We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2015 !

To all our acquaintances, friends, colleagues and family - we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2015 ! 

26.11

Remembering the late - Ajit & Monica Chhabria, Sunil & Reshma Parikh, Sanjay & Rita Agarwal, Rohinton Maloo, Mohit Harjani, Lavina Harjani, Ashok Kapur, Anand Bhatt, Pankaj Shah, Vishnidas-Nilam-Gunjan Narang, Neeti-Uday-Samar-Kang, Rupinder Randhawa, Ashok Kamte, Hemant Karkare, Vijay Salaskar, Tukaram Omble and the rest ..... 6 years on ... and forever .......

Give the ODC a chance !

Dear Executive Committee Members of CCI

At the recently concluded Elections, members HAVE EXPRESSED A DESIRE FOR CHANGE !

What is Organization Development?

(OD) is a deliberately planned, organization-wide effort to increase an organization's effectiveness and efficiency. It enables the organization to achieve its strategic goals.

OD theorists and practitioners define it in various ways. Its multiplicity of definition reflects the complexity of the discipline and is responsible for its lack of understanding.

OD interventions are about change so involve people - but OD also develops processes, systems and structures.

Snapshot of CCI as an Organisation:

• A Membership strength of 9000 (+ families) and growing rapidly
• Staff strength of 350-500 (own and outsourced)
• Numerous Committees and Sub-Committees requiring cohesive working
• Numerous vendors, supplying products & services to the club
• Financial Assets of 450 cr +
• Properties of CCI and their maintenance & development
• Sports Activities, sought to be made more meaningful
• Entertainment & F&B related activities and events

How Does It Work?

1. Prepare Vision, Mission Statement and Long Term Goals for the Club. Provide direction to an organisation.
2. Goals can me multiple and can involve financial goals, sports related goals, hospitality goals like member satisfaction.
3. Review policy and procedures, recommend changes where necessary, preparation of documentation. This would ensure sound governance with ease in decision making.
4. Access resources like physical resources, human resources, IT resources in order to achieve the desired goals.
5. Prepare micro goals for sub committees and define their roles, policies and procedures
6. Engage with consultants, administration, governing body (EC) & sub committees

This approach and its implementation will also ease the work stress of the management and administration and also help to improve member satisfaction levels.

Happy Diwali 2014 !

Best wishes for peace, progress and prosperity !

Best wishes to all candidates at the CCI 2014 Elections.

Dear Fellow Members of the CCI

Thankfully there is only a day left for the AGM at our club and voting to commence. By Saturday 11th Oct night, 5 newly elected Executive Committee Members,  a newly elected President and Treasurer will be announced.

I have been asked to speak at the AGM and express some of my views. I have chosen not to do so. My views are well meant and come from considerable study of the club's working since Dec 2007. Unfortunately, people tend to take criticism personally instead of as inputs, to drive positive change.

However, some pointers are available online from my past notes:

1. http://bit.ly/cci_silos
2. http://bit.ly/cci_hr
3. http://bit.ly/rdb_kyc
4. http://bit.ly/cci_odc
5. http://bit.ly/rdb_kyc_2012_2
6. http://bit.ly/rdb_governance_cci
7. http://bit.ly/rdboncci
8. http://bit.ly/cci_response
9. http://bit.ly/kyc2013
10. http://bit.ly/rdb2013
11. http://bit.ly/cci_systems
12. http://bit.ly/cci_thanks
13. http://bit.ly/od_whatis

Most members may not have the time to go through this but what will be evident is that at all times my position has been one which is vision driven and advocating professionalism, systems and Governance.

When ever I have stood for elections I have done so as an independent candidate and not taken support from or given support to any side or part thereof. When ever I have supported certain candidates, I have not stood myself.

My position at present is that I continue to advocate professionalism, systems and governance to be best implemented through an Organizational Development Committee (disbanded after a short stint in 2011-12, without any clear reason on record see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organization_development for more on OD)  which is essentially advisory and monitoring in nature as a value added  professionalism, systems and Governance creation tunnel between the Executive Committee and the Club's Administration. This is expected to improve the performance of the club's Administration and delivery of member services, and as such should be seen as a welcome measure.

Therefore as a logical position, I personally support such candidates who commit themselves to this approach. Hence, to read any other meaning into my mind, would be an exercise in futility.

At all times members are advised to research their candidate selection well and not rely on other's views which may not be duly informed. This is common sense, however more often greatly lacking due to an over all lack of transparency and management by political and diplomatic manoeuvres and issue resolution by appeasement. It is not uncommon to see or hear members expressing contradictory views to different audiences!

