www.cgbmt.net Contact: Neelam Manjunath, Managing Trustee, Centre For Green Building Material & Technology, No 7, Aditigreenscapes, No 20, Venkateshpura Sampigehalli Road,Bangalore – 560064, Karnataka. Tel. 080-22792658 Website: www.cgbmt.net
INSA-India is focusing on strengthening its “child-at-risk’ program through developing 20 sites locally and 15 sites nationally to be best practice sites for child protection and survival. In this model INSA India is working towards building convergence between the community and care providers at one end and between care providers {governmental, educational and nongovernmental} at the other. Processes include: A two week trainer skills building program on “Approaches for Boosting Child Development and Empowerment” was held from July 18-30, in Bangalore with follow- ups and a 3-5 day follow up Monitoring and Evaluation programme scheduled a year later. They hope to achieve active advocacy and child survival/ protection strengthening through creation of 170 Children Parliaments nation wide, ·Contact: INSA India, Bangalore, Tel +9180 23536633; 23536299 Web www.theinsaindia.org! “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” – Desmond Tutui May-June July-Augustl 2011
Please enrol me as your subscriber at the price of Rs.150 / USD 15 / GBP 8 per annum for 6 issues (Including postage). Please mail ___ copies at the address given below. DD/ cheques should be in the name of “Shakti Trust” Name: _______________________________________________ Organisation: _________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Type of activity: ________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Address:_____________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ _____________________________Pin code: _______________ Phone No:_____________ E-mail: ________________________ Cash/Cq/DD No: ___________________ Amt. Rs.____________ On Bank : ________________________ dated:______________ Mail to: SHAKTI TRUST 5E, Gulmohar; 20, Convent Road, Bangalore 560 025 Tel. No: 93418-67487 E-mail: shaktisrc@yahoo.com.
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May-June, July-Aug, 2011
NGO Connect ○
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OPPORTUNITIES Research Associate, Mumbai ADAPT (formerly the Spastics Society of India), a non-profit organisation in Mumbai, working in the disability sector for over 37 years, is looking to fill a vacancy for the post of Research Associate specifically for a project (two years), and generally on other research activities of the organisation. The Research Associate will be working under the Founder Chairperson. The job requirement includes among others: to identify key techniques and strategies for evaluation and assessment of the project, to conduct independent research, both qualitative and quantitative, to conduct field visits related to the project, etc. Educational qualification: PhD in Education/ Psychology/Child Development or other related fields. Remuneration: Rs 25,000 (based on skills and experience). Please email your CV and contact details of two references to: Ms Shahana Chatterjee: shahana.adapt@gmail.com
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expected salary, and three references, and write “State Director – Maharashtra / Karnataka” as applicable, in the subject line of your e-mail/application and send to: DirectorHR & Manpower Development, Human Resources Department, WWF-India, 172-B, Lodi Estate, New Delhi 110 003. Email: recruitments@wwfindia.net
Manager – Research, New Delhi Child Rights and you (CRY) has a vacancy for a Manaager – Research who will be responsible for developing and updating the data bank on an ongoing basis on the various issues covering child rights in order to provide content and support to research and policy analysis.
ADAPT is looking to fill a vacancy for the post of Secretary. The position will be based at ADAPT’s Skills Development Centre in Chembur in Mumbai. Job Profile: Providing secretarial and administrative support to the Deputy Director and Senior Staff. Qualifications required: previous work experience in Secretarial and Administrative support positions and computer literate. Remuneration: Rs 8,050 – Rs 10,000 per month (based on skills and experience). Only Mumbai-based candidates will be considered.
Quali and exp: Post - Graduate in Social Sciences / Statistics from a reputed institute with 5 – 7 years experience and strong knowledge of research methodologies. Email your application to careers@crymail.org mentioning preferred location & the post applied for by Sept.
Email: shahana.adapt@gmail.com
Technical Specialist, New Delhi The International Center for Research on Women has a vacancy for the post of a Technical Specialist who will have principal responsibilities and tasks of project management, research, monitoring and evaluation. Education quali: Master’s degree in a relevant field (economics, business, public policy, public administration) Exp: Two to five years post-graduate relevant organizational or field program experience. Previous research and/or program work experience at a global level is preferred. Experience with research for the private sector, monitoring and evaluation, and project management – including facilitating partner and donor relations, report writing, budget maintenance, and work planning – is preferred. Ability to create, maintain and align team with project workplans and budgets. Prior experience interacting with donors (existing and potential), developing proposals, experience in planning and implementing monitoring and evaluation (M&E), proficiency in one or more of the following statistical software: SPSS, STATA, ATLAS, as well as widely-known research measures (e.g., ARRM, HBM, etc). Interested candidates are requested to submit a cover letter stating why you are suitable for this position and send the resume to arohr@icrw.org with subject line “Technical Specialist 1”. Deadline for application: August 21, 2011.
