campaign for questioning...

Citizen's campaign for accountability continues.
Starting on 2nd October, there have been four meetings,- 2 by Agni, one by Juhu Citizen's and one by Janhit Manch. There has been one succesful and visible protest demonstration by H-west ward Citizens trust. The movement now gathers momentum.
Also attaching the Hoarding at Marine Drive.
Next two events
1. Press conference by 'I love Mumbai' at Mumbai Patrkar Sangh at 4.30pm on Monday, 29 Oct. on Crawford Market

2. A meeting of friends and citizen has been organized on the subject of Crawford Market sale of FSI and pocketing of Rs.6000 cr of wealth of the city of Mumbai by few existing licensees with the connivance and support of some officials and possibly many corporators.
It is symbolic of the malaise that has been spreading like cancer. But thanks to a serious and studied initiative of people like Shailesh Gandhi there is a good chance that such scams can not only be exposed but can be stopped and the citizen teach politicians a practical lesson that they cant get away with such loot . This is possible if we follow the Satyagraha .
As a member of informed middle class citizen of Mumbai we appeal you to attend the meeting and have the concepts clarified and see what we all can do and go beyond casual criticism and take some practical step without requiring to get u onto the streets.
place : Hall of Makarand Society, Savarkar marg, Mahim
time 6.30 pm 1`st Nov thursday
pl come and bring ur likeminded friends and family members
Love shailesh.

All my emails are in Public Domain.

www.satyamevajayate.info

RTI WORKSHOP

Forum for Public Interest is organizing a free workshop on "Right toInformation Act" by Mr. Shailesh Gandhi on 25th Oct, 07 from1 pm to 6 pm at Nalanda- Lower Parel, S B Marg, Kamala Mills Compound.

Call: 20310400 for registration.

Love,
shailesh.

All my e-mails are in Public Domain.

www.satyamevajayate.info

crawford market bachao... bhrashtachar hatao

Please see if you can inform people about this and also come yourselves.
On 26th Bombay Catholic Sabha is organising a meeting, 7th march Mahiti Adhikar Manch,
Dr. Ajay Kothari-renowned ENT specialist of Khar,- is trying to organise the medical fraternity.
Let us all make our efforts. The cumulative effect may be tremendous:
Janhit Manch led by the redoubtable Shri Bhagwanji Rayani launches its first JAWABDYA on Vijayadashmi:
CRAWFORD MARKET BACHAO
BHRASHTACHAR HATAO
Rs . 1000 crores of public loss is at stake !
So, let's oppose this proposal for Mumbai's sake !
Crawford Market, the 138 year old heritage structure is virtually being donated.
Neither was a tender floated, nor were bids invited.
On 11-10-2007 , the BMC house passed this proposal by voice vote unanimously within a minute.
The developer would be spending Rs.105 crores and earning Rs.1050 CR.
That is 10 rupees profit for every one rupee spent !
The estimated return on investment is 1000% !
If this isn't corruption, what is?
This proposal is also in violation of the heritage norms.
The FSI of 4 will create a massive pressure on the crumbling infrastructure.
Public Meeting - Question your Corporator
Venue : Shri Vile Parle K.V.O. Seva Samaj, Amarsons Bhavan, 68, Misquitta Road, Opp.Railway Crossing, Vile Parle (East), Mumbai – 400 057
Day & Date : Sunday, 21st October, 2007
Time : 10 am to 11.30 am
Invitees : You all and the Corporators and MLAs.
Contact Person : Utsal Karani (93249-91030)

letter to gurudas kamat... jawabdya campaign

Am giving letter sent to Shri Gurudas Kamat below. Please write letters to various Corporators and political leaders, to save your 5000 rupees.
Next meeting by Janhit Manch at Vile Parle (e) on 21st; 10am to 11.30am.
Bombay Catholic Sabha meeting at Chembur on 26th evening.
Many other organizations are also gearing up. If you plan a meeting do share the information
shailesh gandhi
B2 Gokul Apartment, Near Asha Parekh Hospital,Poddar Road, Santacruz (W),Mumbai-400054 ,
Tel: 32903776, 9867327305 Email: shaileshgan@vsnl.com
16 October, 2007
To,
Shri Gurudas Kamat,
19, G.R.G.Road, Near Acharya Garden, Chembur, Mumbai 400071. Tel: 25212727
Sub.: Public loss of 1000 Crores on CRAWFORD MARKET ‘REDEVELOPMENT!
Dear Shri Kamat,
I write to you since i am perturbed by a decision of various political parties in the MCGM on 9/11. This is regarding the proposal for the ‘redevelopment’ of Crawford Market. It has been shown clearly by simple calculations that the present proposal deprives the Citizens of a huge loss of their money, without any logical reason being offered. We are sacrificing a very important part of our Heritage structures and skyline for which we are only caretakers for the future generation. However, even if we assume that some people do not value it, the financial implications of a Public loss of over 1000 crores are evident. I am giving the main implications of the proposal:
Area of Plot
22472
Sq.mts.
RTI info
Area with licencees
6206
Sq.mts.
RTI info
Proposed Building
65690
Sq.mts.
RTI info
MCGM gets
26495
Sq.mts.
RTI info
Developer and tenants get
39195
Sq.mts.
RTI info
Construction Cost
16000
Per Sq.mt.
Assumed
Sale Price of Property
350000
Per Sq. mt.
Assumed
Construction Cost to of building
105
Crores
Calculated
MCGM gets free of Construction
42.4
Crores.
Calculated
Developer and tenants get extra
32989
Sq.mts.
Calculated
Ie. Profit at Public cost by
1049.6
Crores.
Calculated
Note: 10.7 sq.ft.= 1 Sq.mtr.; Construction cost Rs. 16000 per sq. mtr. is equal to Rs. 1495 per sq.ft.
Sale price of Rs.350000 per sq.mtr. is equal to Rs. 32710 per sq.ft.
The data on the proposed construction and the sharing of area has been obtained by the undersigned under RTI. When this proposal is applied to the other 101 Municipal Markets the total loss to Public will be over 6000 crores. If MCGM gives the construction on contract, or decides on the developer by competitive bidding, it can earn over 6000 crores! Each Citizen including the poorest loses Rs.5000. Citizens had approached 95 Corporators individually during July, August 2007 to explain how this proposal was a huge loss to the Public. 86 Corporators across all parties, including over forty Corporators from your party had agreed that the proposal was in not Public interest. Congress MP Shri Milind Deora wote to Corporators of all parties to defeat this retrograde proposal. Yet, on 9/11 the Corporation has passed this proposal which will deprive each Citizen,-including the poorest suffering from hunger,- of Rs. 5000. Citizens have started a JAWABDYA abhiyan to ask Corporators the reasons for this treachery. Some of your Corporators at a meeting at Colaba stated that the proposal was bad and they had opposed it, but had to fall in line because of orders from their leader. On close questioning by Citizens, they said you were the leader. We request you to reconsider this and publicly assure us that your party would ask for the proposal to be scrapped. If there are any plausible reasons for allowing this proposal, please let the Public know. If we get no plausible reasons for stealing 5000 rupees of each of us, we will obviously conclude, it is because of GREED and CORRUPTION.
The only duty of elected representatives is to serve and safeguard the people. I am sure you will do your duty.
Yours truly,