I have not written this piece in any attempt to clear any image deficits I may have caused myself during this election but with an assurance to members that at all times and with many approaches I have focused on the same thing - professionalism, systems and Governance.

After the prayer meet for Rajesh Sanghi earlier this week I met & have spoken with Ashok Ganguly - ex-Unilever while we were waiting for our cars to pick us up. Homi Khusrookhan Ex-MD from Tata Group and Glaxo and he,  have been elected at the Willingdon Club a couple of weeks ago. While congratulating them I would like to suggest that it is evident that members have started seeking refuge in persons with implementation experience in  professionalism, systems and Governance as a good choice to constitute the Board of a club.

I believe that this VOTE FOR CHANGE augurs well for the future of our club too and have solicited Ashok Ganguly's assistance in identifying future EC candidates (across clubs) with suitable backgrounds which  would help build professionalism, systems and Governance at our club and club's in general.

It is upto us members to encourage such action in any which way we can.

The CCI is a wonderful club and we are truly privileged to be its members!

I continue to thank Committee Members for their contribution and appeal to them for the implementation of more professionalism, systems and Governance at our club.

Best wishes to all candidates and a request to consider what I have said.

with warm regards to all

Rajiv Bhatia

mandaterajiv@gmail.com

The support for OD at the CCI, intensifies !

Dear Fellow Members of CCI

I am delighted that young Devesh Sharma has subscribed to Organisational Development as the right approach for our club. As a result I am pleased to extend my support to him for the forthcoming club elections for the post of an Executive Committee Member.

I  trust that this is the beginning to the end of 'political and diplomatic manoeuvres and issue resolution by appeasement' as the management style at the club. Besides, social capital which has depleted with the loss of mutual trust, will also have to be rebuilt. The only way forward is through the implementation of my vision for greater levels of Professionalism, Systems and Governance at the club.

I wish Devesh the best and with Kekoo and Viral am happy to support him.

with warm regards to all

Rajiv

mandaterajiv@gmail.com

DEMOCRATIC CHANGE IS GOOD, REQUIRED AND OPENS UP AVENUES TO PROGRESS

Dear Fellow Members of CCI,

Prime Minister Modi's speech at the UN was indeed impressive. Shashi Tharoor acknowledged that P.M. Modi took over where Obama had left off. Rather than run through a laundry list of issues, he looked at the larger picture. Particularly with regard to terrorism. This will hold him in good stead during his visit to Washington in the next few days.

Indian's voted for change earlier this year. Which is why we heard this speech of P.M. Modi today. DEMOCRATIC CHANGE IS GOOD, REQUIRED AND OPENS UP AVENUES TO PROGRESS.

I visited the CCI (Club) earlier this evening after a long time. The club's elections are around the corner. Many friends and well wishers enquired as to why I had not filed my nomination for the post of Executive Committee member, as I done over the past three years. The primary reason is that, and once again, as a result of the change in the Central Govt. this year, development in India's North East Region is being looked into very keenly. As a result of this, my efforts for the region and its people is likely to bear fruit very soon. Our Foundation's projects need Central Govt. assistance. Working on them is what is keeping me busy and out of Mumbai for a lot of time.

Besides, as I had mentioned earlier, I would like to support candidates at the CCI elections who were supportive of my stand to seek an increased level of Professionalism, Systems and Governance at the club. I am happy to have had discussions with Kekoo Nicholson and Viral Mehta, who are keen to see to the implementation of my vision for greater levels of Professionalism, Systems and Governance at the club. A matter which has clearly missed the priority list of others.

This is why I would like to support Kekoo Nicholson for the post of Executive Committee Member and President and Viral Mehta, as a new face on the block, for the for the post of Executive Committee Member and Treasurer. They have the desire to cause the required change.

I thank my supporters and do hope that I can stand again in the near future, when the CCI as an organisation evinces increased aspirations for what I have in mind. For the present I will satisfy myself by reposing my faith and trust in Kekoo and Viral, who I believe will do their bit towards this cause if elected.

The CCI is a wonderful club and we are truly privileged to be its members!

With warm regards to all.

Rajiv

mandaterajiv@gmail.com

The election season at the CCI is in full swing

The election season at the CCI is in full swing.

With a month to go for the next AGM scheduled on 10th Oct and elections on 10th & 11th October for the the posts of 5 Executive Committee Members, Treasurer and President, the buzz is all about likely candidates and their probability of success.

Rumour mills are agog. TRANSPARENCY AND GOVERNANCE ! WHERE ART THOU ?

Indoctrination and cognitive strategies are at a flood.

Sustainability holds the key.

