Nov-Dec 2010 by ON-LYNE

Vol 7 Issue 6

Regn. no. M A H E N G/2004/15104

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Nov-Dec 2010

“From the right to know and the duty to inquire flows the obligation to act.” - Sandra Steingraber

www.ngoconnect.org

A ‘SHAKTI’ PROJECT

I n d i a ’ s Fi r s t N G O N e w s ta b l o i d CONNECTiNG

Who poses a threat to the State?

ver since he became PM, Dr. Manmohan Singh has been considered the ‘clean’ face of politics. And few questioned his integrity.Now,however, for the first time, after the battery of scams that have erupted, more and more voices are asking, where does the Buck stop? And if indeed it stops at the Head, why is he shirking responsibility? We give below excerpts from some voices: Honest is, Who Honest Does Today, the Indian media—both print and television—(while) focusing on the recent corruption scandals involving the UPA Government with unusual zeal feels compelled to pay ritual obeisance to the “personal honesty and integrity” of Dr Manmohan Singh —even when there is clear evidence that the Prime Minister was well aware of various shady deals, as in the case of Telecom scam, and that he did nothing to stop the brazen economic crimes indulged in by his ministerial colleagues over the last 6 years. ,... because integrity in his job demands putting national interest above partisan politics and personal loyalties. Integrity also involves taking full responsibility for all his acts of commission and omission which have earned UPA II the dubious distinction of being publicly named as the most corrupt government in post independence India. - Madhu Purnima Kishwar <editor@manushi-india.org> Who is corrupt? For change to happen, the first step, has to be a change in leadership. India requires a different PM. Someone who is democratic, who attempts to understand people and their needs rather than the economics of corporate interests. It is increasingly clear that these last decades have liberalized corruption, not development or opportunity. (Southasian news) A fish rots from the head India’s situation is best explained by an ancient proverb, “A fish rots from the head down.” When the head is putrid, the body politic cannot be healthy. And when those at the helm remain wedded to grand corruption, clerks or traffic police cannot be singled out for taking small bribes. In fact, it is the self-perpetuating cycle of corruption at all government levels - federal, State and local - that has turned internal security into India’s Achilles heel. The cancer of corruption in India has alarmingly spread to elements within the two institutions that are central to the country’s future - the judiciary and the armed forces. And now even the media. .. It may take a second war of independence for India to gain true freedom from exploitation and pillage.... Brahma Chellaney (author of Asian Juggernaut - HarperCollins USA, 2010.)www.thehindu.com/opinion/ lead/article936001.ece? homepage=true*)

The corrupt Politican or a Doctor who helps the poor? Corrupt or Naxal sympathizer!!

not accidental. Governments have begun to opt for a colonial approach towards Naxalism and its myriad manifestations. The reason? Fear, perhaps terror. The corrupt can recognise their nemesis.

re we seeing a liberalization of corruption? Has it been systematized? And is it a threat to the state? The sale of national and community assets, and disinvestment in these assets was part of the strategy - to raise money. The strategy was rationalized even when it threatened the lives of millions in tribal lands. In villages. In cities. Anyone questioning this grab has been labeled a naxalite or a maoist..

Accreditation of NGOs—by whom, for whom? In May 2009, the Planning Commission, Govt. of India, set up “a Task Force to examine the issues related to the evolution of an independent, national level, selfregulatory agency for the voluntary sector and to develop accreditation methodologies for voluntary organisations” .

The PM was happy to sit and chat with corporate leaders to understand how more money could be made. And now we find that in his leadership, senior ministers have been at the forefront of scams of lakhs of crores.... When a majority of policies are being driven to help companies access national assets, when checks and balances are being diluted through new laws in all sectors (mining, agricultural, industries, energy) and when we see attempts to influence these policies, why can we not ask whether these policies are indeed for the benefit of the nation or for corporate entities. These are attempts to undercut due democratic processes. After all, corruption threatens the economic viability of the state. Why are they not greater threats to the State than the words of an individual? (Southasian news) “It may take a second war of independence for India to gain true freedom from exploitation and pillage”. India confronts several pressing national security threats. But only one of them - political corruption poses an existential threat to the state, which in reality has degenerated into a republic of mega-scandals. ...When important decisions, from arms procurement to policy changes, are often tainted by corrupt considerations, it is inevitable that national security will get compromised. If India today is widely seen as a soft state, much of the blame must be pinned on the corrupt and the compromised that lead it. Such ‘softening’ of India has made the country a tempting target for those seeking to undermine its security. (Brahma Chellaney is the author, most recently, of Asian Juggernaut - HarperCollins USA, 2010.) www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/ article936001.ece?homepage=true* Travesty of Justice The conviction of well-known public health doctor and human rights worker Dr Binayak Sen by a Raipur Sessions Court on charges of ‘sedition’ and ‘waging war against the Indian State’ carries a sentence of life imprisonment, a drastic and completely unjust fate, to be handed out to one of India’s finest social activists. The higher Indian judiciary must uphold principles of law, justice and the rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution and undo the severe

The 132 page Report of the Task Force is available at http:// www.karmayog .org/redirect/ strred.asp? docId=31670 Pushpendra Kumar from the National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD), who has also contributed suggestions to the Task Force says about the Task Force and this report that:

damage done to the reputation of the judiciary itself through the Raipur court’s flawed judgment. The charges against Dr Sen, made under draconian ‘antiterrorist’ laws, are trumped up and intended to ‘punish’ him for his outspoken criticism of the Chhattisgarh government for its human rights violations against its own tribal populations. Dr Sen has already spent over two years in prison and was released on bail by the Indian Supreme Court. That the world’s largest democratic country cannot tolerate criticism and non-violent human rights activism is a matter of shame to Indian citizens everywhere and this attitude of intolerance needs to be roundly condemned. Such low quality of justice, routinely delivered in our courts, is indeed itself a threat to Indian democracy. Not only should Dr Sen be released immediately from imprisonment and charges withdrawn, there needs to be a thorough inquiry against all those who have framed him so maliciously. The Jharkhand government has launched a new operation in the state, which can be called the “Operation NGO Hunt”. In a latest discovery, the Jharkhand Police have found 1300 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) as “sympathizers” of the Naxalites though nobody knows the ‘parameters’ of ‘ s y m p a t h i s e r ’ . gladsonhractivist@gmail.com A Strange Democracy (excerpts from an article by M.J.Akbar) India has become a strange democracy where Binayak Sen gets life in jail and dacoits get a life in luxury. It takes years of

pressure for government to move against those looting the nation’s treasury; and when the majestic forces of enforcement do go on a “raid” they give their quarry enough time to remove every trace of evidence. The political-industrial nexus is above the law, because it controls enforcement. But if the ruling class of India could have hanged Binayak Sen instead of merely trying to send him to jail for the rest of his life, it would have done so. Binayak made a fundamental, mortal mistake. He was on the side of the poor. That is a non-negotiable error in our oligarchic democracy… End the Naxalite problem by elimination of the messenger; and the poor will not have the courage to ask for more than the trickle allotted to them by a gluttonous government. …. Prosecuting lawyers are in the pay of government, as are the jailors. And yet two policemen refused to back the prosecution. A fabricated unsigned letter, apparently cooked up on a computer printout, seems to have been sufficient to convince the honourable guardians of our judicial system that Binayak Sen deserved a sentence reserved for only the most hardened murderer. But it is only in a dictatorship that disagreement is sufficient reason for incarceration. India seems to be developing a two-tier democracy: generosity of the law for the privileged and vindictive, distorted application on the underprivileged. If Binayak Sen is guilty of sedition on the basis of fictitious evidence, then, as was famously said during the great Gandhian movement against the British between 1919 and 1922, there are not enough jails in India to hold those equally guilty. The reference is

“I find the entire exercise directed to corporatising the voluntary sector. This is against the spirit of the National Policy for the Voluntray Sector and will have disastrous impact on the sector. The composition of the participants of the Task Force also bears testimony to my point. The voluntary sector needs a different kind of professionalism, one that is largely different from the professionalism required in the corporate sector (or corporate NGOs). The significance of the voluntary sector lies in its creativity, diversity,strong links with the community, its localised nature, voluntary spirit, its capacity and courage to question, to challenge the dominant paradigms of development. I also find this an effort to further encroach upon the autonomy of thevoluntary sector. The proposed composition of the National Accreditation Council includes representatives of government bodies, corporate bodies (CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, ICAI, other chambers of commerce and industry) and grant making government and international organisations. One would expect that this would be a body comprising either exclusively or predominantly representatives from the voluntary sector. There is a need to recognise the diversity and wisdom of the voluntary sector. The sector itself can find ways of enhancing accountability and transperency. No one size can fit all and no superimposition of norms (read corporate norms) is going to help. Let the debate on such important issues as accountability and transparency be taken to the vast expanse of the civil society.” Contact dg@caparthq.delhi.nic.in and rupapc@nic.in

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NGO Connect ○

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NGO News Green Violation in Orissa New Delhi: Quoting from a Right to Information (RTI) reply, Greenpeace said that the Environment Ministry overlooked green law violations by Tata Steel and Larsen and Toubro (L&T) in their Dharma port project in Orissa, which has been at the centre of controversy for years due to being adjacent to the Bhitarkanika National Park and Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary. According to Greenpeace India’s oceans campaign manager Sanjiv Gopal, “The file noting by Jairam Ramesh admits that there is a probable legal violation, but argues in favour of condoning it on the grounds that the port itself is nearing completion. Ramesh further wrote that had construction not commenced, they could have taken a decision unequivocally not to let the project proceed at the site whose forest status is disputed,” Greenpeace demanded punitive measures against the project and a permanent freeze on all planned industrial activity (including port expansion) within the buffer zone of Bhitarkanika and Gahirmatha. Contact greenpeace

services to the leprosy- affected persons along with physically challenged persons is helping them to lead a productive life. Contact: bombayleprosy@mtnl.net.in

Walkathon 2010 Bangalore: A walk for shelter by Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled was undertaken to mark the World Disability Day. Samarthanam supports the visually impaired, disabled and underprivileged to keep in pace with society by providing them with education, accommodation, food, vocational training, placementbased rehabilitation. Its priorities are disability advocacy, education, livelihood, capacity building, accessibility and environment in order to create an inclusive society free from discrimination. The Bengaluru Walkathon since 2005 has been receiving excellent support from the public, corporate and the media. Visit www.samarthanam.org

