South Asia Regional Progress Report

8/8/2019 South Asia Regional Progress Report

1/30

Regional Status Report:

South Asia

Regional Coordinator: Vinay Bhargava

Report last updated: 10/05/2010Reporting Period: 04/07/2010 - 09/15/2010

Overview of Report

1. Executive Summary2. Ongoing PTF Projects3. Pipeline Projects, Completed Projects, and Regional Initiatives4. Annex 1: Ongoing Project Status Updates

1. Executive Summary

There are currently seventeen ongoing PTF projects in the South East Asia region. Nine CSOs have

completedphase-I of the Citizens Against Corruption program, of which 8 CSOs have submitted

the draft completion reports. Ten new grants are expected to be approved by March 2011.

The PTF South Asia Regional Program has been initiated according to the PTF Business Plan 2008-12and the DFID funded CAC project. Its goal is to approve 15-20 sub-projects per year, from 2009-2012,under the DFID grant. Grant amounts are about $35,000 per grant. Since the programs inception inSeptember 2008, 17 projects have been approved and are under implementation.

Local Regional Partner: As the Board is aware, PTF has entered into a partnership with the Public AffairsCenter (PAC) in Bangalore. PACs role is advisory and facilitating. PTF has executive responsibility forthe PTF Program in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, and Bangladesh. PAC is responsible fordisseminating information about the availability of PTF grants under the PTF Program and related

procedures and in identifying eligible CSOs. PTF and PAC jointly undertake the triage of applicants forfunding under the PTF Program.

Highlights of Progress during the reporting period: Please note that the updates provided in this report forSecond Tranche releases, Peer Reviews, accreditation by Credibility Alliance, Status of completionreports and their reviews are as of September 15, 2010, whereas, the CSO partners progress in therespective projects is for the period April to June 2010.

There has been significant progress during the reporting period. One workshop was held during May 2010on results framework indicators and familiarizing the formats for phase-I report completion report andphase-II concept notes. Peer Reviews were held for 9 CSOs in India. Considerable progress has beenmade in the accreditation process of NGOs by Credibility Alliance. Second tranche was released in case

of 8 CSOs from India. 5 CSO partners have to receive the second tranche yet. Nine CSOs have completedphase-I of CAC programme, of which 8 CSOs have submitted the completion reports. PTF Advisors havereviewed and suggested to improve the final reports of 5 CSOs.

One new project: A new project on Establishing Integrity Pact Cell has been approved during thereporting period, to be implemented by Transparency International (TI), India. The goal of the project isto improve the effectiveness, credibility, and sustainability of the integrity pact as a means for increasetransparency and accountability on public contracting processes and systems.


2/30

Pipeline Project: Another project Study of corruption in 10 food security schemes in 5 backward districtsof Orissa submitted by Center for Environment and Food Security (CEFS), New Delhi is under reviewfor consideration. The title of the project is Ensuring effective and corruption-free implementation offood security and poverty alleviation schemes in poorest areas of Orissa.

2. Ongoing PTF Projects

Ta le 1: Ongoing TF Projects

Country CSO &Project title

ProjectAdviser

Date GrantAgreement

Signed

# ofmonthsunder

impleme-ntation

Fundsremaining to be

disbursed

Note

1 India Reduce Corrption inNREGA and PDS,

Loisingha Block, Orissa,Adhar, Bolangir

Khalid Siraj 6.11.2009 15 #3,520 Completed inJune 2010 butrequested for 2

month extension

2 India Reducing corruption in thehealth sector, Orissa.

Ayauskam, NuapadaDistrict, Orissa

K. SarwarLateef

6.26.09 15 $4,200 Completed inJune 2010 but

requested for 3month extension

3 India Reducing Corruption in thedelivery schemes for

vulnerable peoples in urbanslums, Bangalore, Center forAdvocacy Research (CFAR)

K. SarwarLateef

7.09.09 14 $2,650 Completed inJune 2010 butrequested for 2

month extension

4 India Use of RTI to check

corruption in Rural

Development Programs in

Rajasthan. Centre of

Consumer Unity & Trust

Society (CUTS)

Khalid Siraj 4.23.09 11 $6,000 Completed in

April 2010 but

requested for

extension for 5

months

5 India Reducing corruption in drug

trial conduction, Kerala.