However trust is at its usual ebb indicating that political and diplomatic manoeuvres and  issue resolution by appeasement have taken their toll on the club's social capital which has depleted to undesirable lows.

Some will win but most may not. That is the unfortunate part.

The development of the club's `hardware' far surpasses its `software'.

The only way to drive change is by professionalisation, but it appears that its not even on the cards for the present.

Take care members, the camel ride is on !

Warm and caring regards to all !

The Election Season starts, at our clubs

At our sports clubs, it is that time of the year where the subject of annual Executive Committee Elections start to get discussed. The working of the clubs, member satisfaction, the impact on the Balance Sheet, potential candidates likely to stand  for elections and so on are talked about. Everyone has a point of view and stories to tell.

I was at the CCI earlier this evening. A brief visit to say hello to fellow members and catch up on chatter which I may have missed over the past couple of weeks due to work engagements and travel.  As most of you are aware, I have stood for EC elections over the past few years but have not been successful. However, I have been the only candidate with a focus on the structured development of the organisation, back office, administration, HR, IT & Systems (see 2011 note http://bit.ly/cci_silos). All in the interest of a better managed club, polite and efficient member services, increased member satisfaction and all, so that the management (my friends !) may look good, as well.

So, when I'm asked if I will stand again this year, despite the candidates deposit proposed to be increased to Rs. 1 lac, as per company law as I'm told, the response is in a counter question. Why are the areas of my focus being ignored over the past 5 years of recommendation ? Are any others willing to take the responsibility of the areas I have had my focus on ? Does it augur well for the club in the long run not to adopt best practices, particularly since operating expenses are on the rise ?

Friends and fellow members, to those among you who are keen that such efforts be made, it is my humble request to please work collectively to ensure that all candidates this year commit to proper organisation development - OD - (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organization_development ) and its implementation. It will be good for the sustained betterment of the club. In any event, we are fortunate to be members of this wonderful institution.

If there is such commitment among candidates, then I will keep out of their way to success. If not, I will most certainly stand for elections again !

It has never been my endeavour to be politically correct, but most certainly always, my hearts desire, to see that our august sports institutions do their best.

I had drafted and presented a vision statement at the AGM of December 2007. This was well received but then filed and forgotten. I thank our President, Shri. Sevantibhai Parekh, for resurrecting it in 2010.

The vision for the club - “To become a premier choice for members & their families to avail of sports and recreation facilities; encouraging participation, camaraderie, sportsmanship, networking, heritage, culture and appreciation of cuisine and the sensible development of necessary facilities and services for the same, all at reasonable costs.”

Thanks to all Committee members for their ongoing efforts.

Our club and its members must win ! Members may write in to me at mandaterajiv@gmail.com I am open to suggestions.

Thank you for your attention.

Ten-point agenda released by PMO

The top ten priorities is seen as the blue print for the developmental politics NDA has been rallying around in their election campaign. Transparency, innovation, efficiency, sustainibility are the core values that earmark the ten-point agenda released by PMO.

Here are the list of the top 10 priorities:

1- Build confidence in bureaucracy

2- Welcome innovative ideas and babus will be given freedom to work

3- Education, health, water, energy and roads

4- Transparency in the government. E-auction to be promoted

5- System will be placed for inter ministerial issues

6- People oriented system to be in placed in government machinery

7- Addressing concern relating to economy

8- Infrastructure and investment reforms

9- Implement policy in time bound manner

10- Stability and sustainability in government policy

Post / Exit poll Surveys

 TOI 13.05.14

Time to fix important institutions

Time to fix important institutions

On May 16, the election results will be out. No matter who forms the govt, the next PM will face serious policy issues. In the fourth in the series of open letters addressed to the next PM, we focus on governance