Mahila Melava 2010 Mumbai: Women Networking, an informal network of women’s groups, community organisations and interested individuals, to

Foundations for a People’s Media New Delhi: CGnet Swara has taken a radical approach of the use of mobile phones to set up a decentralized network of news gathering that any individual can access, as well as a mode of transmission of people’s news. The Central Gondwana Network (CGnet) includes parts of Chattisgarh, MP, Orissa, Jharkhand, UP, Maharasthra, Rajasthan and Gujarat. In addition, parts of Punjab, Haryana and Uttarakhand have also begun to participate in this network. The ease of accessibility of a mobile phone has been used to set up a network, currently active in the tribal regions of central India. As a result of a major initiative by a dedicated team of CGNET Swara, remote villages - and citizens in these villages - have access to report incidents, events and trends in these remote areas as well as access short reports on what is happening in these areas. There is a time limit of 2 minutes for a recording. You can record news items, point to problems in your area or even share

Indian NGOs at Cancun Jaipur: A delegation of NGOs assembled under the banner “Beyond Copenhagen” returned from Cancun, Mexico, after making interventions for bringing agricultural and food security issues to the mainstream climate negotiations at the 16th U.N. Climate Summit. The team took part in the side events, held rallies and lobbied with negotiators . The members of the delegation, which was the biggest from India, highlighted the significance of smallholder and low-input farming practised in developing countries and talked about their potential for climate change mitigation, the challenges before agriculturists, life cycle energy and technology choices before the farming community. Jaipur-based Centre for Community Economics and Development Consultants’ Society secretary Sharad Joshi, said On December 3, marking the 26th anniversary of the Bhopal gas tragedy, the delegation took out a silent march. The following demands were made: Ensure that the benefits of marketbased mechanism are not cornered by multi-national companies alone. Establish an international tribunal on climate change that could ensure compliance with the Kyoto Protocol. Adapt funding for agricultural inputs such as landscaping in waterlogged areas, weather forecasting, protection structures in coastal and wildlife areas, irrigation in rain-fed regions and insurance packages for improving the crop productivity.

World Disabled Day Mumbai :The Bombay Leprosy Project (BLP) observed World Disabled Day on Dec. 7 at its Main Referral Centre in Mumbai, highlighting the importance of recognizing leprosy programmes on this day. The occasion was marked by providing glasses to leprosy patients donated by Shraddha Foundation. Earlier the patients were screened by ophthalmologists from KJ Somaiya Medical College and Hospital for ocular problems related to leprosy. BLP’s integrated approach of offering vocational rehabilitation

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In the new Bihar assembly, 125 MLAs have some kind of criminal charges against them.

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235 women contested the bihar election, out of a total of 3523 candidates,27 of them won.

Contact: Liberty Institute, New Delhi. Tel: (011)-28031309, 42815409

Protest against CBI report on Shopian rape and murder It is one year since the report filed by the CBI on the double rape and murder of two young women, Asiya and Neelofar in Shopian, which blatantly covers-up the crime, acquits responsible officials and indicts those who dared to speak out against the injustice. To protest this, about 100 women’s groups, students groups, democratic rights as well as concerned individuals gathered near the CBI Headquarters in Delhi to gift the CBI some more bedsheets for their next cover-ups. Peppered with signatures and messages like “Gift for your next cover-up! CBI investigate yourself! justice for Asiya and Neelofar! Cover-up Bureau of Investigation not Central Bureau of Investigation!” each sheet was a reminder that from Delhi to Jammu and Kashmir, Tamil Nadu to Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh the voices demanding justice in Shopian are still rising. ase! The Director, while accepting their sheets, the memorandum, critiques and the report of the Independent Women’s Initiative for Justice, said he would look into the matter but refused to give a timeframe in which he would do so The Women against Sexual Violence and State repression (WSS), is committed to following up the case and is demanding a reply from the CBI within a month.

Chief guest Ms. Thekkekara ( second from L) enjoying the dance provide a platform to address various women’s issues, such as livelihood, labour, violence, food, health and shelter organised a Mahila Melava on Dec. 11 in Mumbai to mark the culmination of 16 days of Activism on Violence Against Women (25 November UN Day against violence against women to 10 December – International Human Rights Day). About 600 people participated in the programme and several NGOs, such as Creative Handicrafts, Mukti Sadan Foundation, Nirmala Niketan Extension Unit Programme for Social Work, Sankalp Centre for Tribal Art and Crafts, Sanmitra Trust, YUVA and YWCA set up desks for display, distribution and sale of their publications, products and services. The programme included inspiring songs and a dance ballet on the life of Savithribai Phule performed by Ms Jhellum Paranjape and her troupe highlighting Savithribai Phule’s struggle against the caste system and women’s oppression in mid 19 th century. Savithribai’s main focus was on promoting education for girls and women. Chief guest, Ms Thanksy Thekkekara, Principal Secretary, Minority Development Department (Government of Maharashtra), Mumbai gave an inspiring speech on the need for women’s empowerment through education and economic programmes . Contact: Jaya Menon, Email: jaya11200@yahoo.co.in

songs that are of relevance to people of your region. Hindi, Chattisgadhi and Gondi are the preferred languages in use currently. The news reports on CGNET Swara can also be accessed at www.cgnetswara.org.Contact Adiyog (09415011487, awazlko@hotmail.com CGNET Swara, 312 Patrakar Parisar, Sector 5, Vasundhara, Ghaziabad, 201012, shu@cgnet.in

WEBSITES Explore the numerous tools and features on the website, picked up using the unique analysis tool available at http:// www.empoweringindia.org/ Empowering India (EI) which is an initiative of Liberty Institute.e.g. some of their analysis of the Bihar elections: Average declared assets of a JD(U) MLA increased from Rs 35 lakhs in2005, Rs 1.1 crore in 2010. ♦

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Less than one third of the candidates have PAN, and only 153 out of the243 winning candidates have PAN. 11 candidates in Bihar had declared assets worth more than 10 crores, only 2 of them won the election. There were 72 women candidates with either graduate or post-graduate degrees, and 8 of them got elected. There were 23 candidates with a medical degree, and 7 of them won, all of whom were men.·

Contact: Saheli, New Delhi Telephone: Kalpana: 9212449198. Uma Chakravarti: 24117828.

Release Binayak Sen programme Mumbai: Committee for Release of Binayak Sen, Mumbai organized a cultural program with a special focus on the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) on 1Dec.10 International Human Rights Day at Ajmera Hall, Grant Road Station (West), Mumbai. The programme included a one-act solo performance Ley Mashalein, where the actress plays Irom Sharmila Chanu of Manipur’ who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for a decade now,demanding the withdrawal of Indian armed forces from her State. There were poetry recitals, songs and performances from activists from various groups on the issue of human rights during the program. Contact: Adv Kamayani Bali Mahabal, +919820749204 ‘Release Binayak’ demonstration was held at Kancheepuram on 3112-2010 organised by Makkal Mandram and Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam.

Union Bank offers loans at 10% interest The Union Bank of India has unveiled another lending model asan alternative to micro finances institutions (MFIs) with the bank charging 10% interest on these loans, while the microfinanciers are charging about 24% on an average. The Union Bank in Andhra Pradesh has decided to bridge the gap in

fund requirement at the village level, particularly by the women members of self-help groups, by offering loans in addition to the regular bank linkage. The bank will depend on the Mandal Mahila Samakhyas for lending the money. M V Nair, Union Bank’s chairman and managing director, said, “funding would be provided to 20 Mahila Mandal Samakhyas initially and based on its success it would be extending to other. The bank released Rs 10 crore towards the initial round of funding and each Mahila Mandal Samakhyas selected in the first phase would get Rs 50 lakh from the bank.

Tribal University in Amarkantak The Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU), was set up in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh. In this regard the State Government of Madhya Pradesh. The University is presently running 22 courses and programmes at undergraduate level. As on date the total number of students studying in the undergraduate courses at Amarkantak is 769, out of which 392 are Scheduled Tribe, 80 Scheduled Caste and 255 girl students. The University has already established its Regional Campus at Manipur with a couple of programmes and the State Government has recently handed over possession of about 300 acres of land for establishment of a permanent campus. The IGNTU has also been approached by the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Kerala and Gujarat to open its Regional Campuses in their respective States.

India approves plan to safeguard child rights New Delhi: In an effort to protect the rights of children in areas of civil unrest — including those affected by Maoists, the central government has approved a special scheme called the Bal Bandhu scheme, which will be implemented in 10 districts in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhatisgarh and Maharashtra. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath said: “The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has received complaints of rights of children being abused by way of being orphaned when their parents are killed by Maoists, lack of education, nutrition, health and other entitlements”. While the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS), which was introduced last year, provides services such as family based noninstitutional care, open shelters and emergency outreach service for children in areas of armed conflict, the Bal Bandhu scheme will address the issue in addition to that.The scheme will be implemented by the NCPCR.

Gujarat to launch mega kids’ healthcare drive Gandhinagar: More than 300,000 officials, including 5,528 doctors, will medically check over 1.52 crore children across Gujarat from December 3 to February 15, 2011. Health Minister Jaynarayan Vyas said the special drive had been taken up with the twin objectives of ensuring heath and detecting diseases among children.

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NGO Connect ○

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NGO News The campaign would cover 38.18 lakh children in 47,413 anganwadis, 84.15 lakh students in 41,020 primary schools and 29.79 lakh students in secondary schools. The health campaign would include infants up to six years and even nonschool-going children up to the age of 14 years. The state government had authorized district-level officers to take fast decision on providing free super-specialty treatment for serious diseases particularly pertaining to the heart, kidney and cancer.

a Draft Bill is at the stage of interministerial consultation, Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath said. “The Draft Bill incorporates child friendly procedures for reporting, recording, investigating and trial of offences. It aims to protect the child’s right to privacy, provides for designation of special courts for trial of offences and stringent punishment to provide adequate deterrence,” she added.