Jananeethi, Thrissur,

Kerala

Jagadish

Upadhyay,

Indira

Sandilya,

Karti Sandilya

6.26.09 15 $4,200 Completed in

June 2010

6 India Reducing corruption in the

Public Distribution System

in urban slums, Bangalore.

Paraspara Trust

Vinay

Bhargava,

Pierre

Landell-Mills

6.26.09 15 $3,570 Completed in

June 2010

7 India Mobilizing youth and

communities to fightcorruption, Karnataka.

Swami Vivekananda Youth

Movement (SVYM)

Prem Garg

7.09.09

14 $1,000 Completed in

June 2010 butrequested for

extension for 4

months


3/30

8 India Reduce corruption in

implementation of NREGS

through Community-based

action, Orissa. Visionaries of

Creative Action for

Liberation & Progress(VICALP)

K. Sarwar

Lateef

6.10.09 15 $4,400 Completed in

June 2010 but

requested for

extension for 1

month


implementation of NREGS,

PDS and Forest Rights Act

through community-based

action, Orissa.

Peoples Rural Education

Movement (PREM)

Vinay

Bhargava

9.15.09 12 $14,000 Ongoing


NREGS through

communitys use of RTI,

Gumma Block, Gajapati

District, Orissa. Suraksha

Petros Aklilu 12.04.09 10 $2,700 Ongoing

11 India Enabling Citizen Monitoring

of Public Services,

Preventing Bribery to Foster

Effective Service Delivery

in Brahmapur City of

Orissa, Orissa. Youth for

Social Development. (Phase

II. See # 14 below)

Suhir Chitale 9.15.09 12 $7,000 Ongoing

12 Sri

Lanka

Reducing corruption in local

government through use of

Citizens Report Card and

community action. TI-Sri

Lanka

Michael

Lippe, Wijaya

Wickrema

12.18.09 10 $24,000 Ongoing

13 Nepal Forest Action, Morang

District

Dante Delos

Angeles

2.22.10 7 $17,675 Ongoing


NREGS thru Social Watch

Groups and Rural Call

Centre approach, Jasipur

block, Mayurbunj district,

Orissa Sambandh

Willem

Struven

Vinay

Bhargava

11.23.09 9 $24,500 Ongoing

15 Nepal Combating corruption in

local health systems.

Samuhik Abhivan

Jagadish

Upadhyay

3.02.10 6 $12,350 Ongoing


4/30

16 India Fight corruption in the

delivery of rights in

NREGA and other services,

Raichur district, Karnataka.

Prerana (NJMO)

Indira

Sandilya

11.23.09 9 $4,000 Ongoing

17 India Establishment of IntegrityPact Cell to improve the

effectiveness, credibility and

sustainability of the Integrity

Pact as a means for

increased transparency and

accountability on public

contracting processes and

systems in India.

Transparency

International India (TII),

New Delhi

Vinay

Bhargava

Approved

Second Tranche releases: During the reporting period 8 CSOs from India has received second tranche.

The details are given below:

Sl.No. Name of the CSO Amount in

US $

Date of release

1. Ayauskam, Khariar, Nuapada district, Orissa 10,500 13.04.2010

2. Paraspara Trust, Bangalore, Karnataka 8,925 21.04.2010

3. Adhar, Losingha, Bolangir district, Orissa 8,800 28.04.2010

4. SVYM, Sargur, Mysore district, Karnataka 11,000 09.06.2010

5. CFAR, Bangalore, Karnataka 7,000 09.06.20106. Suraksha, Parlekhamumdi, Gajapati district, Orissa 6.720 02.07.2010

7. YSD, Berhampur, Ganjam district, Orissa 15,000 10.07.2010

8. Prerana (NJMO), Raichur, Karnataka 13,000 25.08.2010

Total 80,945

3. Pipeline Projects, Completed Projects, and Regional Initiatives

a. Formats for completion report of phase-I and concept note for phase-II: During the resultsframework workshop, last day (May 26, 2010) was dedicated to discuss the formats for phase-Icompletion and concept notes for phase-II. These were finalized by PAC and PTF through mutual

consultations. The emphasis in the completion report was laid on objective(s) achievement,constructive engagement with government, community empowerment, peer learning, innovation andsustainability factors.