State Directors – Mumbai and Bangalore Last Date: August 21, 2011 Email: recruitments@wwfindia.net World Wide Fund for Nature – India invites applications for the post of State Directors for its Maharashtra & Karnataka State offices in Mumbai and Bangalore 1. State Director – Maharashtra State Office: Mumbai The Candidate will be responsible for interacting with the WWF-India’s programme staff, government, educational and scientific institutions, NGOs, the corporate world and the media. The position offers challenge and demands innovation in carrying out environment education activities, field projects, fund-raising, interaction with the corporate sector and marketing. Quali and exp: The candidate must be a Graduate/Post Graduate (any stream) with excellent interpersonal and communication skill and knowledge of working in the NGO sector and issues related to conservation is essential. 2. State Director – Karnataka State Office: Bangalore, The position requires heading and managing the Karnataka State Office and leading the team; to keep a focus on the key conservation issues and strategize the conceptualization, design and implementation of small conservation projects within the Karnataka State. Qualifications and experience: Graduate/Post Graduate (any stream) with good communications and presentation skills, leadership skills and initiative, ability to shoulder responsibilities and have the ability to act independently, knowledge of working in the NGO sector and issues related to conservation is essential, Both positions require candidates to have 8-10 years experience in a managerial position including experience in team leadership, fund-raising, marketing, administration, budgeting & funding, project management. Apply by 21st August 2011, along with a cover letter (not more than 1 page) and an up-to-date CV, giving full details regarding compensation received in the present assignment,
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(despite deadlines, you are advised to apply)
The role broadly involves data collection from various sources, data mining and data sharing in line with request from various functions. Support the management of the research portfolio by exploring multiple dimensions. Provide distilled information for research, advocacy initiatives as a support to research and policy analysis. Support maintenance of up-to-date information and data systems on research themes.
Secretary, Mumbai
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Senior Media Officer, Delhi Media Officer, Delhi Greenpeace India has vacancy for two posts for its Media Unit to develop media strategies and plans and communicate to the English & Hindi media about Greenpeace campaigns and other duties in the field of information dissemination environmental issues, including developing a network of media contacts (print & electronic media) and interact with the journalists regularly (English/ Hindi). Qualifications More than 5 years of experience in handling media (English/Hindi); Strong news sense; a degree in mass communication/journalism/public relations; Experience in developing and implementing media strategies; Ability to turnout PRs within a short time span, editing skills and preferably a flair for writing. Compensation Sr.Media Officer: Rs. 526,284 per annum (cost to organization) Compensation Media Officer: Rs. 404,844 per annum (cost to organization) Send application by Sept 1, by email using the subject line “Senior Media Officer” or “Media Officer” to: hr.recruitment.in@greenpeace.org
Consultant (Econometrics) Delhi International Water Management Institute (IWMI) which is based in Sri Lanka and has regional offices in 12 countries in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, is looking for a Consultant (Econometrics) based in IWMI New Delhi office. This is a fixed duration position of one year starting October 2011. Competitive all-inclusive salary will be offered to the right candidate. You will work on an ongoing impact evaluation project. You will be also required to provide data analysis assistance to other researchers. Quali and Exp. A Masters in Economics with a specialization in Econometrics from a reputed University, one to three years of experience in working with a research organization, (however, fresh graduates with strong econometric skills may also apply); an excellent understanding of cross section, time series and panel data analysis techniques. The candidate must have used some or all of these in their Master’s thesis or as a part of previous research assignment, high level of competency in database management and econometric packages such as STATA, SAS, R or SPSS and excellent writing and communication skills to be supported by either published or unpublished papers and/or presentations made at conferences. Apply with updated CV and a full list of publications - up to three pieces of published/unpublished papers. (It may be term papers/essays done as a part of your coursework), and three reference letter, of which at least one has to be from teacher/supervisor who has taught you econometrics and another from past employer, if any. Last date of application is August 31. For further information on this position, please contact Dr. Aditi Mukherji a.mukherji@cgiar.org , www.iwmi.org
Research & Communications Internship, Hyderabad The Taara Collective, Hyderabad offers 4-6 months internship in the field of Research & Communications. Job responsibilities include: assisting the CEO and Strategic Business Development with all project and administrative work, assisting in the assessment and implementation of
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pilot projects, entrepreneurship opportunities among women and girls, funding sources, partners; assisting with writing up reports, proposals and any other communication document, and creating content for the website. Quali & exp: Master’s degree in Marketing, Mass Communication, International Relations, Development and related field/s or relevant work experience preferable; Orientation and interest in women’s issues and development work, excellent writing and research skills in English, experience with developing surveys, quantitative analysis and tools for statistical analysis of survey data and knowledge of local language-Hindi/Telugu. Stipend: TBD commensurate with experience and/or qualifications. All office related expenses will be reimbursed on actual.Send application by August 20, 2011 Email: asha.jayaraman@thetaaracollective.org