Arun Maira Member, Planning Commission

Honourable Prime Minister, You have been given the responsibility by the people of India to improve their lives. They want opportunities for decent livelihoods, better public services, health, education and safety. They have lost faith in most institutions of governance and administration. Indeed, the deterioration in the country’s institutions is also the root cause of the declining growth of the economy. Investors are wary of starting or expanding enterprises when there is so much confusion and corruption in governance. The scenario analysis made by the Planning Commission in 2012 revealed that the root cause of the poor progress the country is making, which is neither meeting its needs nor the aspirations of its citizens in improving human development, building infrastructure, growing the economy and creating more jobs, is the deep mistrust citizens and investors have in the institutions. Indeed, it was estimated by the Commission that fixing this root cause could add about 3% to GDP growth. The root cause of the deterioration of our institutions is a failure of leadership. So-called ‘leaders’ sit atop institutions with important titles bestowed on them. For them, institutions are only pedestals from which they can speak, and on which they can be seen. They do not care to improve the substance of the institutions they are responsible for. Nor are they being held to account for failing to discharge this vital responsibility to the people. Honourable Prime Minister, you must make an agenda to fix some important institutions. Place people atop them who citizens (and you) will trust. Charge these persons with developing a plan to reform their institutions. And visibly monitor the progress they make so that citizens and investors can have confidence that at long last someone is doing something forcefully to improve institutions. This is not a 100-day exercise. But bold steps, in the right direction, must be visible within 100 days. In some instances, where there are incumbents and you cannot appoint others yet, you can demand that the incumbents apply themselves to improve the quality of the institutions they are supposed to lead, or face the consequences. Institutional transformation, even with a good plan, can take three to five years. The present HR system of government must be changed to enable people to lead and change institutions for a reasonable time, and not just for the year or two that the present seniority-based system results in. Indeed, the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission had made some important recommendations for reforming the civil services including more rigorous performance evaluation, and up-or-out with lateral inductions also at senior levels. Please restore the autonomy of the government-supported institutions that should be run professionally. They are a vital part of our governance system. These include various commissions and regulators, bodies like the National Productivity Council and Quality Council of India, and our PSEs too. There is too much interference by ministries in these and many of them have become sinecures for retired bureaucrats. Honourable Prime Minister, the fabric of governance of our large and diverse country, which is committed to democracy — that is government for, but also of and by the people — will never be strong if governance is not devolved to people closer to realities on the ground. Our Constitution wisely requires this, by giving powers to the states, and to local village and urban bodies too (by the 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution). However, the Centre, and people at the top of institutions, are holding on to power. You must put your weight behind a vigorous process of building up capacities in the states and in institutions on the ground to govern more effectively. Last but not least, Honourable Prime Minister, you will have to insist that people collaborate with each other and you will have to pull up those who do not. We cannot make coalition governments an excuse for poor governance. Coalitions in government are likely to be around for quite a while. Improvement of governance cannot wait until some day when we have a unitary government again. We want improvement in public services and human development now. We want jobs now. We want faster growth now. Therefore, we need leaders now who can work with others and who inspire others to work in teams and demand that they do too. Our hope is that you will transform our institutions and improve governance. The rest will follow. (Arun Maira is the author of ‘Redesigning the Aeroplane While Flying: Reforming Institutions’, published by Rupa in May 2014)

Published Date:  May 12, 2014

Non-Believers, try and understand AK & AAP

AK & AAP evolved because of the failure of conventional politics and politicians to develop a clean and well Governed country. This has impaired India's progress and all of us have suffered, irrespective of any political leanings we may have had.

AAP's priority is not power to rule, like conventional politics and politicians, but to cause correction. Most non-believers cannot understand this, as its all very new and not seen before. As 40% of the world is going to elections this year, many are observing this paradigm change to adopt for themselves. The way is drastic and at times crazy, but that is how, history has observed, that any change of relevance has taken place.

As a result the paradigm has begun to change and India will make significant progress in time to come, whatever the Govt. configurations may be at the Centre, State and local levels.  Its equally important to have a good Govt. in place as it is to have an effective opposition. The last ten years, India seems to have failed on both counts.

Although direct democracy casts responsibility on citizens and whether or not they are ready to take up the challenge, only time will tell.

But The New Age of Hygienic Politics is here to stay. I would urge non-believers to try and understand this over time. It will be good for us. More on this is available at http://www.rajivbhatia.in and http://bit.ly/meera4mumbai These are my efforts to try and understand and would be happy if you shared the learning with me.

You are more than entitled to your views, but keep an open mind so that transformation may be permitted to take place, first within yourselves and as a result, for India.

You may write to me at aa.rajivbhatia@gmail.com Please note that I am not an official spokesperson for AAP or any candidate. Just an Aam Aadmi and volunteer as such. Major Party Social Media Mud Throwers please abstain as you don't do any evolving leadership in India any credit whatsoever. Thank you.

Letter to Arvind Kejriwal

Dear Arvind

You have been humble to acknowledge (http://bit.ly/akmistake) some strategic errors you made over the past few months. With this you have only risen in the esteem of those who understand your stellar role in changing the paradigm of Indian Politics and setting the agenda, even for your opponents.

When the Delhi aberrations were taking place I too felt that though the actions were well meant, they may be perceived negatively by people. You piloted a speed boat for the second half of 2013 but once that became a larger ship, should have been navigated as such. With your Govt. continuing in Delhi till post LS elections, National Support may have gained much greater steam. But I would treat this as an error of judgement (tactical only, as you were morally correct) by an exemplary superstar of the modern political history of India, as it is being written. To field 440+ LS candidates in such a short span of time is creditable.