b. Status of completion reports: Nine CSOs have completed phase-I of CAC programme, of which 8CSOs have submitted the draft completion reports. PTF Advisors have reviewed and suggested toimprove the final reports of 6 CSOs. The final completion reports are expected in next few weeks.


5/30

c. Pipeline for next six months (September 2010-March 2011) is planned to come from the Phase 2grants for the successfully completed projects. As noted 9 projects have already submitted completionreports; this number will go up to about 14 by March. From these we expect about 10 new grants tobe approved by March 2011 for new commitments of about $300,000.00.

Peer Reviews: Peer Reviews were facilitated for building the capacities of the CSO partners and to

increase the lateral learning and sharing, and strengthen transparency among the CSO partners. All peerreviews have been documented comprehensively and PAC will be using these to monitor the projects.During the reporting period 9 CSOs (CFAR, SVYM, PREM, VICALP, YSD, Suraksha, Jananeethi,Prerana (NJMO) and Sambandh) have been peer reviewed. With these, all the Indian CSO partners havebeen covered, who have been implementing the programme for more than 6 months.

d. Results framework Workshop: Core indicators for NREGS and PDS, identified by Mr. T.A.Varghese and Mr. Prem Garg were shared with all the Indian CSO partners during May 24-25, 2010.Mr. Varghese made clearer to all the participants in the beginning itself about the need for resultsframework for any project. The activities need to be framed based on the results to be achieved. Healso emphasised on the outputs to be achieved that would lead to achievement of outcomes that wouldeffect lives of the people and finally impacting the whole society at large. He also stressed the need

for correct data collection that could be analysed in the beginning to establish the baseline and to becompared at a later stage to measure the results achieved. At the end, Mr. Varghese emphasised thatResults frame work indicators are required to check the outputs and the outcomes to achieve thefinal results. He also mentioned that activities can be justified provided they contribute to positivechanges that will lead to final result. It is also important that we monitor and reflect IS ITHAPPENING? Later the partner organisations were asked to present their project outputs in theframework provided to measure the results achieved.

The indicators of PDS included:i. To include all eligible families in PDSii. To exclude all ineligible families from PDSiii. To ensure that the beneficiaries get the right items at the right quantities and timeiv. To ensure that that the beneficiaries pay only the right price for the commodities supplied

The participants expressed that: It was easier to include the eligible families but difficult to exclude the ineligible families. Transformed officials may get transferred. Corruption should be first tackled at the PDS shop level, then district level in a phased

manner. If all the eligible families are getting their quota then PDS system is corruption free. In some places community run the PDS wherein corruption is not there. Because of corruption in the higher level the people are suffering.

The NREGS results indicators included:i. Eligible entitlement holders get guaranteed days of employment

ii. Fake cards and fake entries in the muster roll are excluded from the NREGSiii. Entitlement holders get the guaranteed wages (plus other benefits worksite benefits,unemployment allowance etc.)

iv. Entitlement holders participate in the designing / planning the NREGS schemes (projects)v. NREGS schemes are effective and sustainable

The participants felt that in their respective projects efforts have been made to get more work to thepeople, enrolment of entitlement holders to get the job cards and work within their villages. The wage payment also had been streamlined to certain extent, but still there were delays in making the


6/30

payments. The projects have been designed mainly by the government representatives; only recently, people have been involved in planning the NREGS activities. To measure the effectiveness andsustainability of the NREGS projects it would take some more time to make people understand aboutthese.

e. Accreditation by the Credibility Alliance: Duringthereporting period the process accreditation has

been hastened. 3 CSOs have been awarded accreditation underDESIRABLE norms, whereas oneCSO has been accredited underMINIMUM norms. Two CSOs have been cleared for accreditationunder MINIMUM norms, in case of four CSOs the visits have been completed, but are kept on hold,as they have been advised to submit specific documents for clearance. The accreditation status ofpartner CSOs by Credibility Alliance is provided below:

f.