Teaching Conversational English, Mumbai, for Municipal Schools LIFE Trust India Mumbai invites applications for teaching conversational English for Municipal Schools. Place of work: Municipal Schools located at Worli, Dadar, Sion, Parel, Lower Parel, Wadala, and Sewri in Mumbai. Job description: To impart conversational English learning in the school, to identify weak students & provide them additional help to cope with the rest of the class, to organise educational excursions, & other co/extra-curricular activities & value education, to monitor drop-out rates among students and work to reduce this. Quali: Bachelor’s degree, B Com, B. A., B. Ed, D.Ed, Para professionals, Computer proficiency in MS – Office, Good communication in English, Marathi & Hindi ENGLISH is compulsory- both written & oral. Send applications by August 30, 2011 to Email: empower@lifetrustindia.org
Project Coordinator (Livelihood / Education) Job Code: PC (L) No of Positions: 5 Last Date: August 25 AROH Foundation, a reputed national-level NGO working towards social upliftment in the sectors of education and livelihood seeks Project Coordinators in livelihood operations. Project Location: Based at AROH Head Office in NOIDA. Travel to project sites at UP, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, MP, North East, etc. Key responsibilities of Project coordinator: • Responsible for mobilsation, implementation, monitoring and reporting • Devise the plan of action within the team and in the field • Coordinate and ensure media coverage of the programme in local newspapers/channels. Eligibility Criteria: Minimum graduate in social science or equivalent background (preferably post graduate) with 4-5 years of experience with a reputed NGO in a similar job profile. Excellent knowledge in the field of vocational training and skills development for rural areas and rural beneficiaries, and understanding the nature of livelihood projects. Good command over written and spoken Hindi and English languages. The incumbent should have a two wheeler and a license to drive and should be willing to travel to project locations. Selection Criterion: A written test along with personal interview would be conducted on a specific date at a later time. CTC Offered: In the range of 10 to 12K pm. Send CVs with a covering letter, stating the job code in the subject line at our Email Id: careers.aroh@gmail.com or apply by post mentioning job code on the envelope to AROH Foundation, F-52, Sector-8, Noida-201301. Ph 0120-3088073
PG Dip. In Hospital Administration Hyderabad, Beginning Jan, 2012 . Eligibility: Graduates in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, social sciences, life sciences, administrative staff in hoipsitals. Below 45 years Cert. Course for Nurses for six months from Jan 2012June 2012 Offered by CHAI, IGNOU, Public Health Management Institute, Loyola Community College. Socy of Comm Health Nurses of India (SOCHNI) Eligibility: Grad in B.Sc Nursing, Gen. Nursing & Midwifery with 5 years experience, below 45 years of age. It will also empower them to use parallel/alt. systems of medicine. The cert. course is meant to build the capacities of the nurses in providing care, support and treatment to PLHA. Appl. Forms av. At www.chai-india.com and emailed to info@chai-india.org. Printout to be sent to CHAI office. Reg. fee Rs. 500 Course fee: Scholarships sponsored by CHAI and incl. tuition fees, etc. Hostel accommodation available for six weeks. Contact: Dir.-Gen.,The Catholic Health Association of India PB 2126,157/6 Staff Road, Gunrock Enclave, Secunderabad 500009. Tel: 040-27848293/1610/27898756, Email: info@chai-india.org
NGO Connect
May-June, July-Aug, 2011 ○
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OPPORTUNITIES Research and Advocacy Associate Bangalore Sangama (www.sangama.org) a human rights organisation working mainly with sexual minorities, sex workers and PLHIV (People Living with HIV) requires a full-time experienced research and advocacy associate. Job Profile: involves working with the Project Director from concept design to coordination and execution of research projects and advocacy activities. The person will primarily be responsible to facilitate, contribute and document the research work undertaken as well support the fellowship programme. Quali & exp: At least 6 years relevant experience at a middle/ senior position in human rights/ social justice/ community collectivization work, comfortable to work with working class sexual minorities/ sexworkers/ people living with HIV, committed to social justice in the context of class, caste, gender, sexuality, religion etc. Skills required: to combine research, project management and advocacy. A strong theoretical grounding and good methodological, analytical and writing skills (in English) required, to communicate in Kannada and to independently plan and coordinate training programmes Salary will be based on experience and skills. Interested candidates can sent a brief bio to sangama@sangama.org or shubha.chacko@gmail.com as soon as possible.
Volunteers Required, Bangalore DreamConnect programme requires Kannada-speaking volunteers to empower 10th standard graduates / drop-outs aged 15+ years (Dream A Dream Alumni) by offering the tools and foundational life skills necessary for career development. Volunteers are needed to take sessions on English, Computers, Personality Development and Workplace Readiness. The sessions are held throughout the week and also on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. Contact: Relationship Manager – iVolunteer Centres, Bangalore No 10, KHB Colony, 8th Block, Koramangala,Bangalore - 560 095. Tel: +91-80-41466568 Cell: +91-9481514972
Fellowship of the Physically Handicapped Mumbai
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Contact: Fellowship of the Physically Handicapped (FPH) The Training Centre of Physically Handicapped, Lala Lajpatrai Marg, Haji Ali, Mumbai - 400 034. Tel. (022) 23538476, 23548490