I often fail to understand how people think and react and the manner in which they set their expectations. 60+ years of murky governance as a track record, is it preferred to a single years dogged effort (in creating AAP) to check the same?

To reproduce the letter:

"Dear Rajan:

Thanks for your mail and my response is delayed because I wanted to give it time.

I know Arvind for about close to 23 years now and have seen him from the time he got into IRS from TISCO, fought corruption, won the Magsaysay award till where he is now.

Arvind has set himself goals that are nearly impossible to achieve; taken paths that none of us dare dream venture and has seen the very bridges created by him burnt by others. And all this for the love of India.

If I expect him to be flawless, expect to give him no rope to fail, and yet desire that he deliver the impossible that none of the 800 million Indian adults could; then I ask myself, are my lofty standards at fault or is Arvind at fault?

I really do not know if he will be occupy a high place in history or confined to its dustbin. I don't think even he does or he cares. But I can tell you one thing - India won't get another like him for another generation.

Warm regards,
Kimi"

Its good, that you are there. Its good, that you have done what you have. Don't worry too much about the millions who complain, because none of us or our forefathers, relatives or friends took up the seemingly insurmountable challenge of changing the Indian Political paradigm. You did, and personally I thank you. Though you may need to change the `how' as time passes (see OD as a must), don't change the `what' or `why'. Your volunteers, including me in my humble way are there for you and do understand and subscribe to your selflessness.

India is on a path to change already and that's not because of your conventional politician rivals. That's because of the political renaissance you have introduced, which sceptics too have now begun to agree with, only because you have acknowledged the errors, openly. Reminds me in some ways of Shri. Narayan Murthy at a school annual day some years ago, when he apologised to the children for the wrong doings of his generation.

I have been working hard for AAP ki Meera in Mumbai South, along with all her volunteers. But not as hard and intelligently as she has been. Her opponents pale before her. Mumbaikars are beginning to understand her merits and true worth for the future development of AAP and more importantly, our India.

I wish all our AAP candidates well and look forward to a significant presence of AAP candidates in Parliament next month.

yours sincerely,


Aam Aadmi Rajiv Bhatia

A case for Meera Sanyal the AAP Candidate in South Mumbai

Democracy is a Govt by discussion which is why I have chosen to discuss these learning’s with you.

Spending time with Meera's campaign I have had the fortune of meeting the Aam population of Mumbai. People I may not have come across in my ordinary routine existence. Most were delighted at the evolution of AAP under AKs leadership. My own views and why I joined the effort.

However not so Aam friends of mine, particularly from the business community have strongly levied the, now patented, criticisms saying that `We had great hopes which have now been dashed by the resignation of the Delhi Cabinet, the Dharna, Somnath's conduct, baseless promises of subsidized water and electricity in Delhi which are Economically nonviable propositions ....." .... and so on.

But they have been kind not to criticize Meera or .... (a lesser/Aam) me, as they find us to be intelligent and mature. This appreciation is humbling and I have no doubt that Meera will join me in appreciating these potentially open minds, seemingly disturbed by the recent actions in Delhi. This obligates me to share my thoughts with you. Please do allow me the liberty to do so, as also to pick up from what I have recently read and heard. Credits to Prithvi Reddy, Rama Bijapurkar, Mohan Guruswamy and Rajeev Bhargava.

Prithvi Reddy

I perused the views of Prithvi Reddy, an AAP spokesperson and I quote what he has said.




QUOTE

AAP's spokesperson Prithvi Reddy explains the party's stand on why Arvind Kejriwal and his Cabinet resigned.

Why AAP quit government. To explain this, let us rewind a bit.

In 2011, people of our country said, "enough is enough" and came together to fight for a strong Anti-corruption law. After many protests, numerous hunger strikes, millions of people coming out on the streets followed by broken promises of politicians across parties, we were mocked at and told that laws are not made in "streets or maidans" and if we wanted to make laws, we needed to contest elections, form the government and then write laws.

While there are very many things to be changed in our country, AAP's primary fight is to fight against corruption.

Aam Aadmi Party was formed and we decided to first contest elections in Delhi. Citizens of Delhi not just supported us by voting without the usual electoral considerations of religion, caste, money and muscle power but helped us redefine "winnability" in politics.

Is it true that BJP and Congress wanted to support the Bill, but only wanted to us to do it in a "constitutional way"?

