Letter to the Prime Minister regarding Citizen’s list of Issues affecting Mumbai
Date: 5th Sept. 2007
Dr. Manmohan Singh
Prime Minister of India
South Block, Raisina Hill,
New Delhi,
India-110 011.
Respected Dr. Singh,
Sub.: Citizen’s list of Issues affecting Mumbai
Karmayog.org is a website that provides a networking platform for ordinary citizens and NGOs to engage with government organisations and media, as we believe that citizen’s viewpoints are necessary for holistic and doable solutions for social and civic problems. Karmayog is also the convening NGO of the NGO Council, a representative body of Civil Society Organisations and the NGO sector in Mumbai comprising a mix of organisations with complementary expertise encompassing different concerns.
We had learnt through the newspapers last week (e.g.: Indian Express, 30/8/07) that during your two day visit to Mumbai, you would be meeting with the Chief Minister, Shri Deshmukh, and the Citizen’s Action Group, (a group of prominent Mumbai citizens, chosen by the Chief Minister) to discuss issues affecting Mumbai city.
While this type of interaction is a most welcome and needed step where citizens provide feedback and suggestions to Government regarding issues that affect them, so as to enable more responsive execution of projects and delivery of services to citizens, it is unfortunate that a more representative group of citizens was not chosen. On reading the reports of the list of issues concerning Mumbai that the CAG put up to be discussed, we were dismayed that the issues listed were not those would provide relief to Mumbai’s citizens and help make this city more live-able.
We then requested citizens to write in with a list of issues that they would like to have brought before yourself, and also asked them to suggest a mechanism whereby such interaction and feedback from a greater number of citizens can be facilitated before such discussions take place at higher levels of the Government.
We have compiled the 75 responses that we received, and have also done a brief analysis of the same. The responses received are valuable as they convey the sense of anguish, anger and helplessness that Mumbai citizens feel about the deteriorating condition of their city, and also conveys their concern, understanding and knowledge of issues that affect them.
Importantly, all the responses carry the message of hope that people have, that the situation can be improved, and hence we are forwarding this compilation of citizen’s issues to you, with the firm belief that Government and civil society working hand-in-hand can find solutions to the problems that are affecting our country.
You may recall that we had written to your office earlier (in June 2006) on the need and value of “Municipality – Civil Society Partnership” in improving ordinary citizen’s lives.
(https://www.karmayog.org/ngocouncil/ngocouncil_1858.htm )
We trust that this compilation of citizen’s issues for Mumbai will be taken into consideration while prioritizing projects and funding for Mumbai. We look forward to having more interactions and discussions between Government and citizens in the future.
Yours sincerely,
Vinay Somani
Trustee, Karmayog
Enclosed:
Compilation of responses received from citizens of Mumbai listing Issues of Concern (30 pages)
c.c.:
- Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh
Chief Minister of Maharshtra
Mantralaya, Mumbai
- Dr. J. M. Phatak
Municipal Commissioner
Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai
Municipal Head Office Building,
Mahapalika Marg
Mumbai 400001