Newsletter dated July 27th, 2008: for distribution to all Delhi RWA Chiefs

People’s Inauguration of RTR Flyover: This year began with People’s Action members along with URJA functionaries making a strong point regarding the habit of VIPs to hold up projects just because they do not have time for inaugurations. Based on information collected through media persons, when it was found by us that the RTR Flyover was blocked only because it was waiting for an official inauguration by a VIP, we took the step of organising a “people’s inauguration” where members of People’s Action along with various prominent RWA members collectively cut the ribbon and pronounced the flyover open. This act has generated a huge amount to goodwill among all residents of Delhi and some have started doing the same thing in their areas.

Case in High Court on Yamuna issue: The hearings on the issue of allowing constructions on the river Yamuna banks under the garb of Commonwealth Games Village came to a close in March and the order has been reserved by the Hon’ble Judges. While most members are very uncomfortable due to the long time the Judges are taking to pronounce judgement fearing that a case of fait accompli will be forced on us due to the constructions already going on, they can only wait and hope for the best. However, as things stand and as we have seen recently the courts are no longer comfortable handing out proactive judgements based on PILs and the recent controversy initiated by Justice Markandeya Katju is a case in point. It has to also be noted that not since the CNG case has any PIL of reasonable importance ever been in favour of the people.

People’s Action petitions NHRC for Blueline Victim compensation: People’s Action members along with RWA representatives form various areas of Delhi petitioned the national Human Rights Commission to look into the case of compensation for Blueline victims. The group argued that while the Delhi government was willing to offer Rs 1 lakh compensation to the Badarpur victims where 8 people died together, it was not willing to offer the same to individual deaths which are happening on a daily basis. The argument was further bolstered when the Delhi Government easily issued a gratuity to victims of a jhuggi fire in East Delhi which had no liability of the government. However, due to the matter under question being taken up the High Court in a suo moto case, the NHRC has avoided intervening into the issue. The matter has reached a positive turn in Court where it is believed that the Court is considering the transfer of the fine imposed on Blueline buses to victims’ families.

Confusion on HCBS/BRT scheme kills: The scandalously illogical BRT corridor continues to create chaos for lakhs of commuters in South Delhi on a daily basis while the CM and the Chief Secretary sing its praises. It is another matter that the corridor has already killed five innocent people and will continue to do so until it is removed. Poeple’s Action had sent a 21-point questionnaire that challenged the basis of the entire scheme and it is becoming more and more clear that the concept, design and implementation of this ill-fated project was wrong from day one. The project has been delayed continuously since it started and we predict that it will be called off sooner or later – the irony would be the amount of tax payer’s money wasted on this insane project just for the mulishness of the CM along with a few childish professors form the IIT transport department

Delhi Budget disappoints - Minister fudges power waiver issue: Power issues misrepresented by Finance Minister: People’s Action has reacted with dismay by the tame budget proposed by the Government which did not address the key issues of power, water, transport, traffic, security or cost of living. Except for an abnormal spend on new buses at the end of its tenure, which in itself is suspicious, there seemed to be no urgency to attack the issues of real concern to Delhi-ites. We were also disappointed that the Finance Minister who also happens to be the Power minister actually tried to pass off a misleading statement in the Assembly suggesting that disputed outstanding of over 5 lakh consumers was being waived off – the information was received with shock by honest bill payers who wondered why such payments were absolved. But a greater fraud had been played on the people because as it turns out according to The Electricity Act 2003 any outstanding amounts beyond a 2-year terms is in any case unrecoverable. “The Finance Minister is guilty of passing off a write-off as a waiver,” said Mr. Sanjay Kaul, reacting to this news.
 
Power, Multi Year Tariffs and DERC directions: Our campaign to force the government back on Multi Year tariffs has worked insofar that the paltry 5 paise increase ordered by the DERC was immediately subsided by the
government for fear of a backlash in election year. However, we have pointed out to the Government that the 5 paise across the board increase actually goes against Government policy as in percentage terms it increases the burden most on the lowest consumer of electricity. At the same time, power companies have continued to disrupt power supply at whim particularly in areas where they claim there is a higher incidence of theft. What we want to know is why even after five years and the Government’s full support as ell as the CISF at their beck and call they have not solved the problem? Consequently, the honest consumer continues to suffer for no fault of his. Worse news has come in from the Government set-up Electricity Committee that ahs confirmed that almost all meters are running fast by an average of 2.5 %. This shocking revelation has proved the point of most residents who have been saying that bills have increased exponentially since new meters were installed.

Update on Resident Ward Committees [RWC] : We have made considerable progress in promoting the concept of the RWC within the MCD top brass and a series of meetings that were held with the Chairman Standing Committee, Mr. Vijendra Gupta, Leader of the House Mr. Subhash Arya, Leader of Opposition Mr. J.K. Sharma culminated in a meeting called by the Mayor Ms. Arti Mehra specially to discuss the issue. Although we have received signals that the leadership within the MCD is beginning to see the long term benefits of such a scheme, we are awaiting a formal agreement to proceed on this. For this purpose we have already drawn up terms and conditions and rules and regulations for RWC functioning and submitted draft versions to the MCD leaders. In addition, to allay their concerns of unruly meetings, People’s Action has offered to mentor the programme for at least 18 months where a representative of the group will be present as a Moderator or Observer to ensure smooth functioning and record of proceedings. 

Death of Mr I.F. Stevens: We regret to inform members of the death of Mr. I.F. Stevens, Gen. Secretary of Ranjit Nagar RWA and a man of deep integrity, courage and loyalty. Mr. Stevens has stood steadfast with URJA ever since he joined in 2005 and has remained consistent to the ideals and ideas we have shared. His contribution during candidate selection for Municipal Elections is praiseworthy and he will be remembered as a true comrade.

URJA Zonal Committee Members: Names of members who are desirous of taking the responsibility of being zonal committee members have been finalized and is being circulated separately.

URJA approached by NITC, a health & lifestyle products company for special sales promotion for RWAs.

NITC, a company engaged in introducing innovative imported convenience, health and lifestyle products,  has approached URJA to offer its members a special promotional campaign where RWAs can ask for exclusive demonstration of their products within their colonies and will also receive a special price on the products.

According to the company brief, NITC is currently offering five unique products which make life easier for everyone  senior citizens , working executives & house wives . Their current range of products includes:
[1] Massage Cushion - can be used on a chair, in the office or while driving. Provides relief to all nervous points along the back., reduces stress, tension and fatigue, improves blood circulation, relieves pain in joints and back . [2] Massage pillow  - provides excellent back support and vibration while watching TV or driving or even in an office chair. This is battery operated and completely portable.
[3] Clothes dryer - a stand alone portable electrical unit, uses a bare minimum of space to dry clothes in any season specially in monsoon and winter when ordinary cotton clothes can be dried within 45 minutes to an hour, It is very useful where there is limitation of space and where you do not want to hang your expensive clothes outside. This can be also used as home heater in winters.
[4] Spa massager - can be conveniently used in a bath tub and work as jacuzzi at a fraction of the cost.
[5] Foldable walking stick –a big relief for senior citizens provides very comfortable support  with a vibrating hand message. It also has a night-light which can be used to negotiate pathways,

NITC has offered that RWAs can ask for a free demonstration on any day where members of the colony can get together. A special rate discount has been decided for RWA members.

To arrange for a Free demonstration, please contact : Mr. Rajiv Mehra
NITC, D-18/1, Okhla Industrial Area Phase-I, New Delhi-20
   Tel: 91-11-26814109, 26817474  Fax: 91-11-26814422
 Email: rajiv@nitcgroup.com