Before forming the government, we were offered "unconditional support" by the Congress and "issue-based support" by the BJP. We had listed out an 18-point agenda which contained promises we had made to the citizens of Delhi and asked them to specifically confirm their support of the same. The Congress said that for most of the issues their support was not required as it was the prerogative of the government and they would support the issues wherein their support was necessary. The BJP, instead of clarifying their position, said it was unheard of for a party to put up conditions for the support that they were offering. Now both the parties have gone back on their assurances.

As a part of the Jan Lokpal Bill, we had written that the law passed at the Centre would be applicable to all the states in the form of a Jan Lokayukta Bill. This was strongly opposed by all parties in Parliament, saying it was against the Federal structure and every state should have the option of passing their own bill. Now, when AAP government in Delhi tried to introduce Jan Lokpal bill, Congress and BJP joined hands and have been saying that the bill cannot be introduced without consent of the Governor acting on behalf of the President of India.

Interestingly, Sheila Dikshit's government passed a resolution in 2002 (details below) preventing meddling by the then BJP led Central government in the matters of Delhi state government. Now, the same Congress Central government is meddling in the affairs of Delhi.

Citizens of our country have seen a new phenomenon in the recent past wherein parties who have all along opposed each other and their respective policies, have come together to oppose the passing of the bill to bring political parties under the ambit of RTI and also to oppose the Supreme court's directive to keep "criminal out of politics". Yesterday, was another classic example of the nexus between such parties which seem to be making laws based on vested interests who hold their purse strings.

Why did we not go to courts and seek directives against the Governor's order ?

This suggestion is being given knowing fully well, the time required presently for courts to decide on such matters. Rather than going to courts for the next many years, we prefer going to the people and seeking a mandate which will allow us to form a majority government both at the state and the Centre.

Why did we resign without consulting our voters ?

Against all expert predictions, we won 28 seats. Since we did not have a majority and required outside support of, one of the two parties we had fought against, we consulted with our voters as to whether we should take up the challenge thrown at us. In the case of the resignation, however, as we were not able to deliver on our main promise of passing an equivalent of the "Jan Lokpal Bill " in Delhi, there was nothing for us to go back to people with.

Are we running away from Governance ?

Although we have been in power for only 49 days, the Aam Aadmi on the street has experienced reduced corruption and improved governance due to several initiatives of our government a list of the same is given below.

While there are very many things to be changed in our country, our primary fight is against corruption, since it is the root cause of all other problems. We now recognise that there is no way for us to achieve this, being a minority government, with outside support from the existing political parties.We therefore have chosen to go back to people and seek a mandate that will allow us to deliver on the promises we have made to them.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN 49 DAYS OF AAP DELHI

1 End of VIP, Red-light Culture
2 Half Electricity Bills for those consuming upto 400 units
3 Free Water for those consuming upto 20 KL per month
4 Retail FDI stopped
5 58 new Night Shelters added in One month to existing 175 old Night Shelters
6 Ordered CAG Audit of Discoms
7 Transferred 800 and Suspended 3 Delhi Jalboard Employees
8 Started Corruption Helpline No. 1031
9 Started Nursery School Admission Helpline No. 011-27352525
10 Stopped Donation for Admission to Schools
11 Action on Corruption fast-tracked
12 Checked Ration Mafia
13 Rs One Crore given to wife of Delhi Police's Martyr
14 Checked Water Tanker Mafia
15 Delhi Janlokpal Bill and Nagar Swaraj Bill cleared by Cabinet
16 Government Schools given Rs One Lakh each for improving Infrastructure
17 Issued Permits to 5500 Auto-rickshaws for plying in NCR
18 Ordered formation of SIT to probe 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots
19 Formed Committee to devise Women Security Force
20 Formed Committee to look into Permanency of Contract Labour and Guest Teachers
21 Surprise Checks of Govt Hospitals, Schools, Night Shelters and Transport Buses
22 Reward to Sportsmen
23 Bus Pass facility to Students
24 Recruited several Govt Employees
25 Ordered checking of faulty / fast Electricity Meters
26 Registered FIR in Commonwealth Lights Scam
27 Registered 3 FIRs in Jalboard Scams
28 Registered FIR in Reliance Gas Price Scam
29 Simplification of VAT and tax rebate on small scale industries upto 1 crore turnover.



Text of the motion passed by Sheila Government in 2002 :

The House condemns this decision of the Home Ministry taken without consulting the popularly elected Delhi Government. This House is of the view that these orders are in total violation of all democratic traditions and harmonious relations between the Centre and the States. This House resolves that there can be only one definition of the government for legislative and any other purpose and this is the 'Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi'. Moreover, amendment of rules 23 & 55(1) cannot take away what the Constitution (69th Amendment) Act and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1992 have sought to give to the people of Delhi. This House therefore resolves that the above two unilateral orders aimed at curtailing the powers of a duly elected popular government should in the first instance be immediately withdrawn by the Central Government. UNQUOTE

So there is another point of view, my friends!

