Mumbai Election Watch
AGNI, Association for Democratic Reform, Bombay Catholic Sabha, Citispace, Dignity Foundation, NAGAR, Public Concern for Government Trust
WHY YOU SHOULD VOTE
1. MLAs make laws
2. MLAs influence policy
3. MLAs can ask questions and obtain clarifications in the Assembly on behalf of their constituents
4. MLAs have access to discretionary funds to use in their constituency
5. The allocation of funds is Rs.1 crore per annum for 5 years the tenure of the MLAs
6. Given below is a broad outline of some of the areas where the discretionary funds can be used. Some projects may not be relevant for our constituency and some may appear ambiguous as they have been translated from Marathi ! Amounts given are only indicative.
| 1 | Community Hall | Rs 10 lacs |
| 2. | Library, including external structure, furniture and fixtures, provided 10& of the fund are directly invested in books | Rs 10 lacs |
| 3. | Road Improvement, including Foot Bridges, Stone Pavements and Drainage | Rs 10 lacs |
| 4. | Banks/sides of Nalla, Kolhapure style | Rs 15 lacs |
| 5. | Water Supply | Rs 10 lacs |
| 6. | Educations – Schools for Scheduled Caste | Rs 10 lacs |
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| Schools for Tribal Areas | Rs 10 lacs |
| 7. | Gym/Health | Rs 10 lacs |
| 8. | Cremation Ground | Rs 10 lacs |
| 9. | Four Cross-road | Rs 10 lacs |
| 10. | Flood. Disaster Rehab | Rs 15 lacs |
| 11. | District Office | Rs 5 lacs |
| 12. | Beautification of Open Spaces, Waterfronts, Ponds, Rivers, Forts, Pavements, Bus Terminus, Tree Guards etc. | Rs 10 lacs |
| 13. | Compound Walls | Rs 10 lacs |
| 14. | Cleanliness & Toilets | Rs 10 lacs |
| 15. | Public Utilities in declared slums | Rs 10 lacs |
IMPORTANT
1. The elected MLA will have to deliver on specific projects over 5 years.
2. This is their duty.
3. There is money for it.
4. The citizens responsibility must be to give the elected MLA our wish list.
5. It is wrong to ask after 5 years of silence what the MLA has done for us.
Suggestion: With this information MEW 187 can draft a wish-list for our constituency by a method of consensus. Perhaps, to start with, all Resident Associations could make up their individual wish-lists, which could then be collated, sent around, and finalized at a joint meeting, where a final consolidated list of demands could be drawn up. Other suggestions on haw to go about this would be very welcome.
Of course, all this would be effective only if we, the constituents, engage with the MLA and demand from them what we need in a continuous and sustained manner.
On behalf of MEW 187
Nayana Kathpalia Neeraj Punj Gul Asrani
187
Mumbai Election Watch
AGNI, Association for Democratic Reform, Bombay Catholic Sabha, Citispace, Dignity Foundation, NAGAR, Public Concern for Government Trust
Mumbai Citizens Charter
MAHARASHTRA ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 2009
The Maharashtra Assembly Elections are set for October 13, 2009. Vital problems and needs of Citizens come under the purview of the State Assembly. The following Charter emerges from consultation with Citizens, we demand:
1. Better quality of life !
Bijlee: Uninterrupted electricity at affordable prices
Paani: Adequate supply of safe, potable water on a reliable, regular basis
Sadak: Discourage private vehicles, encourage public transport, Smooth traffic, Walkways. Quick Implementation of projects (e.g. flyovers, Metro etc.)
Makaan: Implement plans to build 11 lakh low cost housing units,. Those benefited must bear a reasonable part of the costs, security of tenure. Access to credit form organized financial sector. Social amenities and infrastructure. Rental housing , not just ownership
Protect Open spaces: save them from “caretakers” and vested interests
Take Effective steps: against hoarders to check prices and ensure better public distribution systems for all essential commodities.
2. Rule of Law, Better policing !
Ensure strict impartial enforcement of law and speedy justice
Oppose politics: that divide people on religion, caste, region, language basis
Adopt recommendations of Police Commissions: save the Police from political control –investigation and prosecuting machinery must be free from control / interference
3. Citizen Consultation and Participation !
Enforce Citizen Charter and ensure accountability: on promised services
No arbitrary changes by government: in development control regulations and
Development Plans without prior consultation with citizens
Set up a calendar: for consultation with citizens in the constituency
Consult with them: on how MLA discretionary funds shall be spent
Pass the Nagar Raj Bill: in harmony with the letter and spirit of the Model Bill circulated by Government e.g. Area Sabhas (AS) for 4/5 polling booth areas, obligatory consultation with them, election of AS representatives etc
Pass the public Disclosure law: Citizens must be well informed on issues of their interest. Enforce compliance with Section 4 of the RTI Act 2005. (Suo motu, Proactive disclosure by government departments)