Calendar on Stray Dogs Mumbai: The Welfare of Stray Dogs (WSD) has produced a calendar featuring dogs in their new environment. In spite of being adopted as adults, they have adjusted beautifully to their new surroundings, shattering the myth that only pups make great pets. All photos have been taken by WSD volunteer and professional photographer - Rohan Mukerjee The calendars are available at Rs 150.Contact: WSD, Tel : 64222838/ 23733433. E mail : wsdindia@gmail.com Website: www.wsdindia.org WSD Adoption Blog: http:// wsdadoptions.blogspot.com/

Participation of Tribals under MGNREGS The Minister for Rural Development Shri Pradeep Jain “Aditya” informed the Lok Sabha that employment under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme is open to all rural households irrespective of their caste or community. Any adult member of a rural household can register with the Gram Panchayat and get a job card issued. Thereafter, a worker needs to apply for work for getting employment subject to a maximum of 100 days per household in a financial year. As reported by the State Governments, participation of workers belonging to Scheduled Tribes was 21% in 2009-10. Awareness generation through intensive IEC activities involving print as well as electronic media has been taken up to inform the rural population about their legal rights under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA).

Sponsorship for nursing studies Help will be provided with Rs. 5000 to orphan girls who wish to study nursing. Contact: Sudhir Deshpande, Project Coordinator, Sanskriti Samvardhan Mandal,Sagroli Dist. Nanded 431731, Tel. (02465) 227848, Cell – 9403000981Email: sudhir.ssmandal@ gmail.com

CAG sniffs scam in NGO funding In its first-ever audit of the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), tabled in Parliament, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has indicated the presence of an organised scam in the giving of grants by the ministry to NGOs. The Nov. 26 report shows that no accounts had been maintained for more than 20 years against grants released to NGOs and expenditures incurred thereon. The total value: Rs 597 crore. The CAG has pulled up the ministry for the fact that 7,196 utilisation certificates were outstanding till March 2010. (Utilisation certificates are records that track whether the money granted to NGOs has been used for the purpose for which it was sanctioned.)

In the last 10 years (1999-2009), 4,723 utilisation certificates amounting to Rs. 426.8 crore were ‘pending adjustment’. The proportion of value of outstanding certificates between 1981 and 1989 was 17.5%, which rose to 71.5% during 1999-2009. The report also pointed out that despite having a financial advisor, the MoEF did not conduct internal audits of any of the units that came under its jurisdiction. “There are cases of misutilisation of funds, and fraud can’t be ruled out as most NGOs took the first instalment and disappeared” Viswanathan said. “More than 93% of the projects for tree plantation failed to achie,ve the target.” It only gets worse. “Some officials have even started NGOs in the name of their wives or children and usurped the grant,” an environment ministry official claimed, on the condition of anonymity. “This could not have been possible without the connivance of department officials and NGO promoters,” he said.( http://www.hindustantimes.com)

Himachal to open ‘Grameen Haats’ Shimla: To enable local artisans market their products in their vicinity, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal announced that 36 ‘Grameen Haats’ or rural markets would be set up across the state with an outlay of Rs 5.40 crore to help boost economic condition of local artisans. Himachal is known for hand-knitted woollens like shawls, stoles, mufflers, socks, gloves, pullovers and caps, Chamba rumal (handkerchief), Chamba chappals (slippers) and jewellery items. The Himachal Handicraft and Handloom Corporation, which is marketing the products made by the local artisans and craftsmen, is operating 15 sales outlets, including one each in Bangalore and Delhi.

Widows’ pension to be raised New Delhi: Releasing a study on the condition of widows in the Braj area of Uttar Pradesh, Secretary of the Women and Child Development Ministry DK Sikri, said the Ministry was planning to raise the pension of widows from the paltry Rs 200550 to Rs 1,500 a month. If she has children to support, the widow’s pension amount should be Rs 2,500 per month. The study, conducted by the Guild for Services with the support of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), said that though 70 per cent of the widows have heard of the pension scheme, only a quarter of them received the money. Eighty-two per

cent of the widows said they knew about the scheme but didn’t know how to apply for it. “We are thinking of special bridge courses for the widows, like vocational courses, which will empower them to earn a decent living for themselves, especially for those in the age group of 18-35,” Sikri said.

Resource Mela 2010 Bangalore: A ‘Resource Mela’ was organised by Aalochana, Akshara and Centre for Education and Documentation (CED) from Nov.18-2 as part of the Documentation Centres Meet. About 50 people from documentation centres and other NGOs participated to share their educational materials, discuss their problems and debate different methods of communication in order to widen the scope and quality of communication. The programme included intra group discussions on multi media and new media, interactive medium and print media and exhibition and sale of resources. Public sessions included, “Knowledge in an internet era: role of DCs in info-digital society” by Avinash Jha, and “Reclaiming civil society space on the internet: copyright versus public domain” by Sunil Abraham.

CAG slams MoEF over green plans failure New Delhi: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) slammed the Environment Ministry for failing to implement its ambitious projects of afforestation, conservation of biodiversity, pollution control and spreading awareness among the people. The CAG report tabled in Parliament found that money allotted under various environmental schemes has been lying unused and in a majority of projects, targets were not achieved, The audit done for the period April 2008-March 2009 highlights issues relating to the adequacy and effectiveness of programmes, schemes and interventions made by the ministry to tackle important environmental issues like deforestation, biodiversity and pollution control. The report also contains 37 specific recommendations, which according to CAG, will enable the executive to take corrective action as also frame policies and directives that will lead to improved environmental governance. ( IANS. )

LEGAL Law to protect kids against sexual offences New Delhi: The government has proposed to bring in a new law to curb rising number of cases of sexual offence against children and

The Minister quoted the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data to say that cases of sexual offences against children “are on the rise”. From 2,256 cases in 2001, the number increased to 5,749 in 2008. Further, a study by the Women and Child Development Ministry in 2007 showed that over 50 per cent of the 12,447 children interviewed faced some form of sexual abuse. And in most cases the offender was known to the child.

Educating girls Mumbai: FEGG India (Foundation to Educate Girls Globally) now known as Educate Girls has been working towards improving girl’s enrollment, retention and academic performance in one of India’s most backward district with highest gender gap in education. Educate Girls has expanded its reach in Rajasthan from 500 schools to the entire Pali district covering 2342 schools in 1067 villages. Through an extensive door to door survey conducted in May 2010, it identified 11,243 ‘out-ofschool’ girls In the last four months alone, it has successfully re-enrolled 50% of the identified girls into schools or bridge courses. Further information is available in digital report: http:// www.feggindia.org/html/ progressreport.html

National Food Security Act The final recommendations of the NAC for the National Food Security Bill are extremely disappointing. They essentially deal only with acereal-based targeted PDS and are a far cry from the comprehensive approach required to truly ensure food security for all. While the proposed child and maternal entitlements are minimalistic, social security pensions for the destitute have been kept out of the Bill. The expansion of food entitlements for all is not even being considered. Arguments of lack of resources cannot be accepted where on the other hand the same government provides tax exemptions and rebates of over Rs. 5 lakh crores (in 2009-2010) majorly to the corporate sector. The working group on food security of the NAC will now be drafting the National Food Security Bill based on these final recommendations and the bill will then be tabled in the Parliament. . A dharna was organised outside Parliament at Jantar Mantar on 25th and 26th November. ♦ Summary of demands put forth by the Steering Group of the Right to Food Campaign: ♦ An overarching obligation to protect everyone from hunger; ♦ Promotion of sustainable and equitable food production ensuring adequate food availability in all locations at all time; ♦ Protection against forcible diversion of land, water and forests from food production; ♦ Protection of food sovereignty

and elimination of the entry of corporate interests and private contractors in food production, distribution and governance; ♦ Immediate moratorium on genetically modified (GM) seeds, GM food imports, and use of GM food in government food schemes. Contact: Secretariat - Right to Food Campaign, C/o PHRN, 5 A, Jungi House, Shahpur Jat, New Delhi 110049. Tel. (011) 2649 9563 Email: righttofood@gmail.com | Website: www.righttofoodindia.org |

Civic body, NGO to clean shoreline Mumbai:In a joint initiative, the Mumbai Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and an NGO, I Love Mumbai, will undertake a twoyear clean-up operation in south Mumbai. The civic body has sanctioned Rs 52 lakh for the purpose. The area to be cleaned is the 3-km shoreline stretch between Cuffe Parade and Haji Ali. The areas that will benefit from the drive will be Haji Ali, areas in Breach Candy, and Geeta Nagar in Cuffe Parade. The civic body has appointed contractors for this two year-operation(http:// www.hindustantimes.com)

CSR Initiatives CSR is increasingly seen as an integral part of business strategy, with a greater focus on sustainability and engagement with internal and external stakeholders. According to Parul Soni, executive director and practice leader for development advisory services, Ernst & Young, “Today, CSR trends towards a people-centric approach. So, you see companies giving importance to healthcare and education, as they directly benefit people at large.” The Azim Premji Foundation, for instance, works with states to improve the quality of education. It has touched 22,000 schools, which translates into 2.5-3 million students. A parallel effort is the Wipro Applying Thought in Schools programme, which has reached 1,500 schools. The initiative aims to improve the quality of education, especially for the most under-privileged. The Premji Foundation is now embarking on setting up a university, which will mould future teachers. The Premji Foundation has also been making its mark in healthcare to a large number of villagers in Aurangabad through mobile clinics. It has also been engaging local communities in healthcare delivery. Infosys Foundation, which has an annual budget of Rs 20 crore is helping to deliver high-quality healthcare for the benefit of the rural and urban poor. Apart from constructing hospital wards, donating hi-tech equipment and organising health camps, the foundation distributes medicines to economically-weaker sections in remote areas. Infosys, given its core DNA of building a knowledge economy, is also involved in spreading education. In what is one of the largest rural education programmes in the country, Infosys Foundation has donated 10,200 sets of books in Karnataka alone, as well as in Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Kerala under its Library for Every Rural School project. Biocon believes its CSR lies in bringing effective primary healthcare services to the doorstep of those less privileged. Biocon Foundation, the CSR arm of the biotechnology major, runs its programmes at three levels:

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NGO News Preventive healthcare through education and implementation; primary healthcare through the Arogya Raksha Yojana (ARY) clinics; tertiary care through the ARY Health Insurance Scheme and a network of multi-speciality hospitals across Karnataka. . Each clinic serves a population of 50,000. Its preventive health education programme touches nearly 350,000 people every year. The foundation runs seven ARY clinics across Karnataka, each with a doctor, a lab and a pharmacy. The ARY insurance costs only Rs 145 per person a year and covers surgery costs of up to Rs 1,00,000. The one thing binding all these initiatives is aptly summed up by Sudha Murthy of Infosys: “Not having a roof over one’s head is one of the worst things that can happen to you. And, without education the country cannot improve.”