shailesh gandhi

jaago

Yaha aapne suna hai
Yaha aapne padha hai
Bahut varshon se chalta aaya-
Yaha ek inquilab hai.

Thukrayie nahi ise-
Kahi thokar kha chuke.
Ab thokar nahi khani-
Isliye likh rahe.

Partantra me kaha tha-
Bharat chhodo, swadeshi apnaao.
Swatantra mein yehi kiya-
Bharat bhi chhoda, videshi bhi apnaaya.

Udhar mein jaakar swadeshi apnaaya!
Sanskritik mandal basaya,
Mandir-Masjid banvaya…
Par Bharat ke liye kacchu na kiya.

Udhar mein jakar unako dosh diya!
Mandir-Masjid-sanskritik mandal
Banavane ke liye-
Raaste par utar aaya!
Par Bharat ke liye kacchu na kiya.

Udhar mein jaakar-
Bharat ko doshi thaharaaya
Ki Bharatvaasio ki neenda
Swades ki taraf anguliyaa bhi uthayi-
Bhool hi gaye- chaar anguliya apni taraf hi uthi!

Khub piili pepsi-coke, khub piili bisleri-
Khub khaaya lays, khub khayi maagi.
Khub pahanaa nike, khub pahana levis-
Har din jaate hai mcd’s pizzahut
Har din hote hai barista.

Par- bhool gaye plaachimada- bhool gaye dahanu!
Bhool gaye nandigram- bhoolhi gaye singur!
Bhool gaye raigad- bhool bhi gaye pen!



Arrey jaago, jaago sonewaalo jaago-
Daur naya nahi hai, yaha daur purana hai.
Naye package mein daur purana-
Hamare saamne aaya hai.

Thukra do is package ko-
Apnaao naariyal nimbu paani.
Juhu beach ka gola, pune ka chivda.
Mathura ka petha, kolkata ka rossogulla.
Inhi ko apnaao bhai, inhi ko aapnaao.

Pukar rahi hai yaha mitti-
Ab vakt aaya hai.
Karz hampar hai mitti ka-
Ada karna hi farz hai.

Yaha Bharat ki jaroorat hai-
Yehi samaj ki maang hai.
Hum tum yahi par rahe-
Aur desh ke liye-
Kacchu to Karen.

Jaago…

-- Sachidananda.
(Eternal Happiness)

Tribal Insctincts Feature In TOI 13 Oct 2007

BOLLYWOOD & BHAGWAD GITA

Priyanko Sarkar meets youngbloods itching to change the world—but who aren’t quite sure how

There were three bodies on the tracks. A shapeless form in a burqa and two others. The burqa was still, the smaller bodies breathing raggedly. Abhijit Alka Anil, who happened to be at Bhandup station on that November morning in 2005, was among the hundreds watching in silence. The railways’ stained stretchers arrived but there weren’t enough porters. Abhijit stepped forward to help and hurried to the nearby hospital hoping the children at least would be saved. It wasn’t a heavy load—the baby was nine months old, the girl three years. One died on the way, the other in hospital. “The whole station was just watching but no one came forward,” he says.

Abhijit went home, related the story and learnt his first lesson. “I was yelled at for a whole week for getting mixed up in a police case,” he says. “Revolution begins at home. It’s only now, after three years of social service that my parents have begun to accept my decision.”

His decision was to choose social work as a career. “I was a hardcore capitalist till 2003. Then, my sociology professor introduced me to socialism and Che Guevera. Ever since, I have decided to be a social worker,” he says. His family reluctantly realised that this was no passing infatuation but something deeper. Abhijit enrolled for a Masters in social work at Nirmala Niketan, dropped his surname, and formed a group called Dnyeyam.

Dnyeyam, a name plucked from the Bhagwad Gita, was formed impulsively last year at a movie theatre in Mulund where Rang de Basanti was being screened. That’s where Abhijit met Umakant Nadkar, an old colleague. Suitably fired by the film’s rousing call to arms, the two boys discussed the movie, the rotten system, politics, and other things. Before leaving, they had decided to form a group. “The word Dnyeyam, from Chapter 13 of the Gita, means ‘object of knowledge’,” says Abhijit. “But
we have tweaked it and for us it means ‘know yourself’—all knowledge must begin within us.”