Training, Logistics and Finance Officer, Kolkata Project Pehchan (Job code CAL-PEH-TLFO-0811) Solidarity and Action Against The HIV Infection in India (SAATHII) is implementing a long term project titled “Project Pehchan: MSM, Hijra and TG Community Systems Strengthening”, in partnership with emerging and existing CBOs in the states of West Bengal, Orissa, Jharkhand and Manipur. SAATHII is looking for a suitable individual for the post of Training, Logistics and Finance Officer, Project Pehchan. Who will take a lead role in the coordination of logistics arrangements for the various trainings and capacity building activities, which will be organized in the Eastern region under the said project with the event management agency. S/he will also be required to maintain the books of accounts on a daily basis (including cash management) of this training unit. He will report to the Regional Training Coordinator, Project Pehchan, as well as Administration and Finance Manager, Kolkata Office. At least five years of experience in managing training logistics, finance and administrative work in the social development sector; Graduation or higher degree from a recognized university in commerce or financial management; Sound skills in usage of the ERP version of Tally software. Salary: A max. Rs.20,000/- per month as cost to organization. An initial contract of one year with a renewable option. To apply: Submit a comprehensive CV in English with a supporting cover letter, including the names of three referees (preferably one should be a current or previous employer), as well as last salary earned, and whether able to join immediately or not. Applications should be sent by courier or e-mail to the following contact address, and be clearly marked: “Application for the post of Training, Logistics and Finance Officer, Project Pehchan” Contact address: Director, Kolkata Office, SAATHII, 229, Kalitala Main Road, Purbachal (North), Kolkata 700 078. E-mail:
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(despite deadlines, you are advised to apply) saathii.jobs@gmail.com (CVs sent to any other e-mail ID will not be entertained). Website: www.saathii.org Closing date for applications: August 25, 2011
Volunteer Recruitment Program SocialCoin Foundation is a non-profit institution which provides individuals with a platform to do their bit for society. We help non-profit organizations by connecting them to donors who are passionate about the NGO’s causes. We help you donate, raise funds and sign/start a petition for a cause thru social media to encourage people to contribute towards social causes around them. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join us on a part-time basis for the following positions. Public Relations (2 Pos) Establishing relations with social organizations and corporate houses. Media, Design & Advertising (2 Pos) o Create and concept designs for various events, marketing materials. the web design/layout. Web/ Infrastructure (1 Pos) Creating and optimizing web applications. Adding innovations and scalability to current applications.i Write to info@social.coin.org Deadline for Application is 15 August 2011
Development Consultant: Noida Mart Rural Job profile: Provide technical support to various assignments of qualitative and quantitative social research, consultancy and implementation; Provide coordination and planning support for managing assignments; Undertake intensive field visits to assignment locations (all across India and neighboring countries) as and when required.; Prepare reports, case studies, presentations etc. and communication with clients Remuneration: commensurate with qualifications and exp. See website www.martrural.com Contact: Divya Kashyap, Partner, MART , A-32, 1st Floor, Sector 17, Noida – 201301 Ph-0120-4231092, 2512140 Mobile-9910508397 email - divya.kashyap@martrural.com, www.martrural.com
Technical Consultant, India
Seats are available for Vocational Training for the Physically Challenged in twelve types of courses. Four years training with Stipend upto - Rs. 850/- P.M. & free lunch. Computer training provided simultaneously. Also opportunity to appear for Govt. Technical Exams.
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Flour Fortification Initiative (FFI) Last Date: September 20, 2011 Email: quentin@quican.com The Flour Fortification Initiative (FFI) began in 2004 as a network of public, private, and civic sector partners working together to make flour fortification standard milling practice around the world. FFI is seeking a Technical Consultant based in India reporting to FFI Director, and FFI Technical and Training Coordinator. The Technical Consultant’s primary job is to extend technical support for fortification within the flour milling industry; QUAL: Master’s degree in business, public health, milling technology, food, nutrition or other relevant discipline or equivalent work experience. Significant experience (at least 10 years) in the milling industry or food industry/food fortification division; Deep knowledge and experience in key foods and nutrition content areas, understanding about stakeholder engagement, wheat supply chain, milling industry environment, regional and local trade barriers Applicants may apply to Quentin Johnson, FFI Training and Technical Coordinator at quentin@quican.com with a copy to skdutta@micronutrient.org along with your complete CV detailing your qualification and experience. For more details refer to www.ffinetwork.org.
Secretary to the Director Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative Last Date: August 31, 2011 The secretary will be a detail oriented person for providing secretarial and administrative support to the Director. Quali:• Post Graduate with a Secretarial Course with minimum of the three years experience as a executive assistant/ personal assistant/secretary to a Director/CEO/Chairperson in the NGO,private or public Sector. Type of Employment: Contractual (renewable). Send A covering letter describing why the applicant considers oneself suitable for the job; Current and expected salary and earliest possible date of joining. Latest CV and Original writing sample of not more than 4 pages indicative of the applicants analytical and articulation skills; Two references who know the applicant in a professional capacity and are willing to provide testimonials. Please send your applications to radhey@human rightsinitiative.org latest by 31st August 2011. All applicants are advised to visit CHRI’s website
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(www.humanrightsinitiative.org) to understand the nature of our work before applying.