Sl.No. Name of the CSO Accreditation status

1 Jananeethi, Thrissur, Kerala Accredited under DESIRABLE norms

2 Adhar, Losingha, Orissa Accredited under DESIRABLE norms

3 Ayauskam, Khariar, Orissa Accredited under DESIRABLE norms (Provisional)

4 Paraspara Trust, Bangalore,

Karnataka

Accredited under MINIMUM norms

5 Suraksha, Paralekhamundi,Orissa

Cleared for MINIMUM norms

6 PREM, Berhampur, Orissa Cleared for MINIMUM norms

7 YSD, Berhampur, Orissa Visited & kept on hold, yet to receive some papersfrom the CSO

8 CFAR, Bangalore/Delhi Visited & kept on hold, yet to receive some papersfrom the CSO

9 Sambandh, Bhubaneswar,Orissa

Visited & kept on hold, yet to receive some papersfrom the CSO

10 VICALP, Gopalpur-on-sea,Orissa

Visited & kept on hold, yet to receive some papersfrom the CSO

11 SVYM, Sargur, Mysore dist.Karnataka Visit completed, Assessors reports are beingcompiled12 PRERANA (NJMO), Raichur,

KarnatakaDesk review completed, & visit by Assessors hasbeen rescheduled for September 27-28, 2010

13 CUTS, Jaipur, Rajasthan Desk review completed & requested for some morepapers

14 RLEK, Dehradun Uttarakhand CSO has not yet submitted application with relevantdocuments


7/30

Annex 1: Ongoing Project Status Updates in South East Asia

New Projects Approved from April 2010 - August 2010

India: Transparency International, New Delhi, IndiaProject Advisors: Vinay Bhargava

Timeline and Budget:September 15 2010 to September 14, 2011and US $ 35,000

Background of TII: Transparency International India (TII) came into existence in 1997 as a non-governmental, non-party and not-for-profit organization for Indian citizens with professional, social,industrial or academic experience seeking to promote transparent and ethical governance and to eradicatecorruption in India. It is an accredited national chapter of Transparency International (TI), an internationalcivil society organization based in Berlin that has turned to fight against corruption into a worldwidemovement. TII is working on various anti-corruption tools to reduce corruption to make a robust anddeveloped India.

The Project: The overall goal of the project is to improve the effectiveness, credibility and sustainabilityof the Integrity Pact as a means for increased transparency and accountability on public contracting

processes and systems. The objectives of this goal are two-folds: To increase the influence of Integrity Pact through the inclusion of more PSUs as well as

governmental and private sector within the programme. To strengthen the effectiveness of Integrity Pact by monitoring public procurement of IP

signatories Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

The expected results and activities are given below:

Activities Targets Result

Advocacy: Inclusion of more PSUs/

government departments/

municipal corporations andexpansion of the program toinclude private sectors withinthe ambit of public contracting

Public and Private

sector companies

More Public and Private sector

companies are within the ambit ofIP

Capacity building of nodalofficers, monitors and ChiefVigilance Officers (CVOs)through organization of traininga n d w o r k s h o p s a n dcollaboration with civil societyorganizations and other like-m i n d e d i n d i v i d u a l s /organizations

1) I n d e p e n d e n tExternal Monitors(IEMs).

2) Chief VigilanceOfficer (CVO).

3) Nodal Officers ofthe PSUs.

4 ) C i v i l S o c i e t yO r g a n i z a t i o n s(CSOs).

