Let's Ecoplore!

सरकार FDI, मुस्लिम कोटा और अन्य हत्कंडे उठाकर देश और मीडिया का ध्यान लोकपाल से हटाने की पूरी कोशिस कर रही है. पर इस बार हमें इन powerful लोगों के षड़यंत्र में नहीं फसना है. जिस तरह से Britishers ने Divide and Rule policy अपनाकर करीब 200 वर्षों तक हम पर शाशन किया था, उसी प्रकार देश की बिभिन पार्टियाँ भी पिछले 60 सालों से हमें जाती, धर्मं, भाषा और अन्य बिन्दुओं पर विभाजित करके शाशन करती आई है. अब नहीं! इन कुछ शक्तिशाली व्यक्तियों ने हमेशा अपने power को बचाने के लिए फुट डालो और राज करो का तरीका अपनाया है और लोकपाल के मुद्दे पर भी वही कर रहे हैं. इस बार किसी हालत में हमें उनके षड़यंत्र में नहीं फसना है. हम मजबूत लोकपाल लेके ही रहेंगे. और एकता हमारी बहुत बड़ी ताकत है. अगर भारत की 1.2 crore जनता एकजुट हो जाये और उसमें से केवल 10% भी सड़क पर उतर आये तो एक मजबूत लोकपाल बनने को कोई नहीं रोक सकता. इसलिए हमें अपनी एकता को और मजबूत करना है और powerful लोगों के खिलाफ जीत हासिल करना ही है. No one can stop us from winning this time Stay UNITED and victory is ours! Jai हिंद द्वारा/By एक आम नागरिक ...

Govt has played its master card in the battle between people in power and the aam admi. By raising the issue of providing quota for Muslims within 27% OBC quota, it is trying to create rift between Hindus and Muslims just like Britishers did to continue their colonial rule for more than 200 years. By quota for Muslims, govt is also trying to divert media and people’s attention from the contentious issue of Lokpal. Political parties have realized specially the congress that it is now very difficult for them to continue their hold on power, so they will try everything to break the unity of common Indian which has been created by Anna Hazare’s movement. Water is boiling and we should not let it cool till we succeed in our mission and get a strong Lokpal Bill passed. We all have to stay united at any cost and not allow state actors to win over the united power of the people. Indians, we will win this time!

Friday, Sept 23, 2011 2:00 PM I was working in the morning shift on News Desk. Nawab Pataudi’s funeral was the day driver. Around 1PM, camera crew came to the newsroom and started preparing for a newsroom interview. At 2PM, former Chief Justice of India (CJI) KG Balakrishnan arrived and Editor-in-Chief Rajdeep Saradesai was there to interview him. Accused in misusing the most revered office, Ex-CJI Balakrishnan was not here to answer questions related to the blots in his service. But, he was here to answer queries regarding National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which is being headed by him currently. His predecessor Justice J S Verma publicly demanded Balakrishnan’s resignation as the chief of NHRC citing his involvement in several corruption cases. But, Balakrishnan refused to resign and even comment on Justice Verma’s demand. The purpose behind writing this piece is to share with you that for the first time, I posed a question to a guest in the newsroom. And that too, to a ...

Right Not to Vote/Right To Reject/Negative Voting/None of the Above is a campaign for inclusion of ‘None of the Above’ button in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM). It aims to provide all citizens, the right to reject all candidates so as to document their distrust against politicians. Why Negative Voting? Article 19 guarantees Freedom of Speech and Expression. Universal Adult Franchise provides freedom to make a choice amongst a list of contestants during General and State elections. But, the present system of EVM fails to lend the right to reject. Reject all candidates if no one deserves the parliamentary or assembly seat. If Freedom of Expression has freedom to make a choice, shouldn’t the same freedom also guarantee freedom to reject? Isn’t refusal of right to reject an indirect violation of our fundamental rights? How will it be implemented? A ‘None of the Above’ (NOTA) button need to be added to the EVM. Voter who does not find any of the listed candidates deserving hi...