Human Resource Officer, Bangalore Arghyam Last date: August 25, 2011 Email: jobs@arghyam.org Arghyam, a leading national charitable foundation has dedicated itself to the cause of the poorest citizens through the cause of water. Arghyam’s mission is “Safe, sustainable water for all”. For more than 5 years now, Arghyam has been driving and supporting programs in rainwater harvesting, groundwater management, drinking water and sanitation programs, water quality management etc. by working closely with diverse multiple stakeholders, primarily in the civil society and government space.http://arghyam.org The HR Officer is a mid-level role at Arghyam’s office in Bangalore that will work on formulating and implementing the HR strategy and activities at Arghyam. S/he will report to a Sr. Finance Manager at Arghyam. and part of Administration. Job Resp include: Develop, obtain management consent and facilitate HR policies and procedures; . Manpower planning: Recruitment process: Motivation and employee relations; Performance Appraisal;. Documentation on all HR matters Requirements: Master’s / Post Graduation or equal Degree / in HR ; Work experience of 2-5 years. Work experience in development sector is desirable. To apply, please send a cover letter and CV to jobs@arghyam.org with the subject line “Application for Human Resource Officer”
Message Design Director, New Delhi Facts for Life Last Date: September 8, 2011, Email: shantanum@miditech.tv Kyunki… Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai is one of the most highly rated entertainment education programs on Indian television.The program is broadcast on Doordarshan..The messages are primarily taken from the UNICEF’s ‘Fact for Life’ and are focused on providing viewers with the information they need to save and improve the lives of children and women. They also include girls’ education, social inclusion and HIV AIDS. Under the overall guidance of the Executive Producer, and in close coordination with the Series Director and Producer, the Message Design Director will be responsible for the coordination, planning, development, and management of the Message Design Unit charged with ensuring the adequacy and controlling the quality of messages and other factual content associated with the substance, structure, and style of the Facts for Life entertainment-education drama serial. Qual: Doctoral degree or equivalent background in social/ behavioural sciences, with specialised training in qualitative and quantitative research and analysis, behaviour change communication, social statistics, social marketing, and/or communication planning; Prior public broadcasting, and/or field experience in Hindi-speaking states preferred, Minimum 7 to 8 years relevant experience
Centre for Science and Environment, Delhi Area Sales Managers Last Date: September 8, 2011 Email: jgupta@cseindia.org CSE is looking for Senior level Managers with at least 10 – 15 years of experience in selling magazines, handling circulations etc. Current vacancies are for the northern and southern regions. Key responsibilities will include selling our in-house environmental products such as Magazine, books, films and journals to schools, colleges, industry and the Government departments, besides booksellers and vendors. A genuine interest in environmental affairs is required to understand our products and market accordingly. A postgraduate degree, preferably MBA in Marketing will be an added advantage. Salary will not be a constraint for the right candidate. Space Marketer, Delhi CSE is also looking for Senior level Managers, with minimum 8-10 years of experience in space selling for Down To Earth (DTE). Those with prior experience of working in these lines would be preferred. Candidate must have a genuine interest in environmental affairs to be able to understand our products and market accordingly. A postgraduate degree, preferably MBA in Marketing will be an added advantage. Salary will match industry standards. Post/email your resume along with photo, stating your current and expected salary, to:Ms. Jagdeep Gupta (Executive Director - Operations), Centre for Science and Environment,41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi – 110062, Tel: 29956394/6339/ 5124 Fax: 29955879, Website: www.cseindia.org
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Media FILMS
Marching Towards Equality
Vertical City 34 min. HD, Hindi and English In the far suburbs of Bombay residents from slums are given free houses in high-rise building complexes with the promise of a better life. The State imagined these constructions as the realisation of an urban utopia. But the project is seen as a move to free prime slum land for commercial development. The complexes soon degenerate into places worse than slums. The film lets the viewer experience the living conditions of places hidden away in a 21st centurymetropolis.
Dilli 25 min. Hindi and English Millions of people across India leave behind their homes and families, in the hope of finding a better life in Delhi. Completing 100 years as the capital of modern India, Delhi today stands at the crossroads of time. Among the fastest growing cities in the world, this is also the city that is home to India’s second largest slum population. Shot in the heart of this bustling megapolis, ‘Dilli’ finds its storytellers in the men, women and children who are the invisible hands that continue to build this city of dreams. the line? By circumstances, through need, or just by a desire to dare the magical line? women who are trafficked into the sex trade Interpol
Understanding Trafficking Dir. Ananya Chatterjee-Chakraborti “Understanding Trafficking” won the National Award this year for the category “Best documentary on Social Issues” The film seeks to convey that it is wrong to classify all women who make it to the world’s oldest profession as victims of trafficking. Using the metaphor of Sita (of the Ramayana) who stepped out of her bounds and got whisked away by the forces of evil, the filmmaker attempts to go beyond the figures to understand the social milieu that causes women from Nepal, India and Bangladesh to be trafficked across international borders in eastern India. The filmmaker stresses the important distinction between migration and trafficking. Focusing on the former, she points out that migration by both rich and poor for better prospects has always existed and will always exist. Nations must recognise this and formulate an appropriate policy to deal with it. Lack of such a policy in Nepal has opened the floodgates of corruption in that country, while sending countless women migrants to their doom. Contact: Ananya C. Chakraborti, AA Calcutta. Telefax: 00 91(33) 2359 6303, 23375757, Mobile: 00 91 94326 73737 email: cinemawoman2004@ yahoo.co.in website: www.cinema woman.in
Aapa Akka The story of a girl and her search for a God who is beyond a particular religion. Reshma who lives with her brother Noor in a temple town on the banks of the river Krishna is fascinated by the true story of Akka Mahadevi. Akka Mahadevi, a poetess of the 12th century, who intoxicated with her love for God, roamed naked in total disregard to social norms.
Marching Towards Equality documents Reservation Karwans which travelled over 30,000kms and touched over 50 villages, towns and cities. 350 women organisations, groups from across India participated in the reservation karwan demanding 33% reservation for women in Parliament and assemblies and immediate passage of the Women Reservation Bill. Contact: Anhad Media, Anhad Production House Pvt Ltd E-1-2, Z111/9, RV Apartments, Kishangarh, New Delhi-110070
The Miracle Water Village
Malegaon Ke Sholay BOOKS (Hindi, 150 min, 1999) Dir: Shaikh Nasir An innovative and delightful reworking of the Bollywood classic ‘Sholay’ The Lament of Niyamraja (Kondh, 13 min, 2007) Dir: Suryashankar Dash The song of a mountain that is sold to a mining company by the government, sung by a bard of the Dongaria Kondh adivasi community who consider the mountain sacred Gadi Lohardaga Mail (Nagpuri, 27 min, 2006) Dir: Meghnath & Biju Toppo A musical journey intertwining the pathos of the peoples’ struggle for survival and the end of a narrow gauge train between Ranchi and Lohardaga
English, 12 mins., 2010 Dir. Rintu Thomas & Sushmit Ghosh
Sona Gahi Pinjara (Kurukhi, 20 min, 2006) Dir: Biju Toppo
The film is an inspirational story of an impoverished farming community in India that reversed its fortunes through its visionary model of water management. Lying in one of the worst drought-prone regions of India, the village of Hiware Bazar battled many decades of sparse rain and failed crops. However, 20 years ago, the entire village came together to script a silent revolution by designing a rainwater-harvesting model that saved every drop of the scanty rain they received. Today, the village is literally an oasis in the middle of the desert, boasting of bumper harvests, dairy co operatives, millionaire families and visionary farmers.