Save mangroves on Mithi While civic agencies jostle with each other to restore the 13-km-long Mithi, Mumbai’s infamous riverturned-dump, a closer look revealed an alarmingly different picture. The mangroves surrounding the river are dying, thanks to illegal bunding. Members of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), a think-tank. According to an ORF member, there are some people who indulge in pisciculture here, and in their attempt to do so, end up killing the mangroves. Pisciculture or fish farming involves breeding, rearing, and transplantation of fish by artificial means. But IITian and ecologist Janak Daftari of the Mithi Nadi Sansad disagrees. He said the bunds and the ‘ponds’ showed that there was a greater conspiracy at work. “All these are tricks that will ensure that even those parts of land, devoid of mangroves, are then added to the existing land bank. Such a thing cannot happen without the connivance of the local police and forest department officials.” Activist Jagdish Gandhi, who has filed a PIL against the construction of retaining walls along the river. The case is pending in the Bombay High Court. “Mithi was a river, which turned into a nullah. After all the widening, creating retaining walls is akin to turning a river into a nullah again,” said Gautam Kirtane, a research fellow at Observer Research Foundation. The MMRDA, which has spent around Rs 200 crore on widening and desilting the river and building retaining walls, refuted the a l l e g a t i o n s . ( h t t p : / / www.hindustantimes.com)

Increased compensation for Bhopal victims The Union Cabinet today approved the recommendations of the Group of Ministers (GoM) on the Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster in the matter of payment of ex-gratia to the Bhopal Gas Victims. The recommendations of the GoM approved by the Cabinet are as follows: (i) Payment of ex-gratia to additional 1,703 cases of permanent disability @ Rs 5.00 lakh and 1,783 cases of temporary disability @ Rs 1.00 lakh, after adjustment of compensation amount already received by these victims. (ii) Payment of ex-gratia to 42 cases of ‘injury of utmost severity’ @ Rs 5.00 lakh after adjustment of

compensation amount already received by these victims.

hunger, right to education and social justice.

The GoM, in its meeting held on 21.10.2010 reviewed the follow-up action taken by the concerned Ministries/Departments/Govt. agencies on the decisions taken by the Cabinet on 24.6.2010.

SPJ has identified violations of child rights in anganawadi’s, schools and high schools, primary health centers & hostels. it is to be noted that 50% of our children are malnourished and

Science skills. The 5 km run will raise funds to support children’s education in several villages. Contact: Prema, 7/4 Besant Road, Royapettah, Chennai-600014. Tel. (044) 28350403. Email: info@aidindia.in,

Winding up NFRD The Union Cabinet gave its approval to wind up the National Fund for Rural Development (NFRD) which was set up in 1984 to mobilise funds from individuals, corporate and non-corporate bodies for undertaking rural development activities. The accruals to the Fund were to be utilized for implementing projects in the field of rural development. All categories of tax-payers and nontax payers willing to join the effort in bringing about improvements to rural life were made eligible to make contribution in the name of NFRD. No contribution to the Fund was received beyond April, 2004. In the meanwhile, a scheme --the Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA)-- under the framework of public private partnership was approved enabling a role for the private sector to participate in the process of rural development. The funds available under NFRD will be transferred to Council for Advancement of People’s Action and Rural Technology (CAPART),

Badaun cleans up its act The Badaun district administration in UP is on a war-footing to convert all dry toilets and rehabilitate manual scavengers before the end of the year. Over the last few months 1600 scavengers have been rehabilitated. Although legally the practice of cleaning dry latrines and transporting human excreta has been banned in India since 1993, the practice continues in some parts of the country. In Badaun in western Uttar Pradesh, a survey done by the district administration in July 2010 showed 60,000 dry latrines were still being used in the district. These were manually cleaned by scavengers – most of whom are women – and regarded as ‘untouchables’. In Uttar Pradesh, 67% households have no toilet facilities with the figure going up to 84% in rural areas. In Badaun, since July, funds to the tune of Rs 5 crores have been released under the Total Sanitation Campaign – the Government’s flagship programme – to convert 35,000 dry latrines. Of these, 16,000 are ready and the rest under construction. The target is to convert the remaining 25,000 before the end of the year. District Magistrate Amit Gupta’s leadership and commitment has been enormous. R S Chaudhuri, District Panchayati Raj Officer, Badaun: “It is important that rehabilitation and alternate livelihood for scavengers go together with community mobilisation among general community.” Over the last few months 1600 scavengers have been rehabilitated through benefits under various government schemes such as BPL card, NREGA, pension schemes etc. In addition, they are being given Rs 2,200 to construct the pour-and-flush toilet in their home so that they do not have to go out for open defecation.

Protecting Child Rights Bangalore: Samajika Parivarthana Janandolona (SPJ) is a Karnataka state level alliance of pro-people organizations and working on the issues of holistic child rights, malnutrition, childhood

United Nations Development Fund for Women. The objective of the conference was to evaluate the implementation of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 (PWDVA Act) in the four years since the time of its enforcement in Oct. 2006. The Fourth Monitoring and Evaluation Report on the PWDVA, prepared and published by the LCWRI, examining the practices adopted and highlight common problems and gaps that continue to exist was released on this occasion. Contact: Indira Jaising, Executive Director, the Lawyers Collective Women’s Rights Initiative (LCWRI).New Delhi-110014.Phone: (011) 4686 6666 nationalconference.wri@gmail.com Right to Water: The Movement for Right to Water organized a public consultation on Dec.1 to mobilize the civil society, mass organizations and academicians together to address the root cause of water crisis, and further the movement. Contact: Arul Selva, Editor, Slumjagatthu Monthly, Cell: +91-9480452037, 9480452037

Vadodara: Nagrik Raktdan Samiti in a public function held on 24.09.10 at Medical College Auditorium, SSG Hospital, felicitated Friends Society – a students volunteer organisation for organizing the largest number of Voluntary Blood Donation camps in Vadodara, Gujarat. Till March 2010, it organized 426 camps. almost 50% of our children drop out of school before they reach the 10th Standard. The nutritious food supplied in anganawadi is causing indigestion, stomach pain and dysentery to the children. Due to this problem [??], parent’s are not sending children to anganawadi’s across Karnataka. The supplementary nutrition food has become cattle feed in many places. SPJ has conducted Public Hearings at Kolar,Raichur, Chikkaballapura and other districts to bring to light the injusticeand violations of child rights in Karnataka. As a part of ongoing campaign, SPJ has organized a Public Hearing on violations of child rights – malnutrition, childhood hunger, anganwaadi’s; children’s health, primary health centres; access, quality of schools & hostels at Davangere district.

Sexual Harassment at Workplace Bill The Union Cabinet approved the introduction of the Protection of Women against Sexual Harassment at Workplace Bill, 2010 in the Parliament to ensure a safe environment for women at work places, both in public and private sectors whether organised or unorganized. The sense of security at the workplace will improve women’s participation in work, resulting in their economic empowerment and inclusive growth.

Queer Pride Bengaluru Pride and Karnataka Queer Habba 2010 was celebrated fromNov.18 with a number of events culminating with the Pride March on Nov.28. The event was organised by CSMR (Campaign for Sexualities Minorties Rights). More information can be found at http://www.bangalorepride.com Eureka SuperKidz Education Centers

Village

Chennai:To raise funds for the Eureka SuperKidz program, AID India organized the Kodak Eureka Run for Children on Nov 14 at the Marina Beach. A new initiative by AID INDIA to educate children from the poorest families in 500 villages across Tamilnadu, The daily evening classes, are making a huge impact on children’s Language, Math and

OBIT Shri. K.G. Kannabiran, former National President of People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), leading advocate of civil liberties and human rights and prolific writer breathed his last on 30.12.2010 at his home in Secundarabad. He is survived by his wife, his co-traveller, an academic in her own right, Vasantha Kannabiran and two daughters and a son. K.G. Kannabiran, a distinguished human rights activist, was instrumental in mediating between the Naxalites and the State in Andhra Pradesh along with Mr. Sankaran who also passed away two and a half months ago. He was also the President of the Andhra Pradesh Civil Liberties Committee. He had filed more than 400 public interest litigation (PIL) cases singlehandedly. In spite of being a prominent lawyer instead of running for money, he chose social service instead and fought all these PILs and many more cases without charging any money. Kannabiran was a prominent and most scholarly writer on civil liberties and human rights. He regularly wrote articles for the PUCL Bulletin apart from writing for various magazines and newspapers. He wrote many books. The Wages of Impunity: Power, Justice and Human Rights published by Orient Longman in 2004 is known to be his best and most read book. In Kannabiran’s death the civil liberties movement in the country has suffered an irreparable loss Address for correspondence: Kavita Srivastava, Secretary, PUCL, 76, Shanti Niketan Colony, Kisan Marg, Barkat Nagar, Jaipur-302015.Tel. (0141) 2594131, mobile: 9351562965

Conferences Held Domestic Violence Act: A national conference, “Staying Alive” was organized on Dec. 19, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the National Commission for Women, and supported by the

Knowledge Management Workshop: UN Solution Exchange - Karnataka Community and public Software Centre, IT for Change organised the Capacity Building Workshop for Knowledge Management and Knowledge Networking with support from UNICEF, on Dec.16-18 in Bengaluru.The workshop’s main goal is to popularise the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) within the development sector. Contact: Anupama Joshi, IT for Change, Bengaluru-Tel. (080) 26654134 / 26536890. Cell: 9611142504, Email: kmkn@public- software. net Workshop on Media and Advocacy: The Institute for Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution (IPSCR) and Minority Rights Group (MRG) jointly organized a South Asian workshop on Media and Advocacy on Dec.6-10 in Mumbai. The workshop equipped participants to meaningfully and effectively engage with the media and use the same for advocacy purposes for the empowerment of minority communities. Contact: Neha Dabhade, Project Coordinator, IPSCR, Institute for Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Mumbai – Tel: (022) 26149668, 26102089; 26135098. E-mail: ipscr1@gmail.com The Rite Step: Sir Shapurji Billimoria Foundation conducted one day workshops in Mumbai on story-telling, teaching aids, Music & Movement, puppetry and a special skills 2-day workshop on ‘Modalities of Communication used with children with problems in Development of Verbal Language and Speech’. There are plans to develop this centre into an Institute of Integrated Education with a Demonstration School, Teacher Education College, Research and Documentation Unit and a Resource cum Pedagogy Centre. CONTACT Resettlement Management: A training workshop on Capacity Building for Resettlement Management was organized on Dec.13-17 in New Delhi, to develop resettlement planning, implementation and monitoring skills. Contact: Council for Social Development, New Delhi, Tel. (011) 24615383, E-mail: csdnd@vsnl.del2.net.in CLARIFICATION RTI Anniversary - pg. 2. The organisation that organised the event was PCGT, not Samhita as mentioned. The error is regretted. -Ed.