Over time, through a network of common friends, the group grew to 21 members. But once the RDB fever had evaporated, the number shrank to 12. Some members are from Pune and Aurangabad and correspond over the phone and on email. The group meets every Sunday for marathon five-hour-plus sessions, when they discuss ways in which to shake the youth out of their consumerist stupor—youth, who, according to them, are getting too American in their thinking and living.

Abhijit, now 23, is fond of quoting from Thomas Friedman’s best-selling book, The World is Flat. The NYT columnist, he says, came to Bangalore looking for Indians and found only Americans. “We aren’t against boozing or one-night stands. We just want the youth to realise that there is an India out there which needs help,” he says. The group is disgusted with the ways of their peers— “educated youth who spit on the road and litter. All they want is money, even their parents take a back seat”.

To go beyond jaw-jaw, the Dnyeyams decided to tell people about the new civil weapon, the Right to Information Act. But they soon found it wasn’t that simple. They were short on manpower and funds—even to register the group would cost them Rs 10,000. After much breast-beating, it was decided to start small. New members were admitted on a fee of Rs 150 — “about the cost of five cigarette packets” and each member was expected to skim at least Rs 50 from their pocket money and put it into the Dnyeyam piggy bank. On the strength of this touching but terribly limited fund, two RTI lectures were held at Bhandup and Thane. They also collected 1713 signatures on the Khairlanji dalit killing and forwarded the list to the President. The workshops had guest lecturers like RTI crusader Shailesh Gandhi and writers like Pradeep Deshpande and Sulabha Brahme, who taught the group an invaluable lesson: you need patience to tackle bureaucratic sloth and you need to know an issue inside-out before you decide to march on it.

The group has three agendas: women’s empowerment, reforms in education and rights awareness. “We also want to promote the spirit of nationalism,” says Namrata Salunkhe. In order not to sound like a bunch of bores, they have coined some catchy one-liners. “The attitude of our group is: Try me rather than why me,” says Nikhil Kasarpalkar, a genetics research student. Chimes in Umakant Nadkar: “Join us. We need no education, just dedication.” Shamika Chavhan, the youngest member, declares that the problem is that “80% of the youth don't care about anything apart from their jobs and the remaining 20% have no clue about how to help even if they want to”.

Perhaps they could dial Dnyeyam.

ADMISSIONS OPEN

Anyone can join

The membership fee is Rs 150 and Rs 50 per month thereafter

To join email dnyeyam@gmail.com or visit www.dnyeyam.blogspot.com

public meet... JAWABDYA

On Saturday, 6 October, Agni alongwith 9 other organizations had called a JAWABDYA public meeting at SMPS school at night. Agni coordinator Mr. Laxmidas Thakker who is a very prominent social worker of Mulund, and treated with great respect by Citizens and politicians was the main moving spirit for the meeting. He told the audience that he had personally written and talked to the eighteen Corpororators of Mulund-Bhandup to invite them to come to the meeting to meet Citizens on the Crawford market issue. Though about six had indicated that they would come, only Shri Mhaske,- of BJP,- had come. The other Corporator present was Shri Mohsin Haider of SP, from Andheri. This shows that Corporators who come for our votes, are unable to even come face to face with Citizens.

Former Commissioner Shri Sukhthankar presided and Mr. Gerson Da’cunha was also present to guide the meeting. Shri Mhaske first declared that he accepted that the decision was bad. He said he had to follow the orders of his party leaders. He accepted that Corruption was the reason for this proposal being passed. As Citizens questioned closely, he promised to write to his party leaders to ask for any rational explanation.

He agreed that he was embarrassed by the close questions being asked by Citizens about his conduct.

Shri Mohsin Haider disarmed the audience by thanking them for not tearing his clothes for the treachery in which the Corporators were all involved. He admitted that his party had wrongly supported this proposal and said he was publicly apologizing for it. He said that as atonement.for its mistake the SP had asked for the proposal to be reopened. He stated that the proposal could be reconsidered by the Corporation after three months. If adequate Public pressure was brought, it could force a change in the decision. He also suggested that since under Section 520(b), the CM had the power to overrule any decision of the Corporation which leads to loss of Public money, Citizens should write to the CM asking him to invoke his powers. Shri Haider said it was necessary for Citizens to defend their money and interests, otherwise the Corporators would continue with their Corrupt actions.

Mr. Sukhthankar,-former Chief Secretary and Municipal Commissioner,- also exhorted the audience to become vigilant for their interests and ensure that the Corporators are individually held accountable. He expressed surprise and dismay at the blatant corruption which this episode had displayed.

Many more meetings are being planned by Bombay Catholic Sabha, PCGT, Agni,

H-west ward, Mahiti Adhikar Manch, Janhit Manch and many other organizations.

A true Citizen’s movement is beginning to stir. It will exercise for the Sovereignty of the Citizen and enforce the accountability of their elected representatives.

shailesh gandhi

7 October, 2007.

jawabdya...

It is significant coincidence that the first JAWABDYA meeting was held on 2nd October at Kaifi Azmi garden at JVPD. The meeting was organized by Juhu Citizen’s Group and started with a lovely rendition of Bhajans including ‘Vaishnavajan to tene Kahiye’. This perhaps heralds the Citizens actively moving the governance towards SWARAJ. Three Corporators –Adolf D’souza, Jyotsna Dighe( Cong) and Chhaya Bhanji (SS) had come to interact with about 50 Citizens. Anand Desai conducted the meeting very ably and told me that most of the work had been done by Vimal Thakore.

