Lok Satta Apex meeting in Akividu

Lok Satta Apex meetings were held at Akividu, West Godavari District on 8^th and 9^th January 2006. The meeting deliberated at length the need to take Vote India Campaign to the grassroots.

It was decided that the ensuing elections to the Gram Panchayats presented an opportunity to mobilize the youth, women, dalits and backward classes who have stakes in politics and government services. It was decided to launch a state-wide campaign to transform the political culture, and get people involved in the political process in a creative and responsible way. As part of this programme about 15,000 youth would be given training to understand politics and local governments, and where feasible to contest in local government elections due this year.

However such training would be provided to only those who commit themselves not to entice voters with money or other considerations, and agree to provide a clean administration with the involvement of the people, and focus clearly on all-round development of the village. Such a program is expected to cover about 15,000 persons, but will be expanded to as many people as are willing to participate. During the meeting the committee also took note of the approval given by Ratan Tata Trust for the leadership training program in select pockets as a confirmation of Active Citizens Training.