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A WARDS / CONFERENCES NDTV-Toyota Green Hero Award

Mr. EP Menon of India Development Foundation introduces the prizewinners Bangalore: The India Development Foundation which has been regularly honouring those who have contributed in making this a better world, had their 15th award function on Dec. 18 at Vallabh Niketan. Among those honoured were Aruna Sunderlal, who has through music and culture enhanced the lives of many; SM Mangal Bharathi, who had actually passed out of the girls school at Vallabh Niketan and continued with her education, got a Masters, and a government job and then decided to start a nursing school so that rural girls would have an opportunity to improve their rospects; Krishna Bisht, the shy Kumauni from the Kumaun hills whsose organization, Mahila Hathhas been working for the empowerment of women; Manorama Dewan (in absentia) for her dedicated journalistic work as Editor of Press Asia International- a multilingual feature agency which highlights the dangers of communalism, crimes etc. and the sole male awardee, Mr. G.Prabhakar Rao who belonged to a criminal tribe whose only means of livelihood was crime. After many years in and out of jail for 15 years, he was “adopted” by the Gora family and turned over a new leaf, and began his new life of criminal reformation and breaking the caste barrier. Contact EPMenon,Bangalore Tel: 08025299856

UNESCO Award for ‘Grassroots’ Grassroots India, a national NGO based in New Delhi, won UNESCOs Wenhui Award for Educational Innovation 2010. The prestigious global award has been given for extraordinary achievements made by the organization in implementing the IEUPC Education Project in Meerut, Moradabad and Aligarh for those living in slums or slum-like habitations. This education project addressing Muslim minority communities is jointly supported by European Commission and Islamic Relief. One of the two award winners from Asia-Pacific Region, the Executive Director of Grassroots India and Project Leader Mr. Hasrat Arjjumend received the $20,000 prize and Certificate of Excellence at an award ceremony held in Hangzhou, China in Nov. According to Mr. Arjjumend, the IEUPC Education Project operates mainly through 15 Alternative Education Units (AEUs) established at 15 different locations in all 3 cities linking about 3200 girls every year with school education.They also get special education on Water & Sanitation and Health & Hygiene , and vocational training.Besides, the project intends to build the perspectives and capacities of formal school teachers or Contact: Grassroots India, New Delhi. Tel: 011-26955452, 41006478, +91-9868993710, 9910188948 E-mail: grassrootsindiatrust@gmail.com Website: www.grassroots.org.in

Karmaveer Puraskar 2010 Harish Sadani of MAVA was felicitated, among other select national leaders, with the ‘Karmaveer Puraskar’ award instituted by iCONGO – Indian Confederation of NGOs – a body of civil society, media and other sectors, in recognition of his significant contribution towards women’s empowerment and gender equality. Sadani has been spearheading a movement in India that explores the role of men as key partners and change-agents in preventing gender-based violence against women, through the organization Men Against Violence and Abuse (MAVA). The award was conferred on Nov.26 in New Delhi at Deepalaya School Auditorium. The ‘Karmaveer Puraskar’ is a national award created in 2006 to annually recognize individual citizens from various sectors for “being and leading the change” beyond their personal daily lives, Under the Lifetime Achievement Category – for her Life long fight for social justice through Community Projects , the Karmveer award was given to Sumithra Prasad of the Dorai foundation in Chennai. She says, “ It is really strange that at 42 I should get an award under the Life time achievement category ... and then I got to know that it is subdivided into a division which says - Lifelong fight for socialjustice. Meaning it is not the end of the road.. but I am midway. And still have a long way to go.. but so far so good.. so keep moving on. Email 1: sumithrasms@ gmail.com

National Convention on Judicial Reforms

Green crusader and convener of Water Initiatives Odisha Ranjan Panda won the NDTV-Toyota Green Hero Award for his significant contributions to the field of water conservation and for providing low-cost solutions to farmers in water-stressed areas by helping revive traditional waterharvesting models in Sambalpur and Bargarh districts. Mr. Panda received a trophy and cash award of Rs.1 lakh/ from the President at a glittering function in New Delhi on Dec. 7.

-”NATCON JUSTICE-2011" On Jan. 22-23 at S.P.Jain Auditorium,Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Campus, Andheri (West), Mumbai. Organised by ‘Fast Justice’ working on judicial reforms under the project ‘SAVE JUDICIARY-SAVE NATION’.

Mr. Panda founded Manav Adhikar Seva Samiti (MASS), a civil society group,while he was a post-graduate student at the Sambalpur University in 1988. The organisation has been working in western parts of Orissa in promoting management and development of natural resources management. He is widely known as the water man of Orissa.Mr. Panda has also written a book on Traditional Water Harvesting Practicesof Western Odisha and edits a bi-monthly newsletter in Oriya called ‘Panira Dagara’ that deals exclusively on water and climate change issues. — Ranjan K Panda, Odisha,, Mobile: +919437050103 Email: ranjanpanda@ gmail.com, ranjanpanda@ yahoo.com

Other distinguished personalities speaking : Shri Ram Jethmalani , Shri Arvind Kejriwalji: Hon’ble Justice Kamleshwar Nath, Dr. N R Madhav Menon: The Founder of National Law School in India; Dr.Jayprakash Narayan: Shri Shailesh Gandhi:Medha Patkar et al.

Mumbai student wins global eco award

Accredited by Xavier Institute of Social Services, (XISS), Ranchi, June 1-3 at Visthar, Bangalore

Vaibhav Tidke, a 24-year old engineering student from Mumbai hailing from Beed, participating in the week-long Bayer Young Environment Programme (BYEE), an annual educational programme set up jointly by the German company Bayer and the United Nation’s Environmental Programme(UNEP)to encourage students with their environment projects. Tidke, with his dream of helping farmers won. Tidke’s project was two dimensional. Firstly, he along with professor Bhaskar Thorat and some of his fellow students from the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), had set up a mechanism for using solar energy to dry agricultural and marine products. And secondly, he had founded an NGO called Science for Society which tries to solve many of rural India’s problems like access to clean drinking water and availability of power through engineering means. For access to clean drinking water, Tidke uses the solar water disinfection process, where the sun’s UV rays are used to disinfect the water. Equally simple is his dehydrating of marine and agricultural products. It is nothing more than a duct which traps passing air and solar panels which heats the trapped air. The heated air is then passed on through another duct, on to the products.

CONFERENCES The National Campaign for the People’s Right to Information 3rd National Convention in Shillong, Meghalaya Feb. 3-5, 2011. Hosted by the Meghalaya RTI Movement. Contact: Nikhil Dey, (NCPRI)

Ad.RATES

The convention will be inaugurated by Hon’ble Justice M.N.Venkatachaliah, the former Chief Justice of India on Jan.22 followed by the keynote address by Dr.Veerappa Moily, the Hon’ble Minister for Law and Judiciary.

Contact: (Bhagvanji Raiyani), Chairman & Managing Trustee 09820403912, Fast Justice, Mumbai, Email 1: fastjustice@ gmail.com

Certificate course —Gender, Diversity and Social Transformation This course aims at grappling with the emerging issues and concepts by strengthening participants’ Understanding of of the recent debates on gender, third gender,masculinities, women’s rights and empowerment. Understanding of the policies of the government and UN agencies from a gender perspective and evolve action plans to strengthen gender and diversity perspective within interventions of NGOs. The course is designed for women and men working with Government Organisations (GOs), International and national NGOs. Medium:English. On completion of the course participants will be awarded a certificate from XISS, The course fee is Rs. 4,000/-. Board and lodging for residential participants will be available on the campus at a subsidized rate of Rs. 10000/ -thousand only) for the entire month. Apply by Jan. 30. For further details contact: Mercy Kappen, mail@visthar. org /mercykappen@ yahoo.com Website : www.visthar. org Microcapital Event: Sixth Annual Microfinance Investment Summit Feb. 22- 24, 2011 The conference and half-day workshop will focus on trends, challenges and emerging technologies in microfinance in India. Organized by C5 (formerly known as Euroform) an organization based in London. Event Themes and Discussion Topics: • How to protect clients from over-indebtedness while remaining solvent • Enhancing the integrity of microfinance • Minimizing the effects of uncontrolled growth • Optimizing outreach and sustainable growth • Conducting responsible finance by bringing social performance to the front Event Website: http: //www.c5-online.com/financial_services/ microfinanceindia.htm Enquiries@c5-online.com

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- Sandra Steingraber

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O P P O RTUNITIES Population Services International need Area Program Manager (APM) for Haryana and Punjab Reporting to: State Program Manager; Working with: Other Area Program Managers, State & regional teams; to Supervise: ASM/ TSM, Network Coordinators, Project Officers/Assistants Population Services International is dedicated to the improvement of public health in India, to increase the use of modern contraception for family planning . PSI is in the process of implementing a Global Fund supported programme on TB awareness and prevention.To implement this ambitious plan, PSI is looking for Area Program Managers to be based in Haryana and Punjab. Qual: Post-Graduate degree in social sciences, mass communication, MBA or related field; 4-6 years relevant experience in managing large projects; Relevant experience of 2 yrs. in implementing health programs is must. Send CVs to careers@psi.org.in and mention APM in the subject line. State Program Manager (SPM) based in Chandigarh Responsible for: Haryana and Punjab,Reporting to: Regional Director,Supervises: Area Program Managers / Officers / Other Managers Responsible for the leadership, coordination and successful implementation of all PSI programs in the state. Qual. Graduate / Post-Graduate degree in business management, social sciences, rural management or related field; At least 5-7 years of experience in leading and managing field operations at the state level. Please send your CVs to careers@psi.org.in and mention SPM in the subject line.