Citizens expressed their condemnation of the way in which the Crawford market scam was occuring by a complicity of all parties. They pointed out the impact of this decision was a loss of over 1000 crores and applied to all Municipal Markets this would mean over 6000 crores;- a loss of over 5000 for each Citizen. The fact that a heritage we have inherited and are caretakers for, is sought to frittered away was also made. Citizens demanded that the new RG, PG policy which seeks to give away our properties should not be passed. Anil Desai also raised the issue of the Ronsons garden which is also being given away. In short a strong demand was made to stop all practices by which OUR property was being given away to a chosen few.

Adolf agreed and the other two Corporators while agreeing with the Citizens said that these matters were decided by the party bosses. Citizens insisted that since the Corporators had individually canvassed for votes, they would be held personally accountable. Ultimately Ms. Jyotsna Dighe committed that she would take up the matter with her party leader and give an answer within a week to Citizens. Ms. Chhaya Bhanji also promised to take up the matter with her party leaders. She also said that a similar proposal was to come up for another 21 markets in the Corporation in the coming week, and she would safeguard our interests. All three corporators also promised to stop the Ronsons garden giveaway. Members of H-west ward said they have started a signature campaign and will be organizing a JAWABDYA meeting within a week. They were also thinking of a human chain.

On Saturday, 6th October, Agni is holding a JAWABDYA Public meeting at Sheth Motibhai Pacchad Rashtriya Shala, V.P. Road, Near Lion’s Club, Mulund (west), Mumbai 80. The main organizer is Agni Coordinator Shri Laxmidas Thakker (32911966). The meeting will be from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and amongst the speakers will be Shri Sukhthankar Gerson Da Cunha and many Corporators.

This is an interesting and promising beginning to the JAWABDYA ABHIYAN.

Bombay Catholic Sabha and PCGT are also likely to lead this campaign. A Citizen’s Campaign appears to be building which might result in:

Saving our 6000 crores.
Stopping the RG/PG proposal and all proposals to give away our properties.
Make a beginning for us to hold our elected representatives accountable INDIVIDUALLY.
Let us all put our shoulder to this. WE CAN SUCCEED.

shailesh gandhi

Mera Bharat Mahaan..
Nahi Hai,
Per Yeh Dosh Mera Hai.

for further details contact: shaileshgan@gmail.com

citizens sovereignty

Wanted to share this with as many friends as possible:

Contempt of Citizen’s Sovereignty

It is well recognized that the center of a democratic setup is the individual Citizen who is a sovereign in her own right. She gives up part of the sovereignty to the State in return for a Rule of Law. The Instrumentalities of the State exist to serve the Citizens who are the Masters. The Masters have the right to scrutinize and question their Public servants about the actions that are taken on their behalf. The existence and legitimacy of the Public servants is derived from the service they provide to the Citizens. Some special privileges and immunity may be given to the Public servants only to ensure that they can function to serve this objective. Otherwise the key principle of democracy is equality before the law. “Be they ever so high, the law is above them.”

Let us now look at three sets of Public servants as an example and test the principle of the respect and protection they need, to be able to discharge their duties for the Citizens. Take the elected representatives, the Police and the Judges to test this principle. The elected representatives have the highest legitimacy because they subject themselves to an approval by the Citizens every five years. It can be argued that they need to be able to command respect from the Citizens, without which respect for the laws they frame will not be forthcoming. They frame policies, which have political and financial impact on the present as well as future generations. They have to face people directly in every conceivable place and time, and if special privileges or protection against criticism is not given to them, they will not be able to discharge their functions. Let us now picture a policeman who has to enforce the law. He again faces Citizens,- even enraged or inflamed mobs,- and must function in the midst of all the dirt and grime to enforce the law. If Citizens do not respect him,- or believe he is corrupt and a criminal himself,- can he discharge his law enforcement function to the Public? On the other hand a judge sits in a cloistered and protected environment and dispenses justice to supposedly uphold the law. He is in a very safe and secure environment and discharges his functions at his own languorous pace comfortably sitting in a chair.

And yet, the judges have given unto themselves the supernatural power to try Citizens for contempt if they speak or write critically about their conduct. This has been brought out very starkly in the way they have used the Contempt provisions against journalists recently. Allegations have been made against former Supreme Court Chief Justice Shri Sabharwal by a set of eminent Citizens who have demanded an enquiry. It is commonsense that if any impropriety has been committed the responsibility will lie with those making the allegations. By no perverse logic can the journalists who reported these be held guilty. However, the Delhi Court by this decision has presented us with an opportunity to question and rectify a grievous anomaly in our democratic functioning. We can certainly understand the need for the Court to have the powers to try for Contempt if its orders are not implemented. But the privilege of being able to terrorize Citizens and media into not examining or questioning their actions or decisions is an anachronism. Criticism strengthens all democratic institutions and the power of the Citizens to question their Servants is Supreme. If allegations and charges of impropriety or corruption render Public Servants ineffective then we must consider extending the warm obfuscating cloak of ‘Contempt powers’ to all of them. Surely the need for them to have it is higher? We have made allegation against MPs and MLAs, carried out sting operations against them, and nobody including the Courts have argued that this is the cause of our misgovernance. Charges have been leveled against the DGP of Maharashtra, Chief Ministers and Prime Ministers and nobody contends that these are responsible for misgovernance. If anything a greater need for transparency and accountability has been felt and the Right To Information Act is one of the recent manifestations of this. It is worth remembering that the Courts,- which made lofty pronouncements of the Right To Information being a fundamental right of Citizens,- have been laggards at implementing them. The Delhi High Court first asked for Rs.500 as application fee, compared to 10 rupees in most States and the Central Government and the Bombay High Court illegally refused to subject itself to this law for a full year!