My Dear Countrymen, People’s movement against corruption is a peaceful movement. I plead my countrymen not to resort to any kind of violence. We all need to stay united and calm at this crucial juncture. It’s the time to act wisely, calm down our anger and protest peacefully. If we indulge in any violence, it will be the ordinary citizens who will face maximum loss. Our politicians will sit in their bulletproof rooms and watch the bloodshed on road. I appeal all Indians not get instigated by the wrongful intentions of our govt and opposition parties. All our political parties are together trying to suppress the movement by hook or by crook. At this time of crisis, we have to stay united and not get swayed away by the divisive intentions of our govt. So, please • Maintain Peace • Do not shout any abusive slogans • Do not use any abusive word in your banner against any particular politician • Do not get drunk and come to protest site • If you see any drunkard, politely reques...

My first visit to a police station…Went to Kamla Market Police station (near Ramlila Maidan) today…. A family was looking for their missing dear one…A 51 year old Rakesh Jain, Jan Lokpal supporter who was fasting since August 16 has been missing since August 23. He used to hold a broom in his hand and clean the litter thrown by others. If anyone finds him at or near Ramlila Maidan (New Delhi), pls contact Ramesh Jain 09971010724…. Also met a pick picketer at the police station who tried stealing mobile out of cops pocket…He was a young rag picker who pleaded that it was his first theft and promised never to do it again…Memorable practical experiences…Thanks to Team Anna for uniting India and giving me an opportunity to learn a lot! India will win…Govt will have to bow before people’s power…. Our democracy will be strengthened

A handicapped man from Gwalior (MP) shut his business and came down to Delhi all alone to support Anna Hazare…A young couple with a small kid came from Darbhanga (Bihar) to express their solidarity…A man reached Ramlila Maidan immediately the next day of his mother-in-law’s funeral…A lower middle class lady struggling to earn for her family left her interview and contributed towards changing the nation…. Lots of such hidden stories not highlighted at Anna’s pavilion.. Criticizers still believe that movement is sustaining due to BJP…. please witness the spot and then form your opinions

It’s sorrowful that people ruling our nation are anti-Indian. Today when India is on streets demanding answers from our politicians, most of them are mute passing the ball in each other’s court. Its surprising that leaders who are ready to defect their party if they don’t get power and position…Today, we don’t have even a single honest and dedicated politician within UPA who is ready to defect his/her party for the wrong decisions their party has taken with respect to the nation. India is ashamed of its incompetent leaders. Where is the wisdom of our highly educated PM? Why is he keeping mum? What is our govt waiting for? It’s ironical that today people are compelled to fight against their own representatives and even if the govt is dissolved, the hapless Indians have no option but to elect an alternative, which is equally bad!

For the first time, I saw illiterate and literate people not throwing litter on ground....the same people who are in a habit of throwing packets on the road were throwing it in dustbin....crowd of about 1 lakh people peacefully protesting without creating chaos...following instructions without an argument....not breaking any rules....MCD cleaning the ground with full sincerity...Police on duty checking every entrant properly....people voluntarily picking up dirt from ground and throwing it in dustbins..distributing food and water with full devotion..helping each other without looking at caste, status and class...stranger talking to a stranger...such unity is rare to be spotted...I haven't seen it in my life....Those who have still not experienced the unity on streets of India....please do come once and witness the change....Please do experience history...May be we won't get another chance! Delhites may visit Ramlila Maidan...others can reach the site of protest in their own to...

Jan Lokpal Bill establishes ‘Grievance Redressal System’ Every govt office will have Citizen’s Charter that will mention which govt servant will do what work and in how much time. Any citizen whose any govt work (like making of birth certificate, ration card, passport, transfer cases etc.) is not done within the time frame mentioned in Citizen’s Charter, then that citizen can complain to the Public Grievance Redressal Officer (Senior most officer of every govt office will be a designated as Public Grievance Redressal Officer) who has to get the work done within 30 days of receiving the complaint. If the work is still not done within 30 days of complaint, then citizens can go to Appellate Grievance Officer (to be appointed by Lokpal in every district) who cannot close the complain without resolving or rejecting it. Govt’s Lokpal Bill doesn’t talk about ‘Grievance Redressal System’ that will redress the corruption faced by common man. Govt’s Lokpal can hear cases of complaint on...