For me, a compelling reason to connect with the Aam Aadmi Initiative and spend some time contributing to its evolution, were the strong words of Ayn Rand in her book Atlas Shrugged, written in 1957.

"When you see that trading is done, not by consent, but by compulsion--when you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing--when you see that money is flowing to those who deal, not in goods, but in favors--when you see that men get richer by graft and by pull than by work, and your laws don't protect you against them, but protect them against you--when you see corruption being rewarded and honesty becoming a self-sacrifice--you may know that your society is doomed."

Rajeev Bhargava, Mohan Guruswamy & Rama Bijapurkar

Further clarity came to me when I attended the panel discussion hosted by the Asia Society - Flash Forecast: Indian Elections 2014 - with Rama Bijapurkar, Rajeev Bhargava and Mohan Guruswamy

Rajeev Bhargava explained that there was a disillusionment with the Congress Party and its allies (aka UPA2). In such a situation in a democracy, the response tends to be to bring in authoritarian decisive leadership and/or a populist response seeking to develop innovative methods (innovation & entrepreneurship). Modi represents the former and AK the latter. The voter tends to oscillate between the two. AAP has displayed populist features. There has been the creation of two homogeneous and antagonist groups. What seems certain is that the electoral arithmetic will see the Congress electoral diminish.

Mohan Guruswamy explained the Golden Mongoose story from Mahabharat see http://bit.ly/goldenmongoose. MG said that in India our system was not working. We were intended to be a hybrid democracy centre - state and local. Representative democracy has remained intact but the direct component has diminished. He went on to say that the concept of a political party was not defined in any constitution save and except in China and North Korea. In India we faced a Clan Democracy, which really takes us back to Mahabharat Stories, he said. He also cited Afghan's clan based leadership from history. When power becomes hereditary, children of somebody come in without paying their dues to earn their way in. In Smt. Indira Gandhi case, she came after Lal Bahadur Shastri and she had worked hard. In India 68 percent are below the poverty line. Irrigation and banking as examples of no innovation. The Mumbai Airport has been built by GVK which carries a INR 23k Cr debt, and is praised by the Prime Minister - but how will it be repaid? In this situation, the antagonist, AK says most are thieves. He says that there is very limited True Entrepreneurship succeeding in India. (see Israel and compare). MG says that quality goods not delivered at a price. Bhanu Pratap Mehta and Shekhar Gupta have commented on it too. Present day discussions on Telangana however -Costal Andhra is very rich with a high per capita income!

The discussion to follow considered the question as to who the beneficiaries of development in India were, and who was left out. Price rise was the single strongest pain faced by the people. Corruption and collusion were predominant and lead to price rise. Ordinary people felt that they had been disregarded. And in this scenario came out an AK who raised balance issues. To try and take politics out of the system to make it work, which is again why AAP representatives are very similar in being straight, swift and sharp.

It was discussed that the Congress, a seeming looser this time around, looked forward to the prospects of a hoch-poch Khichadi Govt. formation at LS 2014, to be in its own long term self interests. Modi's problem was with the Congress. Where as AK took exception with the entire political system and therefore sides with its customer, the voter. With all the schemes introduced over the past 10 years, the Congress ought to be very comfortably in power. But thats not the case. In the gathering of around 180 intelligentsia from Mumbai present at the meeting, only 2 believed that the UPA may look at a version III. Half felt that an NDA coalition would result from LS 2014 and an equal number felt that AAP would make a significant impact on politics, as had already been demonstrated.

What was further discussed was that India had little surplus for capital expenditure, because bits and pieces were thrown to the masses instead of focused large quantums. The vote therefore would be to throw out the Govt. in power. But what is very significant is that AK has changed the rules, probably for ever! Fragmentation by way of regional parties would continue. Whereas Modi sought to reintroduce a national mood, the evidence was not indicative of its establishment. AKs Rohtak-Haryana meeting was humongous (see http://bit.ly/akrohtak off course noted as a continuing success in the North) but in contrast people curious to hear Modi were walking out of meetings in large numbers. Whereas the change in Congress votes was estimated to be small at 1.4%, the swing would favour the anti-incumbents (if I have understood correctly). However no one is risking forecasting any more. All parties haven't swung into action so far eg. 3rd front see http://bit.ly/3rdfront Percentages may change. Concentration of votes in a few states. Prepaid and post paid alliances may be followed up by m&a. One with the marginal votes may change the result. However, the AAP will not align and if its success is limited (NO QUESTION OF FAILURE) would act as a constructive and progressive opposition, which Meera too stated at the Priyadarshini Park last Saturday 22.02.