A myth is being propagated that the judiciary is much better than the other instrumentalities of the State, by this weapon of contempt. This is untrue and most probably the same diseases which afflict the rest of our governance exist in the Courts. All voices are terrorized into silence by muzzling. Nobody knows the truth; and the peril is that the decline could be more than elsewhere because of this cloak of Contempt with which the judiciary protects itself. The recent cases of the Zee and the Midday journalists should awaken us into demanding that the Courts exercise some wisdom and maturity in using this law. Let us stop mouthing the cliché, “ We have faith in the Judiciary,” and give the clear statement that we shall question, since it is our fundamental right.

The Court has no authority to make Laxman Rekhas for its Masters-the Citizens of India. It is we who will draw the Citizen’s Rekhas which the Public servants shall not cross. When a Prime Minister of India tried to muzzle our Freedom of expression and press, we defeated her at the elections. For unwarranted or motivated allegations, the Citizens including the Prime Minister and judges have the protection of the laws on defamation. There is absolutely no justification for the judges to give themselves the power of the Lord to be above all criticism. I hope the Supreme Court will in the present cases, exercise its discretionary powers with wisdom, but it is necessary for us to remove the clauses relating to Criminal contempt of Court, and retain only the Civil Contempt provisions so that they may be used by the Courts to stop contempt of their orders.

shailesh gandhi: shaileshgan@gmail.com

RTI Activist

letter to the municipal commissioner

Sending letter sent to Municipal Commissioner. I am also sending below the list of organisations which are together in opposing this
Corruption by our Jaichands. If any other organisations wish to join, please let me know.

shailesh gandhi
B2 Gokul Apartment, Near Asha Parekh Hospital,Poddar Road, Santacruz (W),Mumbai-400054. Email: shaileshgan@vsnl.com

Ganesh Chaturthi, September, 15, 2007

To,

Dr. Jairaj Phatak,

Municipal Commissioner of Mumbai,

MCGM, Mumbai 400001.

Sub.: Proposed redevelopment of Jyotiba Phule market.

Dear Sir,

You are aware that Citizens have been explaining how the proposed ‘Redevelopment Proposal’ for the Jyotiba Phule Market is against Public Interest. We had explained that in its present form, it would mean Public giving away a profit of over 1000 crores in this proposal alone. Our estimate is that over 6000 crores will be lost to the Public if this same proposal is applied to all the Municipal Markets, which means stealing about 5000 rupees from every Mumbaikar. We spoke 93 Corporators, out of which 85 Corporators across all parties agreed with our contentions and financial calculations. Yet, the House has passed this proposal without giving any reasons and with our elected representatives doing a treacherous turnaround which would do Jaichand proud. We are launching a ‘JAWABDYA ABHIYAN’ to get their explanations and make them learn accountability.

The undersigned had also met you to explain the astronomical financial loss to Public. You had readily agreed that there was no justification for doing this without adequate transparency, and a proper process of tendering. We believe that the Municipal Commissioner has the power to stop the implementation of a proposal in Public interest, and this power has been excercised earlier. We are sure you will agree that this is a fit case for excercising the power you have been given, to meet your obligations to the Public Service you have chosen. Your position represents the checks and balances we have provided in a democracy, and when our elected representatives act completely unreasonably driven only by CORRUPTION, it is your duty to protect our interests.

As proposed, a monstrosity of 65690 sq.mts is to come up which will have a very adverse impact on the traffic and infrastructure of the already crowded area. The Grade 1 Heritage prectinct will be lost forever –snatched from our future generations by the greed of a few. I am also giving an alternate proposal which could lead to a new market being built, giving 10% more space to the existing licencees and either a profit of about 611 crores or an area of 17446 sq.mts. to allow MCGM to house PAPs. This would have the advantage of allowing MCGM to carry out some of its important road widening and other projects which are held up, since it cannot offer the alternate space. All this can achieved by building with an FSI of just 1.5 and constructing a new building of 25435 sq. mts. as the attached sheet shows. It would be very easy to preserve the Heritage prectinct as well. We are sure you will do your duty to the Citizens whom you have served so well.

I hope we could meet so that I could explain this proposal to you personally.

We could fix a time and date which is mutually convenient.

Best regards,

Yours truly,







shailesh gandhi



Mera Bharat Mahaan…

Nahi Hai,

Per Yeh Dosh Mera Hai.





Alternate Proposal to preserve the Sanctity of Jyotiba Phule’s name in the Market




Area of Plot
22471.75
Sq.mts.

Area with licencees
6205.98
Sq.mits.

Heritage Building
5515
Sq.mts.

Proposed Building FSI 1.5
25435
Sq.mts.

Area to give to licencees (10% extra)
6827
Sq.mts.

MCGM gets
18609
Sq.mts.

Assumptions



Construction Cost
16000
Per Sq.mtr.

Sale Price of Property
350000
Per Sq. mtr.

Construction Cost to of building
41
crores

MCGM sells to recover cost of Construction
1163
Sq.mtr.

And Makes Profit
611
Crores

Or, houses PAPs in extra area
17446
Sq.mts.




Note:

10.7 sq.ft.= 1 Sq.mtr.

Construction cost Rs. 16000 per sq. mtr. is equal to Rs. 1495 per sq.ft.

Sale price of Rs.350000 per sq.mtr. is equal to Rs. 32710 per sq.ft.



The present proposal is an affront of the CORRUPT to the fair name of

Mahatma Jyotiba Phule.

A proposal which restores Public Interest will be a tribute to this name.