Appeal all to come to the streets August 16 onwards…not for Anna but for ourselves. Here is the time for Media to unite the Indians and spread Anna’s voice in every nook and corner. Media must act like a catalyst in aggravating the cause…Once in life, journalists should stop being skeptical and restrain from spreading wrong notions under govt’s influence. Like an aam admi, let us too show our strength and get a strong Lokpal Bill passed.

On May 3 midnight, Obama declares ‘Osama is dead.’ The world wakes up with an alarm. Was it a dream or a dream come true? But world superpower’s voice cannot be misbelieved. Most wanted terrorist Osama Bin Laden was shot dead in a US Navy Seal operation in Abbottabad, Pakistan on May 2, 2011. The mastermind behind 9/11 attacks was killed in a 45-minute midnight operation Geronimo. What sent shockwaves across borders was the fact that the terror boss was hiding in the territory of our dearest enemy Pakistan. What raised an argument of debate was the fact that America had not even sent a signal to Pakistan about the high-powered Navy Seal combat. Pakistani leaders claim that their ally had violated their sovereignty. But, what shut up Pakistan is the failure of ISI to track Osama’s presence on their soil since past 6 years or so. To make the matter worse, Osama’s haven was located just a few kilometers away from Pakistan’s army cantonment. Operation Geronimo is a testimony to Pakista...

India Against Corruption’s demand for passage of a strong Lokpal Bill was not lend adequate voice till Anna Hazare went on fast and thousands joined in his support. Hazare’s fast became a media event not only because he has raised an issue that pricks every Indian. But, also because people’s movement is lending striking visuals and making good TV. But TV too is focused on rhetoric rather than meaningful discussions on essence of the bill. If we analyze TV debates, we will notice, more arguments are being made on methodology of the movement than clause-by-clause discussion on the provisions of the Bill. Bone of contention between govt and Team Anna is more highlighted than the points of agreement. The attacks on the credibility of civil society members are given prominence over the debates on the machinery of Lokpal. Public consultations hardly get any media spotlight but every baseless argument put forward by Digvijay Singh is played out live. War of words between ministers and civi...

On the basis of the meetings held on April 16, May 7, 23 and 30, below are the provisions on which members of the govt and civil society have agreed, disagreed or have reserved for further discussion. The civil society members did not attend June 6 meeting as a protest against the June 4 midnight police action at Ramlila Maidan, New Delhi. Points of agreement Lokpal Bill should provide for both- Lokpal at centre and Lokayuktas in states. Institution of Lokpal should be financially, functionally and administratively independent of the government. Its expenses will be charged from the consolidated fund of India. No sanctions from any government agency shall be required for making expenses. Lokpal will be free to decide the number of employees, their recruitment, salary and other conditions. Lokpal shall have power to make rules and regulations with respect to its functioning. After serving as Chairperson and members of Lokpal, they shall not be eligible for appointment to any of...

India Against Corruption’s crusade for passage of the Lokpal bill created an unprecedented movement across India. Fast unto death called by social activist Anna Hazare from April 5 to 9 attracted the apolitical Indians. Janta glued to their TV sets to find out what’s happening next? For the first time in post independent Indian history, people from varied backgrounds came to the streets to participate in a protest for which they were not even paid a penny. And, surprisingly the protestors were from both affluent and downtrodden backgrounds. Increasing corruption in the public system was the cause for which the crusade was on. Members of the civil society demanded the draft of a strong Lokpal Bill, which could act as a deterrent against corruption. The existing structure of the Lokpal Bill happens to be toothless tiger. Even this toothless bill had been pending in files since past 40 years. The Bill was introduced several times in the parliament between 1968-2011, but our insince...

