Minutes of Citizens Take Charge held at B.D.Somani

 

Date: 18^th December, 2008

Venue: B.D Somani School Hall, Cuffe parade

Time: 6 p.m

Core committee members present from CTC: Mr. Ribeiro, Mr. Gerson, and Mr. Varma

 

The meeting started off with Mr. Narayan Varma the Core committee member of CTC appreciating an overwhelming response and presence on a busy working day. Mr. Varma reiterated the fact that in a scenario like the one faced on 26^th November ’08, it’s crucial that concerned citizens come together and work under one banner.

 

He then requested Mr. Ribeiro to speak plans and the trust areas for CTC.

 

Mr. Ribeiro focused on few points like working with the systems and the politicians.  Accountability and monitoring on the commitments made by leaders/ politicians. Regular meeting, discussions and implementation of changes in the systems.

 

Mr. Ribeiro informed the interested participants that the forum would specially concentrate on

·       Police reforms

·       Disaster management

·       Voters Mobilization

 

Mr. Ribeiro also informed that the secretariat would call for a meeting every month to inform the public regard the activities and the follow ups done with the government or the concerned officials

 

Mr. Ribeiro briefed on Police reforms which includes

·       Depoliticize the police force : no political interference in transfers and investigation

·       Offence to be punished

·       Investigation separated from law and order.

 

Mr. Varma requested Mr. Gerson to throw some light on voters’ mobilization and the energy this can generate for a better future.

 

 

 

Mr. Gerson explained the whole event on 26^th November as one of failure of governance and failure of policies. The need of the hour being, to set politics of the country /city right.

 

 

Mr. Gerson spoke on the energy being the citizens’ power, which is the voting power. The involvement of the young and the middle class was what he explained to all present. Mr. Gerson also explained the need to rate the candidate before election interms of his/ her Assets, liabilities, criminal records and on that basis rate candidate for the future civic elections.

 

Mr. Varma informed that the secretariat will function out of Public Concern for Governance Trust, Mahalaxmi. Suggestions welcomed on the email id: citizenstakecharge@gmail.com. Mr. Varma voice the need to involve each one present in the hall interms of action , suggestion and collect funds. He suggested the members present could chip in Rs. 100/- for CTC. He also promised that the details of the accounts would be given from time to time. 

 

Suggestion from those present:

 

·       CTC should have their own candidate for election which would make it easier for the public.

·       Invitations for such meaningful meetings should be also through SMS and other mediums to reach out to maximum number of individuals in the city.

·       Campaigns on civic action: awareness amongst youngsters in schools colleges.

·       Public meeting be organized with the Chief Minister to discuss matters of concern.

·       Small local citizen groups needs to be formed and take responsibility independently for their street/ area.

 

 

 Ms. Sarla Parikh thanked each one for their active participation. She spoke on the fact that its high time citizens came together and fought for their rights and this is the right time to begin.