Director General ICIMOD - Kathmandu Last Date: February 15, 2011 ICIMOD is the leading international institute for sustainable mountain development and expertise on the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region. ICIMOD looks for a dynamic and forward looking successor to the present Director General to lead the centre through the challenging tasks of the coming years. The position requires a highly experienced professional who has - an established reputation and experience in senior management including managing a scientific research and development institution; a broad understanding of changing climate, and of sustainable mountain development, with a PhD or equivalent degree in a relevant discipline; - working experience in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region; - in-depth knowledge of the main regional development and policy issues;- demonstrated success in raising international funds. ICIMOD offers an internationally competitive compensation package. Visit www.icimod.org for further information on ICIMOD and a full job description. Send a full CV in confidence with a covering letter and the contact information for three or more professional referees by email to vacancydg@icimod.org.

Head of Projects For: Groupe Développement Kolkata.

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(despite deadlines, you are advised to apply)

Groupe Developpement (‘GD’), an international NGO, headquartered in France, works in the field of child protection, poverty alleviation and livelihoods. Field projects are focused on preventing children’s trafficking and exploitation, through a Regional office in India and Country office in Bangladesh.

indicate which position you are applying for in both the cover letter and email subject line.

The Head of Projects reports to Regional Director in Kolkata. and will be responsible for the timely and quality implementation of all projects ; management of a team of 9 and providing a key ongoing guidance and support to these staff. Responsibilities include: Human Resource Management, Project Management, Project Quality, Coordination and Networking.

Mission India Foundation (www.MIFusa.org) is a US-based non-profit working in India. focusing on maternal and child health with a focus on childhood immunizations. currently working in rural areas of Haryana.

Qual: Degree in Social Sciences, Child Development, Education, or other in the field of child protection; Min. 6 years experience in Development sector with a focus on Child Protection issues including the supervision of large scale multipartners projects; Excellent English verbal and written communication; working knowledge of Bengali & Hindi will be an advantage. Salary package: 10.2 lacs INR p.a depending on suitability . Candidates not in this salary range need not apply. The candidate will be offered initially with six months contract renewable on the basis of performance. E-mail a motivation letter (maximum 1 page, with a mention of your present and expected salary, as well as 2 references) and updated CV, in English, by Jan.15 to: Ms. Karine Le Roch; Email: kleroch@acting-for-life.org with a copy to Ms. Lisha De; Email: recruitment.hr47@yahoo.com Please mention the title of the post applied for in the subject line of the email.

Director of India Programs Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP), New Delhi Last Date: January 16, 2011 Email: jobs@clasponline.org The Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP) is an international nonprofit organization which organizes teams of local and international experts to provide technical support to governments and organizations working to develop energy efficiency standards and labeling (S&L) policies. CLASP is seeking a Director of India Programs to oversee its programs and projects in India to focus primarily on ensuring high impact S&L programs in India , and will be charged with recruiting and managing a small team of technical experts on appliance energy efficiency across the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. The Country Director will report to the CLASP Senior Director for Country Programs based in Washington, DC. Skills and Qualifications: At least 10 years of experience in energy efficiency program design and implementation required, with technical expertise and experience in the design and implementation of of S&L programs strongly preferred; Outstanding communication skills in both English and Hindi required; A bachelor’s degree in engineering, economics, or environmental discipline required; masters degree strongly preferred. Salary etc commensurate with experience. Send CV and letter of application including your salary expectations to jobs@clasponline.org. Please

Project Manager Mission India Foundation,: Narnaul, Haryana, Last Date: January 11, 2011

As part of the expansion plan, Mission India Foundation is recruiting a Project Manager. The ideal candidate (Male/Female) will be one with an MBA/MPH or MSW. Experience in NGO sector will be a plus. The candidate must be willing to work in rural areas. We are seeking excellent communication and writing skills in the prospective candidate. Experience in grant inquiries and grant writing will be desirable. Excellent remuneration.Please apply with a cover letter and CV at President@mifusa.org

Consulting Programme Coordinator (India) Rainforest Alliance, Assam or Kolkata, India The Rainforest Alliance (RA) is an international non-profit organization that works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behaviour. Based in New York City, the Rainforest Alliance works with people whose livelihoods depend on the land, with farmers to ensure compliance with the SAN standards for protecting wildlife, wild lands, workers’ rights and local communities. The Consulting Programme Coordinator will lead training activities, events and services related to Rainforest Alliance (RA) certification, with a strong emphasis on conservation and labor rights, especially in tea growing, in order to achieve established goals and deliverables. S/he will ensure that producers / farms, farmer groups and processors have the information, training and tools needed to achieve certification. The Programme Coordinator will be based out of a home office in Assam or Kolkata, Qual: Bachelor’s Degree in agronomy, agriculture and conservation or related field; plus 3-4 years of tea sector experience in India ; must be familiar with tea supply chains and production and processing activities; similar level of experience in coffee is desirable; • Farmer training and/or extension experience, especially in the design, organization and delivery of training events; • Familiarity with certification/verification issues and systems, Excellent written and verbal communications skills in English and Hindi; other local languages such as Tamil, Assamese, Kannada or Bengali, are an advantage; The successful applicant will be offered a consulting contract for 1224 months at a competitive remuneration. To apply: Please submit CV and cover letter to Joke Aerts of Rainforest Alliance at jaerts@ra.org by January 15th 2011.

MANAV foundation requires a full-time social worker or psychologist for the Manav Rehabilitation Centre, based in

Mazgaon,Mumbai for its day-care therapeutic centre that focuses on the reintegration of mentally ill and emotionally disturbed adults within mainstream society, The Social Worker Job will be responsible for Counselling individual and family as well as group therapy ; Coordination of all activities within the centre ; Planningand implementation of specific functions; Documentation Profile: . Postgraduate in social work / Masters in Psychology . Prior experience in counselling or in any adult mental health facility , speaks English and Hindi Basic knowledge of computers . Experience within the field of mental health will be appreciated but is not mandatory. Salary Negotiable Full-time operations

Organisational

This post is not related to client based interventions. It focuses on the aspects that help the growth of the organisation as well as the issue of mental health itself. Job description . Networking, Publicity & Public relations . Resource generation . Handling and maintaining the content of the website and other online presence Profile:Postgraduate in social work preferred however any technical / experiential qualification will also be considered. . Knowledge of computers;Fluency in spoken and written English and Hindi . One years exp. in relevant field Salary Negotiable Workshop coordinator The Workshop is a fundraising initiative where professional tailors are appointed to manufacture different cloth related articles under the name of the MANAVFoundation, for sale. Job description: Supervising workshop(fundraising initiative) on a day to day basis. Designing, purchasing, order confirmation and follow-up. Maintaining inventory and accounts Exhibition coordination, planning and execution of planning Profile: Graduate , Designers/ Supervisors/ garment experts etc .know English and Hindi Experienced with Supervising tailors / designing experience Timings Negotiable

flexible,

Salary

Contact: Anupriya, MANAV Foundation, Reay Road, Mumbai Email : anupriya@manavfound ation.org. in , foundation.manav@ gmail.com

Office Assistant for International Alliance for the Prevention of (AIDS), Chennai IAPA was started 4 years ago in the US, as a non-profit and it is also a registered trust in Chennai. The main programs of the organization are to impart scientific knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS to the youth, The organization works by partnering with NGOs/CBOs who work with these children and aim to work for the improvement of general health of the slum population in Chennai. The Office Assistant will be responsible for the daily office routine, office communication , petty cash etc Qual:• Graduate in Commerce, • Knowledge of English typing (Tamil typing will be an added advantage);• Fluency in English and Tamil ; • Computer literate. Salary commensurate with exp. Interested candidates should send

their CV with a cover letter to iapaedu.dir@gmail.com, mentioning clearly the post applied for. Contact: Arulraj Louis, Education Director, Chennai. Tel:919940174657 Weekend & Part-Time Courses “Leadership In Public Health Management”January 2011 By Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik; South Asia Public Health Leadership Institute at Avni Health Foundation, Mumbai; Dr. S. Nayar School of Public Health (Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences) and Seth G.S Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai with International Technical Support by Course Commences: Jan. 22 2011 part-time) Jan, 15 (weekend) For future courses details at: www.avnihealth.org www.muhsnashik.com 8 Modules are covered: 8th Batch Course Duration: January - June 2011. Venues: 1) Dr. S Nayar School of Public Health, MGIMS, Sevagram, Wardha, 2) Seth GS Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai, 3)LTMMC & LTMGH (Sion Hospital), Mumbai, 4) Avni Health Foundation, Mumbai Who Can Do the Course? India needs 10,000+ public health professionals per year against the current annual output of approximately 400 professional…Doctors, Nurses, Nutritionists, MSWs, NGO Staff, o, TB etc officers, Pharmacists, NonMedico graduates, This unique program equips candidates with the management skills and leadership required to design, plan, manage and oversee public health programs in addition to building technical capacity on public health issues. It will help to prepare Behavior Change Communication plans, use – Power point, Excel, SPSS, prompt and effective corrective actions for the purpose of planning. Contact: admission@avnihealth.org

Suraksha, Bangalore Executive Director This s a not-for-profit development organisation with the aim of addressing vulnerable women’s reproductive health problems, especially their sexual health. Now includes all sexual minority groups. And works in Bangalore Rural, Ramanagaram and Hubli-Dharwad districts of Karnataka. The Executive Director, based at Bangalore, will head their operations, be overall in-charge of executing the programmes and activities of the organisation. Qual: should be a Master of Social work or equivalent and have a minimum of 3-5 years experience in working with communities and should have held a managerial post. Applicants with adequate field/grass root experience and women candidates will be given priority.The successful candidate is expected to have a sound understanding on the issues related with the Sexual Minority community. Expertise in English and Kannada is required. Remuneration commensurate with experience and budgetary provision. Interested candidates should email their resumes with a covering letter in English along with a short write up on their understanding of the Sexual Minority community and community development. Applications can be sent to Suraksha_khpt@yahoo.com,

Nov. - Dec. 2010

NGO Connect

O P P O RTUNITIES padmini@grot.org with the subject line “Application for post of ED” 2. MIS Coordinator, Bangalore Coordinate the MIS/database maintenance and analysis; Analyse / Evaluate the data periodically; Provide project and event updates and periodic reports; Provide support for surveys, mapping and field studies; Compile and forward Taluk supply indents; Conduct staff capacity building training programs. Skills: Fluency in English/Kannada; Computer knowledge; Data compilation and analytical skills to generate reports. Administrator- Bangalore Responsible for all routine administrative and personnel action, records and registers; correspondence; filing etc. Skills: Must be fluent in Kannada and English, Good computer skills . 3. Accounts Bangalore