May Lord Ganesh give wisdom to everyone to follow

The virtuous path of Public Service;

To Be inspired by the ideals of Jyotiba Phule,

And not desecrate his name and memory with their CORRUPTION.







shailesh gandhi

Ganesh Chaturthi, 2007







Supporting Organisations

For Saving Our Interests against our CORRUPT Jaichands

1.BCAS Foundation

2. Federation of H-West Ward, Citizen’s trust.

3. Bandra Reclamation Area Voluntary Organisation.

4. Gen. A.K.Vaidya Nagar Rahivasi Sangh

5. Bandra Bandstand Residence Association

6. Nagar

7. Clean- air

8. Clean Sweep

9. S North Ward Citizen’s Federation.

10. Gazdar Scheme Residence Trust

11. Oval Cooperage Resident’s Association.

12. Khar Resident’s Association

13. Mahiti Adhikar Manch

14. Juhu Scheme Resident’s Association

15. Whistleblower’s India

16. Agni

17.JVPD tenants and Resident’s Association.

18. Bombay Catholic Sabha

19. F/North Ward Citizen’s Forum.

20. I Love Mumbai

jawabdya abhiyaan

September 12, 2007
Yes, the proposal to implement the Crawford Market was passed yesterday in the House in BMC. S.K.Nangia, Bhaskar Prabhu, Francis and I were there to witness this treachery by our Corporators.
But we will now do the following:
1. Try the means outlined below to stop this proposal.
2. Launch a JAWABDYA CAMPAIGN.
The Citizens movement for accountability will come out stronger at the end of this.


JAWABDYA ABHIYAN


Background: It is common knowledge that the Crawford Market redevelopment plan passed in the BMC house on 11 September will result in a Public loss of over 1000 crores. This was also explained to, and understood by about 85 BMC Corporators including the House leaders of the Shiv Sena, BJP, Congress, Samajwadi Party and MNS. Citizens have spoken to them, and various important Corporators like Shubha Raul, Ravindra Waikar, Sunil Prabhu, Yogesh Sagar, Rajhans Singh, Shailaja Girkar, Vijaya Dhulla, Upendra Doshi and Asma Sheikh had agreed that the proposal was not in Public interest and they would oppose it.

Yet this passed with the tacit support of all these parties.

The reason for this dishonesty is clearly seen by the Citizens as brazen CORRUPTION.

Without any sting operation, the evidence is there for all to see.

Only the NCP and Adolf D’souza walked out of the house to protest.



We will approach the Commissioner to stop this proposal. We have been advised that he can do it, and we expect that the Commissioner will be more true to Public Interest than our elected representatives. If that fails, there are some prominent Citizens willing to take the matter to Court.

However, let us also take this opportunity to bring demand greater accountability from our elected representatives. Let us launch a

“ Jawabdya Abhiyan”. Ask them to give us answers to our questions, and explain this reality of the evidence of CORRUPTION to Citizens. We will try and do it by separate meetings with our Corporators at various places. Let us question them intensely for the next three months, so that they realize there is a political cost for their CORRUPTION. They took our votes as individuals, and must answer our questions as individuals.

These are the suggested questions. Also, please innovate to keep this issue in the minds of Citizens. Let us not forget the Jaichands.



We elected you as a Corporator to serve and safeguard our interests. We feel you have let us down, and want answers to our following questions.

1. Do you agree that you are personally responsible to your constituents? Yes / No.

2. Did you act against Public interest because of orders from your party leaders? Yes / No.

3. Citizens see that the passing of this proposal was an act against Public

Interest which is a loss to every Mumbaikar of Rs.1000. We feel the only

reason for this action is CORRUPTION. Do you agree?

Yes / No

4. If you do not agree please give us the reasons for so many Corporators not safeguarding our interest?











Name of Corporator: Party:

Meeting/ Telephone:

Place of meeting or telephone number on which you spoke.

Name and phone number of Citizens:

for further details contact shailesh gandhi on: shaileshgan@gmail.com

the 6000 cr update

The Citizen's effort to save 6000 crores has now been able to reach 90 people who can stop this. This list has 82 Corporators, 2 MPs, and 2 MLAs
apart from three senior party leaders and the Municipal Commissioner. Various Citizens have reached them by personal meetings and by Telephone.
Suresh Nangia, Silloo Marker, Laxmidas Thakker , Aftab Siddique, Gerson da'cunha, Vidya Vaidya, Daphne Warapen, Sandeep Jalan, G.R.Vora, Maria D'souza,
John Miranda are amongst the Citizens who have been able to contact and talk to them. The champion is Rajesh Drak who alone with a sweet voice has been able to contact over 30 -all on the telephone! I have persuaded him to share his talk, and am reproducing it below, for all of us to learn how effective he has been. I know others
are also trying. A little effort please; if we can reach about 180 Corporators by end August, we might be able to save our 6000 crores.
Modus Operandi of eliciting responses
Guess the mother tongue from the name & speak in the language of receiver, viz.Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati, English, etc.
Specimen talk given below (1 for caller, 2 for receiver) :
1) Hello, Juhu sey Rajesh Darak bol raha hoon. Kya ek minute apse phone pe baat kar sakta hoon?
2) Kya hai?
1) Crawford Market development ke barey main
2) Boliye
1) Kuch dino pehle BMC mein yeh proposal aane wala tha, jisme builder ko Rs.105 crore ka kharch hone wala tha aur Rs.1050 crore ka napha hone wala tha. Matlab 1 rupaiye ka kharch aur 10 rupaiye ka nafaa. Kya aapko nahi lagta ki isme public ka bahoot nuksan hota tha?
2) Haan par woh proposal to aaya hi nahi.
1) Agar bhavishya mein dubara ees roop mein yeh proposal laya gaya to aap uska virodh karenge na?
2)....................
1) Dhanyavaad saheb / madam
2) .......................
Rajesh Darak
The list so far:


