LOK SATTA: MAHARASHTRA CHAPTER

The Maharashtra Chapter of Lok Satta has taken up two major initiatives:

• "VOTE MUMBAI" Campaign - Campaign for Systemic reforms in the Municipal Governance of Mumbai
• Campaign for Systemic Reform In Public Distribution System

Although Lok Satta had been working on systemic reforms in Mumbai Municipal Governance for quite some time, after the natural disaster & governance failure of 26 July 2005, the idea gained momentum.

A core group which includes people from the major political parties, NGOs and other concerned citizens was formed to take this campaign forward. After due deliberations, the core group came to the conclusion that the event of 26^th July re-confirmed that lacunas existed within the "system" of governance and there was thus an urgent need for rectification or overhaul.

The focus then turned to bringing about "systemic reforms" in the Governance so that in future one can hope to prevent a repetition of 26 ^th July, or, in the alternative, minimise the damage caused by such catastrophic events. The task ahead then lay in carefully examining the basic structure of the management under the BMC Act, and the method and manner of framing, reviewing and modifying the Development Plan. In the process of developing the modalities regarding framing and reviewing of the Development Plan, a scrutiny of acts like the Metropolitan Planning Committee Act [MPC Act], MMRDA Act & the Regional Town Planning Act [MRTP Act] may also be undertaken. Two sub-groups were then formed:

· Sub-group on Municipal Governance Action Agenda

· Sub-group on Regional/city/ward Development Plan Action Agenda

After a detailed exercise & series of meetings, currently deliberations are on to finalise the agenda & launch the campaign. Key activities planed for the campaign in the state:

1- Advocacy with :- (a) Central - all party political leadership, (b) State - all party political leadership, (c) State - key MLAS & MLCS, (d) City & Regional MPS, MLAS, (e) City - all party political leadership, (f) City Corporators (g) State / City bureaucrats (h) Key Citizens (i) Media

2- Mass Communication & Mass mobilization:- (a) Documentation - Pamphlets / stickers / Citizen's hand book etc (b) A series of TV and News paper ads (c) A series of electronic media debates (d) A series of orientation programs for volunteers and supporters (e) A series of Seminars and workshops (f) Mass mobilisation.