A musical short fiction film about how people from tribal communities are unable to attend their festivals back home because the official set up does not recognise them
The Groundwater Up Project Eng/Hindi, 36mins, 2010 Dir. Tarini Manchanda, Katie Gillett, and Moriah Mason The film is about people who are trying to rejuvenate Delhi’s baolis (step wells) and lakes, and school kids who are harvesting rain water, who organsie a river clean up event with music and dancing. Listen to stories of struggle and Satyagraha. The film doesn’t solve Delhi’s “water crises”, but it explores current solutions like dams and sewage treatment plants. It discovers ideas in unexpected places and highlights people pursuing creative solutions.
NEWS Festival of Emerging Cinemas was held at Gulmohar, Habitat Centre from August 8 - 12, organised by the India Chapter of IAWRT (International Association for Women in Radio and Television) in association with IHC.The festival presented feature films, short fiction, documentaries and music videos made in the towns and semi urban areas of India. The Festival of Emerging Cinemas is a celebration of the diversity in creative expression of the cinemas that are emerging in the towns and villages of India. These are made by people driven by love for cinema and/or irrepressible urge to talk about a social or political issue. Curated by Jai Chandiram & Anupama Srinivasan Baha Movies shown: Sadri/Nagpuri, 112 min, 2009 Dir: Shriprakash A young tribal man’s dream of becoming a singer against the backdrop of the Jharkhand music industry
Tokskal (Ladhaki, 80 min, 2004) Dir : Jigmet Omachik A historical costume drama based on a traditional Ladhaki tale exploring truth and love The Sun is still not Setting (Manipuri, 27 min, 2010) Dir: Suvas Elangbam A poignant film that captures the simplicity and gentleness in the life of a little girl living with her grandfather in the backdrop of strife torn Imphal Brief Companion in a Capital City (Manipuri, 65 min, 2009) Dir : Dorendra Waribam A deeply personal exploration of the city of Delhi through the eyes of an ‘outsider’. Contact: jaichandiram@yahoo.co.in onusrinivasan@hotmail.com Mumbai International Film Festival for Documentary, Short and Animation Films (MIFF). 12th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF – 2012) is scheduled to be held from 3rd to 9th February, 2012 in Mumbai. MIFF” <miffindia @gmail.com> EXPERIMENTA India – the international festival for moving image art in India, seeks artists’ films and videos from any country that challenge popular and conventional modes of cinema. Preview copies must be submitted for selection purposes. All lengths of film are considered. Submit entries as soon as possible. Thefinal deadline for receipt of submissions in 10th September 2011.
capital Hamburg and in India’s hi-tech metropolis Bangalore. The 3D SPACE category is open for films of all genres which are entirely computer generated, using 3D animation software. The FX MIX category is open for films of all genres which mix various techniques digitally, eg. 3D animation, 2D animation and live action. The MACHINIMA category is open for films of all genres which are shot live inside a computer game or a virtual world like Second Life. All Categories - There is no limit in length or size. We accept free artistic works as well as music videos or commercials. We only accept submissions which are uploaded as video files. All submitted videos will also appear in our YouTube channel. Information on prize money. >> submit your film. http://bitfilm.de/ festival/daten.php?page=fd& category=MA
“Qamar Azad Hashmi” 10 min. Hindustani A woman who threw away her burqa at the age of 9, wrote her first book at the age of 69, did her M.A. at the age of 70, learnt Persian so she could get her father’s poetry published, spent years under extreme poverty and did not give up. We are celebrating a woman, her will, her strength, her determination and her vibrancy. We are making a film on Qamar Azad Hashmi also known as Ammaji. It is a film about her life and the never say die attitude that she has had even in the worst of times. A woman who not only inspired others but also gave strength to them and made them better and stronger people. It is a film about the struggle that she and her family had to go through and how they came out of it. It is a life that not only gives hope to people around her to fight against all odds and emerge as a winner
Andhere Se Pehle Directed by Ajay TG, 33 mins., A CMCS Production July 7, 2011, !8.30 Room No. 4, TISS Main Campus In the name of development, tribal land is routinely grabbed or illegally acquired by private companies in India. In the Raigarh district of Chhatisgarh, farmers are caught in a search for justice against the Jindal Thermal Power Plant.
Alongside testimonies by desperate farmers, this film documents their determined protest against an impending public hearing that will decide the expansion of the power plant in Tamnar.