Id Name of Person Party Position Citizen's name Meeting at Telephone Date & time Proposal bad Proposal good Reasons
1 Sanjay Raut Shiv Sena MP shailesh gandhi Saamna off.
10 July, 6.00pm Agrees


2 Jairaj Phatak
Municipal Comm. shailesh office at MCGM
12 July, 2.00pm Agrees


3 Adolf D'souza Independent Corporator 50 Citizens Nimkar library
21July, 6.30pm Agrees


4 Ravindra Waikar Shiv Sena Corporator vidya, pk das, srg off. At MCGM
19 July, 4.30pm Agrees


5 Ravindra Pawar NCP Senior leader shailesh
20520766 19 July, 11.00am Agrees


6 Vidya Chavan NCP Corporator shailesh telephone 9967356011 20 July, 10.00am Agrees


7 Asif Zakaria Congress Corporator 50 Citizens Nimkar Library
21 July, 6.30pm Agrees


8 Milind Deora Congress MP shailesh Khetan Bhavan
23 July, 4.00pm Agrees


9 Shailaja Girkar BJP Corporator S.K. Nangia personal
26 July, 11.30am Agrees


10 Yogesh Sagar BJP Corporator S.K.Nangia; Sandeep; Rajesh personal
26 July, 1.30pm Agrees


12 Vijaibhai Girkar BJP VP, State S.K.Nangia
9820180595 27 July, 10.20am Agrees


13 Jaya Singh Tiwana Congress Corporator S.K.Nangia
66992230 27Jul, 12.40pm Agrees


14 Aslam Shaikh Congress Corporator S.K.Nangia; Rajesh
9820397011 27 Jul, 12.50pm Agrees


15 Shubhada Gudekar Shiv Sena Corporator S.K.Nangia
9820397011 27 Jul, 4.50pm
Yes will meet
16 Ashish Shelar BJP Corporator shailesh gandhi; Daphne Bandra residence
28 Jul, 10.30am Agrees


17 Upendra Doshi Congress Corporator G.R.Vora
Telephone 28 Jul, 12.35pm Agrees


18 Anahita Mehta Congress Corporator shailesh gandhi
9820524441 29 Jul, 9.50am Agrees


19 Ashok Sawant Shiv Sena Corporator Aftab Siddique

2 Aug 7.45pm
No comment

20 Jayant Siroya Congress Corporator Aftab Siddique

28 Jul, 7pm Agrees


21 Terattil Alice Johnson Congress Corporator Aftab Siddique; Sandeep

28 july, 7.30pm Agrees


22 Tushar Aphaley MNS VP Bandra (W) Aftab Siddique

23 July,8pm Agrees


23 Mangesh Sangle MNS Corporator Aftab Siddique

23 Ju, 8.30pm Agrees


24 Baba Siddique Congress MLA Maria D'souza
Telephone 30 Jul, 9.30pm Agrees


25 Raghunath Thevai Congress Corporator Silloo Marker

30 July, 7.30pm Agrees
15 party workers present
26 Sheetal Mhatre Congress Corporator Sandeep Jalan
9867322422 30 July, 5pm Agrees


27 Amin Patel Congress Corporator Sandeep Jalan
9820105761 1 Aug, 2.30pm Agrees


28 Dyanmurti Sharma BJP Corporator Sandeep; Rajesh
9867714946 30 Jul, 5.30pm Agrees


29 Vinod Shekhar Congress Corporator Sandeep Jalan, Gerson
9821177222 1 Aug, 8.15pm Agrees


30 Bhalchandra Mhatre Shiv Sena Corporator Rajesh Darak
9821879246 6 Aug, 7.30pm Agrees


31 Sujata Patekar Shiv Sena Corporator Rajesh Darak
9820702712 6 Aug, 7.35pm Agrees


32 Vinod Ghedia BJP Corporator Rajesh Darak
9820325579 6 Aug, 7.45pm Agrees


33 Namdeo Khursange NCP Corporator Rajesh Darak
9867169753 6 Aug, 7.50pm Agrees


34 Vinay Patil Congress Corporator Rajesh Darak
9820821420 6 Aug, 7.55pm
No comment Party decides
35 Simantini Narkar Shiv Sena Corporator Rajesh Darak
9869011135 6 Aug, 8.05pm
No comment Party decides
36 Pravin Shah BJP Corporator Rajesh Darak
9322704829 6 Aug, 8.10pm Agrees


37 Bharat Kini BJP Corporator Rajesh Darak;Nangia
9833370332 6 Aug, 8.20pm
No comment

38 Kshtija Pujari BJP Corporator Rajesh Darak
9892882195 6 Aug, 8.35pm Agrees


39 Ajanta Yadav Congress Corporator Rajesh Darak
9867034967 6, Aug, 8.40pm Agrees


40 Geeta Yadav Congress Corporator Rajesh Darak
9892850871 6 Aug, 8.50pm Agrees


41 Baldevsingh Manku Congress Corporator Rajesh Darak
9869215151 6 Aug, 9.00pm
No comment Party decides
42 Dr. Ram Barot BJP Corporator Rajesh Darak
9869080789 6 Aug, 9.05pm Agrees


43 Anita Ghag MNS Corporator Vidya Vaidya, Tushar Aphale
9892289321
Agrees


44 Bhomsingh Rathod Congress Corporator Rajesh Darak
9869044884 7 Aug, 9.40pm Agrees


45 Sadashiv Patil Shiv Sena Corporator Rajesh Darak
9821416005 7 Aug,10.10pm
No comment Party decides
47 Dikshita Shah Congress Corporator Rajesh Darak
9324435499 7 Aug, 10.25pm
No time