To Central Public Information Officer Supreme Court of India, New Delhi. Tel. No.23073580/ Fax No.23384533 Name: Prerna Prasad Mailing Address: Prerna Prasad Desk Editor, News Desk Editorial Department CNN-IBN Express Trade Tower Plot 15, 16 Sector 16 A, Film City Noida, UP PIN: 201301 Email Id: prernap_prasad@yahoo.com Particulars of the information required A writ petition Civil no. 161 of 2004 was filed by People’s Union for Civil Liberties versus Union of India, regarding inclusion of ‘none of the above’ option in the Electronic Voting Machines. What is the status of the above writ petition? An order passed on February 2009 referred the matter to a constitutional bench. Has the constitutional bench taken any decision on the said writ petition? If not, what are the reasons for the delay of nearly two years in deciding this important question of great public importance? Place: Noida Date: PRERNA PRASAD

Contradicting the system of waking up late and relaxing, I woke up early on Sunday morning. Prepared my meal and was ready to be out of my house by 9 AM. The thought of travelling the distance of about 60 kilometers by a public transport did haunt me. But my inner will was so strong that it could not deviate me from my motive. I took a Metro and then a bus and reached the venue after a journey of 3 hours. You would be wondering as to where was I going and for what? Revealing the mystery, I was going to the resettlement colony in Bawana, a project site of Navjyoti (an NGO working for the unprivileged). And my purpose was teaching English to kids of 10th standard. It was my first experience of its kind. I had given lectures and presentations in my college but teaching a bunch of school kids that too from the deprived section was a challenging experience. I was informed by the Navjyoti program officer that the kids were naughty and they knew very less about the subject. This caution...

Corruption is a crime everyone is party to! Whether you wish or not, intentionally or innocently, one participates in acts of corruption on day-to-day basis. By corruption, I do not mean just payment or acceptance of bribe. On a wider sense, it refers to any action that is dishonest, violates rules or hampers the society at large. Throwing litter on road, breaking a traffic signal, deriving personal benefits out of official positions are acts of corruption. Politicians or bureaucrats are just not to be blamed for it. Every Indian contributing to corruption is responsible for the termite eating away our system. During the anti corruption movement at Jantar Mantar, every other individual I interacted to, was a witness of corruption. And, hardly anyone of them had resisted it. Most of them argued that to survive in the system they were bound to pay bribe. One man told, that if his daughter is dying and she needs blood but the blood bank is asking for bribe, what should he do? Should h...

1. Write an application addressing to the Public Information Officer of the concerned department. Mention your query, name and complete mailing address 2. Visit your nearby Post Office 3. Buy Rs.10 postal order for filing an RTI 4. Contact the information officer in the Post Office. He will attach your application to the postal order and send it to the concerned department. Keep a copy of the application with yourself. The postmaster will ask you to sign in a register and will provide a receiving letter. The entire process of filing an RTI costs just Rs.10 and will consume an hour. But, its result may be transforming. The applicant is supposed to receive the information on the given mailing address within 30 days plus 5 days (postal transaction). If the information is not sought within 35 days, the applicant can write to the appellate authority.

If we have a ‘none of the above’ button in the Electronic Voting Machines, we can reject all candidates and threaten the politicians to distribute tickets on the basis of competency. To meet this demand, People’s Union for Civil Liberties had filed Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in 2004. In 2009, a Supreme Court bench referred the matter to a higher bench. It has been 2 years and no decision yet. I have filed a RTI in the Supreme Court asking for the reason behind the delay in decision. If you believe in the reform, please add to the pressure by filing the RTI. It will take an hour and Rs.10 to do the same but its results may be tremendous. To check the details on Supreme Court website, click http://judis.nic.in/supremecourt/chejudis.asp Case no 161 Writ Petition (Civil) Year: 2004

T his was the first article I wrote in 2009 to begin my blog. Today, Arvind Kejriwal is the leader I was hunting for and I am walking on his path. Aam Aadmi Party is the answer to all my questions. How easy is it for a common man to sit in a group, have a sip of tea/coffee and slam the corrupt politicians? How easily one can condemn Sonia Gandhi for deploying Manmohan Singh as the puppet Prime Minister? But has the same common man ever thought of bringing a change and making a difference? A govt official working in a Municipal Corporation may get allured when bribed for providing a fake birth certificate. But the same man wouldn't hesitate in accusing A Raja for his indulgence in multi-crore spectrum scam. After all, this is India (World's Largest Democracy) where everything is tolerated. I don't say criticism is wrong. But according to me, a person doesn't inherit the right to criticise until he/she performs better than the subject being criticised. One of...