The Latent City A film on the transformative moment of Delhi and it’s ecological and political ramifications, looked through the eyes of art and artists, got the Golden Eagle Grand Prix (21st July) at Campulung, Romania, at the DocumentArt film festival. The film was created by Krishnendu Bose in 2009. The film could be viewed at <http://www. cultureun plugged.com/documentary/watchonline/festival/play/5936/TheLatent-City> Krishnendu Bose Member of IUCN Commission on Education and Communication Earthcare Productions B-91, Defence Colony New Delhi India Off- 91-11-24334171, 24332005 Cell- +91-9811843111 Website <www.earthcarefilms.com>
BOOKS A Living Faith: My Quest for Peace, Harmony and Social Change By Asghar Ali Engineer His auto biography was released in New Delhi on 20 July by Vice President of India Shri Hamid Ansari in the presence of Swami Agnivesh. Shri Hamid Ansari praised Dr. Engineer’s courage and his struggle against priesthood in his own community. He described him as modern day Espinoza. Espinoza, Hamid Ansari Saheb said, was also excommunicated because he fought against orthodoxy in his own religion and Dr. Engineer also has been excommunicated by priesthood of his own community. Dr. Engineer’s autobiography is written in simple language speaks briefly about his belief, about his struggle and about his experiences. He said the essence of religion is in values and not in rituals, any one can perform rituals and project herself/himself as religious. But to practice values one has to make sacrifices, has to be truthful, has to be honest, has to be just and compassionate. He said there are five fundamental values in Quran i.e. Truth (Haq), Justice (Adl), doing good to others (Ihsan) compassion (Rahmah) and wisdom (Hikmah). These are Allah’s names also. Other religions also share these values. Dr. Engineer also said that iit is my firm belief that power should be separated from religion and power corrupts religion, the two should never come together.
EXPERIMENTA is a curated film festival, and will be held in Bangalore from December 1-4 2011. For more information on EXPERIMENTA visit: www. experimenta.in 12th Bitfilm Festival for Digital Film : Call for Entries Submission deadline: 01.09.2011 Since the year 2000 the Bitfilm Festival has been showing films that use digital technology in a creative and innovative way.Since 2006 all our films can be watched online, the worldwide audience decides on the Bitfilm Awards.In 2011 the Bitfilm Festival will take place on the Internet, in Germany’s media
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Swami Agnivesh and Asghar Ali Engineer at the release of his book
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Media The Prophet of Non Violence Spirit of Peace, Compassion and Universality in Islam by Asghar Ali Engineer, Vitasta Publishing Pvt. Limited, New Delh, 2011, pages 246, Rs 395, HB) Last three decades have been the worst as far as negative projection of Islam is concerned. A religion which had come to establish peace in the region came to be presented as a religion of violence. Popular perceptions about Islam as a religion and its various aspects were so modulated to present them as if the followers of this faith are moving around with bombs and swords.
Similarly, Jihad, the much abused word, was the word abused by Muslim Kings for conquering lands. These military expeditions were titled Jihad but had nothing to do with spreading the values of Islam in any way. Engineer makes a valuable point that Islam talks of building a society and not a state. Despite that there are Muslim countries which have carved their path to democracies despite mammoth obstacles. Currently a big section of Arab World is struggling to overthrow the dictatorship or puppet regimes to bring in democratic regimes. Even the perception of Islam being against Human rights is baseless as Equality is central to Islamic teachings. In India the birth based inequality of caste system had been the major factor for low caste shudras embracing Islam to escape the caste tyranny. The other essays in the book elaborate the concept of rights of women. This book is a timely intervention in the global debate on the nature of Islam. It is a mammoth task to ensure that Islam is seen through the pages of Koran.
India’s Environmental History —Rangarajan Mahesh and K Sivaramakrishnan (Eds) (2011).
It is in this background that Asghar Ali Engineer’s popular work, seeped in profound scholarship comes as a breath of fresh air, presenting the truth of the religion as propagated by Prophet Mohammad. The book is a compilation of 19 of his essays, contributed periodically and they address a vast range of subjects from the basic teachings of the prophet, concept of war and peace, values of justice, status of women and finally a commentary on social issues. Engineer does well to refer to Koran as the base of his under- standing and explains the truth behind the misconceptions popularized by the motivated. His contention is that many precepts and misconceptions have been there due to the history of Muslims, Muslim Kings and clergy who for their vested interests have misrepresented the teachings of Koran, to suit their political and social interests. He places most of the teachings in the Koran in their proper context to elaborate the truth of teachings of the contributions of Prophet to the development of values of humanism in the World. Non violence in Islam is a matter of deeper conviction and not of mere convenience. While building the Islamic community the Prophet was conscience that there should be full freedom of faith for those not following Islam. And so the adage; there cannot be any compulsion in matters of religion. Violence was a strict “no” for him except as a last resort in self defense. All battles fought by Prophet were defensive battles.
Vol. 1: From Ancient Times to the Colonial Period; Vol. 2: Colonialism, Modernity, and the Nation. Permanent Black, India Rs. 1850, for the two volume set Vol. 1 contains essays that cover the period from prehistoric times to the middle of the nineteenth century, while Vol. 2 shows how colonial rule resulted in ecological change on a new scale altogether.