49 Sunil Prabhu Shiv Sena Corporator Rajesh Darak
9821093488 7 Aug, 10.35pm Agrees


50 Sumangal Koltharkar Shiv Sena Corporator Rajesh Darak
9223270734 7 Aug, 10.40pm Agrees


51 R.R.Patil Congress Corporator Rajesh Darak
9867112171 7 Aug 10.45pm Agrees


52 Dilip Shinde Shiv Sena Corporator Rajesh Darak
9819322322 7 Aug, 10.50pm Agrees


53 Sayyad Bargena SP Corporator Rajesh Darak
9870477866 7 Aug, 11.00pm Agrees


54 Kamlesh Yadav Congress Corporator S.K. Nangia
9820331378 5 Aug Agrees


55 Shiv Kumar Jha Independent Corporator S.K.Nangia
9323042901 5 Aug Agrees


56 Rajul Vyas Congress Corporator S.K.Nangia
9869928901 7 Aug Agrees


57 Sandhya Doshi NCP Corporator S.K.Nangia

7 Aug Agrees


58 P.U. Mehta Congress MLA S.K.Nangia
9820181020 27 Jul, 12.30pm Agrees


59 Shirish Chowgule MNS Corporator Vidya Vaidya, Tushar Aphale
9820371991
Agrees


60 Mangesh Sangale MNS Corporator Vidya Vaidya, Tushar Aphale
9820349166
Agrees


61 Parmeshwar Kadam MNS Corporator Vidya, Tushar
9222124443
Agrees


62 Shaila Lande MNS Corporator Vidya, Tushar
9833201646
Agrees


63 Rajendra Lad MNS Corporator Vidya, Tushar
981632347
Agrees


64 Suhbha Raul Mayor
shailesh gandhi

8 Aug, 5.25pm Agrees


65 Pramod Mandrekar Congress Corporator shailesh
9821166447 8 Aug, 5.35pm Agrees


66 Raj Hans Singh Congress Corporator shailesh

11 Jul, Agrees


67 Raghunath Jhaveri Congress Corporator G.R.Vora


Agrees


68 Upendra Doshi Congress Corporator G.R. Vora

28 Jul, 12.35pm Agrees


69 Kavita Rodricks Congress Corporator John Miranda Corporator's home
11 Aug, 10.00am Agrees


70 Vilas Chawry Independent Corporator Daphne Warapen



No comment

71 Maske BJP Corporator Laxmidas Thakker
932440776 14 Aug 8.30am Agrees


72 Kotak Manoj BJP Corporator Laxmidas Thakker
25690532 14 Aug, 8.40am Agrees


73 Hamid Shah BJP Corporator Laxmidas Thakker
25610104 14 Aug, 10.15am Agrees


74 Avtarkaur Sobti Congress Corporator Laxmidas Thakker
923290016 14 Aug, 8.50am Agrees


75 Rajul Patel Shiv Sena Corporator Rajesh Darak
9323801469 8 Aug 9.20pm Agrees


77 Devendra Amberkar Congress Corporator Rajesh Darak
9322290027 9 Aug, 9.15pm Agrees


78 Jyostna Dighe Congress Corporator Rajesh Darak
98213213222 9 Aug, 9.20pm Agrees


79 Bharti Ghongade Congress Corporator Rajesh Darak
9892732191 15 Aug,11.45am Agrees


80 Barudgar Aziz Congress Corporator Rajesh Darak
9867157777 18Aug,6.40pm Agrees


81 Jayanti Siroya Congress Corporator Rajesh Darak
9869201931 18 Aug,6.45pm Agrees


82 Shailesh Parab Shiv Sena Corporator Rajesh Darak
9322515448 15 Aug,11.50am Agrees


83 Sheikh Sabirabi Congress Corporator Rajesh Darak
200574751 15Aug,11.55am Agrees


84 Ramesh Latke Shiv Sena Corporator Rajesh Darak
9869008179 18Aug,7.05pm Agrees


85 Clive Dias Congress Corporator Rajesh Darak
9821336231 18Aug,7.10pm Agrees


86 Roshan Dudwadkar Congress Corporator Rajesh Darak
9870000281 18Aug,7.15pm Agrees


87 Kamlesh Rai Congress Corporator Rajesh Darak
9820006067 18Aug,7.20pm Agrees


88 Nitin Salagara Congress Corporator Rajesh Darak
9867656612 18Aug,7.25pm Agrees


89 Manohar Panchal Shiv Sena Corporator Rajesh Darak
9869184184 18Aug,7.30pm Agrees


90 Shashikant Patkar Shiv Sena Corporator Rajesh Darak

4 further details contact: shailesh gandhi on: shaileshgan@gmail.com

RTI WORKSHOP...

Indian Merchants' Chamber



Intensive half-day Workshop organized by

Indian Merchants' Chamber, Mumbai on



Right to Information



Conducted by





Mr Shailesh Gandhi

(RTI activist)





Saturday, 13th October, 2007 from 12.30 pm to 6.30 pm

in the Kilachand Conference Room (2nd Flr), IMC



Programme



12.30 pm
Registration and Tea



1.00 pm to 2.00 pm
Historical, political and legal perspective of Right to Information and its importance



2.00 pm to 4.00 pm
Provisions of RTI Act, 2005



4.00 pm to 4.15 pm
Tea Break



4.15 pm to 5.15 pm
Case Studies



5.15 pm to 6.30 pm
Practical workshop exercise







There is no participation fee. Citizens interested in participating should register with Mr S N Gaitonde / Mr Shailesh Joshi on Tel. No. 2204 6633 extn. 133 / 114 or by email: asst@imcnet.org;gs8@imcnet.org



This event is organized by the Anti-Corruption Cell of IMC, whose Chairman is Mr. J F Ribeiro and Co-Chairman is Mr. Satish Sahney.