It is clear that AK has changed the game already. Translation to votes remains a question. AK was writing the agenda and others may die by it as they will find implementation difficult. Described as Shivji ki baraat. All this would, to our long term fortune, change the politics in India.

The audience raised questions. How come good economics did not make good politics, so far? This may change now considering AAPs Socially Responsible Capitalism  - is that bad ? See AK at CII  with CSR etc. well recognized now.

There was an observation that AAP may not fully disclose its policies completely at present. The tug between equity and growth would determine things. Institutional stability would be important. The toughest job would continue to be to run the Govt. The man at the top must have clear ideas. An example was a past idea of the Golden Quadrilateral to link markets and metros instead of an idealistic Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Somnath to Silchar connection.

Modi's instincts were good but he lacked the ability to deal with others. Money flows included 20% into gdps subsidies losses npas etc. World hunger index only 16 countries were ahead of India. Political ideologies were becoming increasingly blurred.

Republic = a state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated President rather than a monarch.

The best way to get a hold on the state was to form groups or Parties. Political confrontation was over scarce resources and their alternative uses, yet good economics, so far, had not been equated with good politics.  Sudheendra Kulkarni with a BJP affiliation has clearly indicated his desire to convert low lease rental race courses, clubs & golf courses, a kind of subsidy, to public utility grounds.

Was AAP institutionalized enough (Organizational Development) to Govern ? This was questioned. Or did it have abilities only to raise questions? Somnath's actions were considered far worse than the dharna, in true negative impact for AAP. Counter blasts in African countries had not been considered. AK was not an anarchist. Rajiv Gandhi & Modi both came to power in true situations of anarchy.

So AAP never had the majority in Delhi. Nor was the backdoor support of 8 Congress MLAs and the Congress Governor, anything other than an effort to ensure that the single largest party, BJP, was kept out. See 1 2 3 4 links. But it will take 5 years for the AAP to ready itself to Govern. Having changed the politics of India, it (AAP) was already good for the country. But there is no comparative assessment of the first 60 days in Govt. NOTA is a misguided idealism by the Election Commission http://bit.ly/notaindia But a cartoon depicts late Sh. MK Gandhi selecting NOTA in the present times.

We may be better off giving AAP candidates like Meera Sanyal an opportunity. She is intelligent, mature, honest and by no means wears kid gloves. It has been a pleasure campaigning with an organized person and thorough professional. I personally strongly believe that India needs her. Besides she will have a positive impact on the evolution of the AAP, going forward! It is up to us voters in South Mumbai, to get her into Parliament.

VANDE MATARAM !

Watch these Meera Sanyal on youtube and this.

Some links to AK Interviews

AK with TimesNow after forming the Delhi Govt. -  he made it clear that he did not want to form the Govt., but left it to the people to decide. (DIRECT / PARTICIPATIVE DEMOCRACY)
AK at CII
With Rajdeep
With Barkha 
With Headlines Today
Entrepreneurship in Politics

Others

Amartya Sen endorses AAP and makes suggestions
Ninad Karpe
Kishore Mahbubani

Last Elections LS 2009

Constituency Name - South Mumbai
Contestants - 20
Total Electors - 15,89,811
Voted 6,41,571 40.35%
Not Voted 9,48,240 59.64%
Party Candidate Votes % of Total
1 INC Milind Deora 2,72,411 17.13 %
2 MNS Bala Nandgaonkar 1,59,729 10.04 %
3 Shiv Sena Mohan Rawale 1,46,118 9.19 %
4 BSP Mohammad Ali Shaikh 33,799 2.12 %
5 Independent Meera Sanyal 10,157 0.6 %

MORE VOTERS NEED TO COME OUT AND VOTE! A CANDIDATE GETTING 17.13% OF THE TOTAL ELECTORS VOTES HAS WON THE LAST TIME! 

JAGO RE JAGO !

guidance on the value proposition of the AAP

AAP volunteers seeking guidance on the value proposition of the AAP to be conveyed to citizens at the crossroads of their decisions read Swaraj - by Arvind Kejriwal  (click on link)


In fairness also look at http://bit.ly/rahulgandhi However, written by someone else. Does he or the Congress follow this? When some of the most brilliant people seeking to join politics were told that they would have to meet Rahul, before it could happen? They have readily been embraced by the AAP without any high command interference. See an example in Kishore Mandhyan  and this is only one example. (click on links)