Assistant

To Maintain accurate and adequate project accounts, documentation and financial statements ensuring that project expenditures are as per the approved budgets Skills: Fluent in Kannada/English. Computer competency will be an asset. Applications for these posts may be sent to “Suraksha” <suraksha_khpt@ yahoo.com>, by December 31, 2010

DKT India Sales Representative, Surat Last Date: January 11, 2011 Email: careers@dktindia.org DKT INDIA is a leading social marketing organization that promotes the use of contraceptives (OCPs, Injections, IUDs) and Condoms for prevention of STI/ HIV /AIDS and for family planning. Qual: Must be a graduate in any stream. • Sales Rep must achieve sales targets given – monthly, quarterly and annual; ensure timely submission of all required reports. This position involves extensive traveling within the district. Office Assistant,Ahmedabad Reporting to: Project Manager LQual: Must be a Graduate in any stream.Experience: Minimum 3-4 years Candidate Profile: The candidate should have experience in back office job, in sales department of a Pharma or FMCG Company. Knowledge of MS Office, Word and Excel is essential. The position will be initially on Contract basis. Field Officers-4 Locations: Rajkot / Anand / Dahod / Bharuch Reporting to: IEC Co-ordinator Qual: Graduate / Undergraduate in any stream and preferably in Social Work. Minimum 2 years experience in the field of HIV/AIDS awareness/ prevention programs., The position will be initially on Contract basis. Field Manager, Godhra HQ Reporting to: Project Manager Will be required to cover Panchmahal, Dahod & Sabarkanta districts. Qual: Must be a Graduate in any

(despite deadlines, you are advised to apply)

stream, minimum 3-4 years experience in Supervisory function in sale of Condoms /FMCG products. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required. Should have sound knowledge of Computers, MS Office & Internet.

Please mention the post applied for in the subject of your email.

Last Date: January 10, 2011 Email: dri.delhi@hrln.org

Consultant, Delhi

Job Profile:monitor and supervise the ASPs, co-ordinate between the SR and ASP.Develop new outlets,Achieve the area sales and outlet targets.

Email: jobs@bridgetoindia.com

The Human Rights Law Network (HRLN), established in 1989, is a national collective of lawyers and social activists dedicated to using the legal system to advance human rights and access to justice for poor and the marginalized individuals and communities in the country. In addition to pro bono legal services and public interest litigations,

This position involves extensive traveling within the district and will be initially on Contract basis. Data Entry Ahmedabad, Pune

operators,

Qual: Graduate with Minimum 2 years exp. Job Profile: Should be capable of preparing qualitative and quantitative reports in MS – Excel format.• Knowledge of pivot table preferred.,• Assisting in handling of Project related jobs. The position will be initially on Contract basis. Alternate Sales Persons-9 Reporting to: Field Manager Location: Godhra / Valsad / Anand / Rajkot / Gandhidham/ Jamnagar / Bhuj / Surat Also, All Maharastra Quals: Minimum Std X passed., one year experience in selling Condoms / FMCG products. This position involves extensive traveling within the district and will be initially on Contract basis. Product Executive, Aurangabad / Mumbai Reporting to: Area Sales Manager Qual: Must be a Science / Pharma Graduate, with minimum 1 year experience as Medical Representative & 1 year in Supervisory function. Strong Communication and interpersonal skills are required. Job Profile: • Take appointments and make doctor calls daily with regards to the products such as Injectables, contraceptives and Medical abortion pills. Admin Assistant, Pune HQ Reporting to: Zonal Manager Qual: Commerce graduate with 2 years exp. Job Profile: • Having adequate experience in handling daily accounting entries, bank reconciliation.• Checking of vouchers and expense statements of field staff etc.• Maintaining MIS in excel. The position will be initially on Contract basis. Territory Sales Manager, Pune Reporting to: Project Manager Qual; Graduate (B.A/B.Com). MBA in Marketing will be an added advantage. Minimum 3 years exp. • Able to achieve the given sales & outlet targets within the area given. • Should have managerial skills to guide the sales team to be effective & productive. • To manage 35 – 40 personnel comprising of Sales and IEC personnel. This position involves extensive traveling within the district.and will be initially on Contract basis. Interested candidates may please send their updated CV indicating current CTC/ Salary at careers@dktindia.org

Bridge to India Last Date: January 8, 2011

We are looking for an entrepreneurial, innovative consultant with excellent work experience of 2 years. The candidate should have had international exposure, an MBAdegree and share our passion for finding business solutions to India’s energy and environmental challenges. Candidates should work in a highly professional and structured manner and possess an excellent business sense. We offer: • International and dynamic team, • Exposure to some of the most promising markets in India and abroad • Permanent position with career opportunities • Salary of INR 80,000 per month BRIDGE TO INDIA is a consulting company with an entrepreneurial approach based in New Delhi. Please send your letter of application and your CV to jobs@bridgetoindia.com For more information see our website www.bridgetoindia.com

Project Manager - Field Operations, BEST Project, Patna COHESIVE-India (Collaboration for Health Systems Improvement and Impact Evaluation in India) was formed by researchers from Duke and Stanford Universities, University College London, and the World Bank in response to the urgent need for rigorous impact evaluation studies in the health sectorto guide policy makers in various states in India.. COHESIVE-India is developing a cluster randomized evaluation of a large social franchising and telemedicine project in Bihar, to be called “Bihar Evaluation of Social Franchising and Telemedicine” (BEST) The Project Manager - Field Operations will be the key project representative in Bihar for interacting with the state and central governments as well as with our implementing partners and vendors to ensure high quality field work and timely completion of all agreed upon tasks. Qual: A broad understanding of survey research methods and willingness to learn about research methodology is important. Ability to communicate clearly, promptly, and responsibly is a critical requirement for this position. Fluency in English and Hindi is a must.The candidate would hold a masters degree (or higher) in management / public health / social sciences or other relevant discipline with at least 3-5 years of work experience. The position would ideally require a firm commitment to work with the project for a minimum of two years (January 2011 – January 2013).To apply, please send a letter of interest and CV/resume along with names of three references to cohesiveindia.bihar@gmail.com. Applications will be accepted and reviewed till this position is filled.

Director, Disability Rights Initiative Human Rights Law Network Location: New Delhi/ Bangalore/ Kolkata/ Mumbai

Key responsibilities of the Director, Disability would be to Developing national and state level networks and alliances with NGOs/ DPOs/ movements of persons with disabilities at the grass roots and state levels, Organising Legal capacity building programmes for all levels of stakeholders, Coordinating DRI work ; Identifying and researching on issues for PILs i, Generating financial support for DRI work, Representing HRLN in all public forums advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities, Engaging with policy makers towards ensuring protection of rights of persons with disabilities Qual. & exp.: Masters Degree in Social Work. Degree in Law will be an added advantage, 7 to 12 years of experience in NGO sector.• Excellent communication skills in English – Knowledge of major regional languages will be an advantage. Interested candidates are advised to send their CVs at dri.delhi@hrln.org, and resume@hrln.org. by Jan.10 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Room to Read Major Gifts Officer, Mumbai Room to Read seeks to transform the lives of millions of children in developing countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. Working in collaboration with local communities, partner organizations and governments, we develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children, and support girls to complete secondary school with the relevant life skills to succeed in school and beyond. Major Gifts Officer will focus on fundraising from individuals and family foundations located in Maharashtra and key locations in India. This person would be the second member of Room to Read’s fundraising team in India, as there is also a Development Officer based in Delhi. .Duties & Responsibilities: • Source and maintain existing relationships with donors in Maharashtra, primarily individuals and family foundations, with a goal of raising USD$750,000+ annually. • Serve as the first point of contact Qual:• Bachelors degree,•three years non-profit development or for-profit sales experience Preferred Experience working with databases, specifically Raiser’s Edge and Salesforce Compensation: Room to Read offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits like health, dental, vision, long-term disability insurance, Application Procedure: Please send a cover letter and resume by email, with “MGO, Mumbai - DNJ” in the subject line, (no letters, calls, faxes, or drop-ins) to hiring@roomtoread.org. Applications are accepted until the position is filled.

WRITING & EDITING EXPERTISE Shakti has extensive experience in writing reports, documentation of workshops / seminars, production of newsletters; writing, publishing and editing of books and would be happy to offer these skill to NGOs who may need them. Contact 98203 39608

Scholarships worth Rs. 10 Lakhs each to pursue higher education. The non-profit Ritnand Balved Education Foundation (RBEF), established in 1986, has supported many students over the years, to pursue world-class higher education. This is a part of RBEF’s commitment to support the youth of India in their endeavour towards achieving their career ambitions.All students appearing for class XII Boards in March 2011 and those in the final year of graduation are eligible to apply. Application Forms are available free of cost online at www.rbef.in and at select schools/colleges in the Principal’s/ Head’s Office. For details, visit www.rbef.in or e-mail to scholarships@ rbef.in

Naz Foundation Knowledge/Communications Manager, Lucknow Naz Foundation International (NFI) is an international development agency headquartered in the UK, with its regional programme office based in Lucknow, India, where it implements a regional programme to support locally-based MSM and HIV and sexual health interventions in their countries. Naz Foundation International strongly welcome applications from sexual minority communities. The Knowledge and Communications Manager will have overall responsibility for the management and development of the NFI website, media communications, press releases and other documents; supervise the Research Coordinator; liaise with the Monitoring and Evaluation officer in the preparation and production of M&E Reports as required. To compile Pukaar, the quarterly journal of the Naz Foundation , Qual: • Knowledge and interest in sexual and reproductive health, with a Masters degree in a relevant field. • An understanding of MSM/hijra issues Salary commensurate with exp. The Regional Advocacy Coordinator will be responsible for representing NFI Regional Office on social and policy advocacy initiatives, and working closely with UNDP HIV Policy Advisor, UNDP Asia and Pacific, along with NFI’s country partners in the implementation of policy advocacy initiatives in regard to the Community strengthening, reducing vulnerability, and minimising risk of the further spread of HIV for MSM and transgender populations in South Asia GFATM Project. Preference shall be given to candidates who have any relevant additional professional degree or degree in social sciences.Will report to the Regional Project Director. .Salary commensurate .Interested candidates should send their CV with a cover letter and photograph to applications_gfatm@nfi.net clearly mentioning the job in subject line and location.