Pocketful of Forests Legal debates around compensation and valuation of forest loss in India Contributory amount: Rs. 200 Kohli, Kanchi, Manju Menon, Vikal Samadariya & Sreetama Guptabhaya. Kalpavriksh, India (2011) The publication examines the steps that led to the setting up of the Compensatory Afforestation Planning and Management Authority (CAMPA) and the method of calculating the Net Present Value (NPV) of forests. The arguments that have taken place between the judiciary, the executive and the Parliament since 1999 are valuable material for those interested in matters of forest conservation and forest governance. They touch upon Centre-State relations, the political, administrative and technical notions of forests and the role of negotiation in policymaking. This report was supported by WWFIndia’s Civil Society Collaboration for Environment Governance Initiative. Contact: Vikal Samdariya, Kalpavriksh. Email: vikalgreen@gmail.com
Law Like Love Queer Perspectives on Law Arvind Narrain & Alok Gupta, Eds.; Yoda Press, 2011 With the landmark Delhi High Court victory in July 2009, sexuality and the law entered mainstream, legal and public discourse in India inviting both celebration and resistance. How do we understand this conversation? The July judgement stands on the shoulders of a much longer history, argue the writers in this contemporary and critical volume on queering the law. A longer history that shapes, unsettles and challenges both legal and queer histories and begins new conversations on the intersections between bodies, politics, activism, sexuality, identity and law. Some playful, some critical and others reflective and irreverent, this unique collection of pieces brings the life, structures and institutions of law alive and shine with relevance in the contemporary moment.
Real Heroes Award The Head Held High program has been awarded the “Real Heroes” award by CNN-IBN. Project Director and co-founder, Rajesh Bhat, of the Head Held High program was given the award on Aug 17th in Bombay.
About the Authors: Arvind Narrain is a human rights activist and lawyer with the Alternative Law Forum, Bangalore, of which he is a founder member. He is the author of Queer: Despised Sexuality, Law and Social Change (2004) and coeditor of Because I Have a Voice: Queer Politics in India (2005). Alok Gupta is a lawyer and queer rights activist.
Koppal: Rajesh Bhat, who is just 27 years of age, runs The Head Held High Foundation, which is turning illiterate villagers into BPO employees. eg At the speed of 40 words per minute, Ramesh processes insurance forms. Ramesh and Yankamma try their best to meet the targets in the tiny rural BPO.
Available at: Alternative Law Forum,122/4 Infantry Road, Opposite Infantry Wedding House, Bangalore 560001.Phone 22868757/22865757
Rajesh runs The Head Held High Foundation in Koppal, one of the most backward districts in Karnataka.
The Right to Information and Privacy Balancing rights and managing conflicts
“Our intention is to enable every villager, irrespective of whatever the background, caste, creed, religion to live a life of dignity with their head held high and give them an
opportunity without charity,” Rajesh said. In 2007, Rajesh, a software engineer, with a friend started an experiment that began with just eight villagers who had little or no formal education and in over eight months, the results began to show. After achieving sucess with the first eight, Rajesh and his friends opened the centre in Koppal. There, students often gather to sing out their lessons, they are taught English, Maths, logic, life skills and the basics of personal grooming. Rajesh said, “We did something called village reach programme where people we trained went back to their villages and trained 900 kids in 31 different villages.” Head Held High has reached 113 students so far. After the training is complete, the students get inducted into the BPO setup which has two different states. Our intention is to see whether we can work in the 100 most backward districts in India,” Rajesh said.
by David Banisar Published by World Bank Institute Governance Working Paper series, 2011 The relationship between privacy and Right to Information laws is currently the subject of considerable debate around the globe as countries are increasingly adopting these types of legislation. To date, more than 50 countries have adopted both laws. On first inspection, it would appear that the right of access to information and the right to protection of personal privacy are irreconcilable. However the reality is more complex. For the most part, these two rights complement each other in holding governments accountable to individuals. But there is a potential conflict between these rights when there is a demand for access to personal information held by government bodies. Focusing on the cases of Ireland, Mexico, Slovenia and the UK, while also looking at other experiences, this paper examines legislative and structural means to better define and balance the rights to privacy and to information. For more information click on: http:/ /wbi.worldbank.org/wbi/news/2011/ 03/10/available-now-new-workingpaper-right-information-andprivacy
From L, Shobit Arya of WisdomTree, Navdeep Suri of MEA, Ashwini Kumar, LK Sharma and MS Swaminathan, MoS for Sc & Tech
The India Idea Ed. by L.K. Sharma; photoresearched and edited by Shobit Arya Publ. :Wisdom Tree The book was launched in the presence of MS Swaminathan, Union Min. of State for Science & Technology, who lauded the men and women who innovated and used their ideas and applications to give India its competitive edge. The cofee table book is richly visual and showcases innovations like the Jaipur foot, Green Footprint and Solar sisters of Tilonia, Mumbai’s dabbawallas (of course!), Mashaqsthe traditional Indian leather water bags, Dr. Devi Shetty and Narayan Hrudalaya. He also includes Murugunathan who invented a machine to make inexpensive sanitary napkins for distribution through womens cooperatives in the rural areas.
Beginner’s Guide to the Global Fund 2nd Edition The guide is designed to provide a broad introduction to the Global Fund for people who have little or no prior experience of the Fund, including new members of country coordinating mechanisms (CCMs), new principal recipients (PRs), new sub-recipients (SRs) - or new staff in existing PRs and SRs - as well as government officials, NGOs, donors, and journalists who report on the Fund. This guide comes in three forms: the full guide (about 60 pages); an eight-page summary, and a twopage summary. French, Spanish and Russian-language versions will be posted on the Aidspan website in April. The English-language version of the Guide is now available at <http://www.aidspan. org/guides
All matter in the newsletter is published with the best of intentions. Printed, Published and owned by Rima Kashyap. Printed at W Q Judge Press, 97, Residency Road, Bangalore - 560 025, Published by : Shakti C/o ERA, N. M. Wadia Bldg, 123 M G Road, Mumbai 400 001 Tel. 9820339608. E-mail : shaktisrc@yahoo.com Editor : Rima Kashyap. Design : Rajeshwari 12