Nov. - Dec. 2010 ○

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NGO Connect ○

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Media FILMS

“When the festive season is not on, the drummers ply rickshaws, hawk fast food on the streets, sell sherbet and engage in small trade or migrate to engage in construction work in Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Delhi, work as cobblers, repair umbrellas and so on.

The Advocate 130min, English; Director: Deepa Dhanraj; Producer: Kalpana Kannabiran The name K.G. Kannabiran is synonymous with the founding of the human rightsand civil liberties movement in India. The Advocate is part biography and partly a history of the times. Throughfirst person recollections, anecdotes, archival clippings, television newsfootage and visuals of actual events, it tells a riveting story. The filmspeaks not only of one man’s incredible life and work, but allows a rare glimpse into the history of an entire movement.

NEWS

Spanning the period from 1968 till 2005, the film also traces a series oflandmark cases which define Mr. Kannabiran’s career as a lawyer, exploringin the process how the Indian Constitution must be interpreted to uphold the rights of citizens.

‘Tumhara Ghar/Mera Kaam’

‘Niyamgiri You are still Alive’ directed by Suma Josson , on the struggle ofthe Adivasi communities against Vedanta and its plan to mine bauxite inNiyamgiri in Orissa has won the Vasudha National Award in the environment section in the short film section at the International Film Festival, Goa.This award is for the adivasis of Niyamgiri. (The award was shared by another film ‘Kaippad’ by Babu Kambrath). Contact <sumajos...@yahoo. com

32 min,Language: Hindi (with English subtitles) Director: Gargi Sen The documentary is on the lives and circumstances of part time domestic workers, a group comprising largely of migrant women from villages as they struggle for livelihood in the burgeoning urban centres of India.

pete maatu

the disappearing horizon”

NGMA in collaboration with Bangalore Film Society and Just femme presented “pEtE Maatu - City conversations; in her own words” from Dec. 17-19, 2010 at the NGMA auditorium, Bengaluru. This three-day event deconstructed the everyday negotiations that women undertake with the city’s spaces.Contact Bangalore Film Society, Mobile: +9180-9886213516 / 9916973759 / 9986170866, Email: bangalorefilmsociety@gmail.com or petemaatu@gmail.com

Dir. Merajur Rahman Baruah, 27 Minutes

The Flashpoint Human Rights Film Festival was held in Mumbai Dec. 8 – 10,2010 in New Delhi,January 20 – 22, 2011 at the Alliance Francaise.Organized bySolaris Pictures (Mumbai) | Magic Lantern Foundation (New Delhi),Movies That Matter (Netherlands);Associate Partner: Human Rights Law Network | Media Partner: 1take Media. The Film Festival brought together eight extraordinary films from around the world that deal with human rights issues at macro as well as micro level. Contact: Sridhar Rangayan, Gargi Sen Email: flashpoint.hrff@gmail.com KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2011 is to be held in April 2011 Filmmakers, both in India and across the world may submit shorts, features and documentaries that highlight / focus on gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender characters, communities and expressions. Openly-HIV positive journalist, actor, singer/songwriter and AIDS activist, American Nicholas Snow is planning a goodwill tour to the country in 2011 for the festival Entry forms are available on the festival’s website www.mumbaiqueerfest.com or write to kashish.miqff@gmail.com. Prime Force Academy (PFA) is an NGO working towards creating awareness for the society on burning social issues like Child Labour, Child abuse, Women “PFA International Short Film Festival 2010" for the second time .in support of Social Cause the prize money :International: 1st Prize1,00,000, 2nd Prize75,000, 3rd Prize5 0,000is sponsored by Union Bank of India Contact: Andrew Thanauj Kumar Event Co-ordinator, +91 99401 52272, +91 98410 53626, +91 72990 43702 Chennai - 600 017. E-mail : primeforceacademy@gmail.com,awarepfacademy @yahoo.com www.primeforceacademy.com

Divine Drums— The fading beat of the dhaki 67 mins., Dir: Viplab Majumder. Produced by Muhurt Arts in association with Vidyut Films, Divine Drums is a wonderful film that explores a performing art we know little about, and also a human interest story about the performers’ lives. Celebrating the festive mood of Durga Pooja, a drummer on stilts is playing on his drum. A juggler tosses hats in front of the dhaki. They are giving an impromptu performance to the audience that has gathered around.. These drummers or dhakis arrive at Sealdah station from their villages in Murshidabad and Behrampur looking for work. The changing times, and the lack of government support for their performing skills have brought their music to the brink of extinction.

Bit of Both

BOOKS We are witnessing corruption in surged magnitude in our country. The burdenof this corruption is being suffered by the common man and will also affectthe coming generation and the future of our country. To bring light upon this issue Shri G P Joshi, an eminent writer on policing reforms has broughtout a working paper that summarises the history of scams involvingpoliticians and bureaucrats and evolution of the Central VigilanceCommission and the Central Bureau of Investigation in India since independence. The author has rendered how the damage has been done constitutionally and legally and highlighted the hindrances to social reforms that shall end corruption. Fragrance of Peace Irom Sarmila 56 pp PB, INR 125 (+ Rs. 25postage)translated into English from Meiteilon (Manipuri). Publ. by Zubaan A collection of Irom Sarmila’s poems, translated into English from Meiteilon. Published on the tenth anniversary of Sarmila’s hunger fast for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, a draconian law that allows the army unfettered powers in areas that are considered politically “sensitive” or “disturbed”.

In Cheeta-Mehrata-Kathat about 10 lakh strong communities inhabit some 160 villages’ in Rajasthan. They follow a mix of both Hindu and Muslim religious practice and customs; many identify themselves as both Hindu and Muslim at the same time. This came under increasing challenge, from the mid1980s, because both Hindu and Muslim revivalist organizations are relentlessly competing to have an exclusive ownership of the community. This film explores how the community dissected in to many segments and the interface among them in isolation and as cohesive social entity who continue to celebrate their syncretic religious identity with indeed an uncertain future.Contact: baruah meraj” <raj_baruah@yahoo.com>

All proceeds from the sale of this book will go towards supporting Sarmila’s campaign. The book was to be released in Imphal during the 10th anniversary of her hunger fast for the repeal of the AFSPA, but unfortunately permission to release the book was denied. Zubaan, New Delhi - 110 049 Tel: +91-11-26494617, 26494618 Tel: & Fax: 91-1126494613 For online orders: www.zubaanbooks.com/ zubaan_books_details.asp?BookID=163 zubaan@gmail.com, shweta.vachani@gmail.com,

Rising from the Ashes

Ready-made Tools

The film provides a human glimpse of Ayodhya, its hopes and its human values by focusing on the work of Sharif Chacha who takes care of unclaimed dead bodies in the twin cities of Ayodhya-Faizabad. It focuses on an individual whose activities have shown hope like that of the Sun rising from the horizon, dispelling the darkness of the night.

IEC, BCC, TLM, Entertainment Education Tools and Training on everything from A-Z Adolescent Health, Behavior Change,to RTI through Monitoring Tools, Training Games, Magic Games, Flip Book/Comic Book, Booklet/Book/Manual, Exhibition Material, /Puppet Theatre, Flash Cards on social and health issues, etc. Indian Institute of Young Inspirers: email: innovationslucknow@gmail.com Website : www.iiyi.org 551 ka/506, Azad Nagar, Near Rajput Hospital, Alambagh, Lucknow- 5, Phone No: 091-522-2452988, Mob No. 091 94151104

The primary priest of Shri Ram Janm Bhoomi, Acharya Satyendra Das says that Mohammed Sharif was felicitated at the Tulsidas Memorial Hall for his efforts that bring glory to humanity. All citizens of Ayodhya have respect for him.

Going The Distance (2010), a digital film in Nagamese Ms. Tiainla Jamir , 24 min. The film revolves around the life of a lady named Nukshinaro who is living with HIV/AIDS, and is an attempt to portray her life’s journey- physical, emotional and spiritual journey as she moves ahead in life from the day when she discovered her HIV positive status in the month of June 2005. From then onwards, life was not the same for her. However, she courageously decided to step up and walk towards her own destiny Mr. India Dir. Mr. Haobam Paban Kumar Manipuri, 47 minute The story of the life of Khundrakpam Pradip Kumar Singh after he discovered that he was infected with HIV virus in March 2000. Defying doctors who had warned him against the rigors of body building, Pradip joined a gymnasium. Nine years down the line, Pradip Kumar won the ‘Mr. Manipur’ title in 2007. THEATRE Hatyare, Hindi (+18 yrs.) The play is an adaptation of a short story by Shri Amar Kant and takes a powerful satirical dig at today’s youth. The two protagonists intend to change the world with their airy talks, sky-high confidenceand zero substance. The result is a hilarious sequence of events that encompass potshots at Arundhati Roy, Barack Obama, even a local sex-worker, BOOK Working paper on Scams By GPJoshi

Guidelines & Activities for a Unified Approach to Sexuality, Gender, HIV and Human Rights education. A new resource from CREA as a member of an international working group convened by the Population Council. It provides human rights based guidelines and suggested activities for comprehensive sexuality education. It is intended for use worldwide by a variety of stakeholders including education policy makers and planners, teachers, curriculum developers, and non-formal educators. It’s curriculum was developed by an international working group comprised of CREA (India),etc. For more information, to download PDF, or to request a hard copy:http//www.itsallone.org CREA India, Delhi Tel: +91-11-24377707, 24378700 Fax: +91-1124377708 Email: crea@vsnl.net

Stories of Significance: Understanding Change through Community Voices and Articulations by Navanita Bhattacharya, Tanu Chhabra Behl, ed., and Vaishakhi Mallik Chaturvedi, ed. Indiia HIV/AIDS Alliance listened to stories of more than 500 children, caregivers, and field project staff from the Global Fund programme on care and support for children. The Most Significant Change (MSC) technique was selected as a form of participatory monitoring and evaluation in which children and their parents talked freely about changes in their lives and some children drew pictures illustrating the change. The process involved the collection of “Significant Change” stories at the field level and systematic selection of the most significant of these stories.ContactTanu Chhabra, Programme Officer, India HIV/AIDS Alliance, Delhi,110 019 Tel: 91 11 4163 3081, Email: tchhabra@allianceindia.org

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. W adia Bldg, 123 M G Road, Mumbai 400 001 Tel. 9820339608. E-mail : shaktisrc@yahoo.com Editor : Rima Kashyap. Design : Y.L. Padmaja 8

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