5) Individual citizen

Increase the domain knowledgeof IEMs and their capacity toidentify red flags within thetendering process

Dissemination of knowledge tonodal officer of IP within theorganization

With respect to CVOs, it willenhance the role of vigilancedepartment to curb corruption inpublic procurement

Pool in resources with CSOs/like-minded individual etc towork together to achieve thegoal
http://www.transparency.org/http://www.transparency.org/


8/30

Creation and distribution of aquarterly newsletter

1) I n d e p e n d e n tExternal Monitors(IEMs).

2) Ch ie f Vig i la n ceOfficer (CVO).

3) Nodal Officers of

the PSUs.4) Civil Society

Organizations(CSOs)

5) Businessjournalists

6) Individual citizen

Information dissemination &creating awareness of IP

Monitoring & Evaluation: Address complaints received

from IP stakeholders

IP stakeholders likebidder, civil society

organization or an

individual.

Satisfaction of aggrieved party.

Conduct an evaluation study of

the individual IP principalstakeholders and conduct animpact assessment of the IPprogramme

P u b l i c S e c t o r

Undertakings

Measure the effectiveness of the

IP program implemented withini n d i v i d u a l I P p r i n c i p a lstakeholders

Level of satisfaction from thedifferent stakeholders

Evaluation of the individualtender contracts from the pre-bidding stage to the successfulcompletion of the biddingprocess

Create a ranking systemdepending on the performanceof IP stakeholders in the

implementation of IP

PSUs Create incentives for thoseprincipal stakeholders that areimplementing IP within their

organizations. C o m p a r a t i v e s t u d y o f

implemen t ing IP pr inc ipalstakeholders

General Administrat ion &Finance:

Manage the staff, finances, andother logistics of the IP cell

Internal staff Level of satisfaction of staff

members of IP cell. Ensure smooth functioning of the

IP cell within TII

Summary, Description of key features, and progress for Projects under Implementation

1. India-RLEK: NREGA and Transparency Project in Uttarakhand

Budget and Timeline

PTF signed an agreement with NREGA in March 2009 for an amount of $32000 in March 2009. The first

tranche of $10,000 has been released in March 2009 and the project completion date is December 2010.

Background and Project Objective


9/30

This project is being implemented by the Rural Litigation & Entitlement Kendra (RLEK) Dehradun. The

project was approved in March 2009. The overall objective of the project is to achieve transparent and

corruption-free implementation of National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGA) A in Three

Blocks of three Districts of Uttarakhand. The specific objectives are to: (a) increase awareness and

understanding of NREGA and RTI; (b)develop community institutions and procedures for monitoring

implementation of NREGA; (c) promote participation of marginalized communities and women inNREGA; and (d)curb irregularities and corruption in NREGA through the use of the Right to Information

Act.

Expected Outcomes

The expected outcomes of the Grant are: Transparent and corruption free implementation of NREGA in

PIA;Reduction in distress rural migration; Greater economic security among beneficiaries of NREGA;and RTI emerging as an effective tool in the hand of the public to fight against corruption.

Current Status (April - June 2010)The RLEKs project had come to end by March 2010 itself. The period from April to June has beenmainly concentrated in preparation of reports, documentation of case studies, etc. The project team has

covered considerable project area for sensitization about MGNREGA for the past one year. Percentage ofhouseholds sensitised is not known as the end or project survey is yet not complete. Communityparticipation is now increasing in some Panchayats. However, the percentage of such Panchayats couldnot be ascertained as beneficiary survey is yet not complete. Many households are not getting job cardsissued now. The assessment of job card holders getting work and receiving payments without bribe canonly be assured after Beneficiary Assessment Survey is completed. Unemployment allowance is still not being paid. It will be further focused in Phase-II. Conducting social audits with maximum people participation has to be achieved yet. Phase-I mostly concentrated in generating awareness aboutMGNREGA. People are gradually gearing up to address the irregularities in the service delivery system.

2. India-Adhar: Reduce corruption in NREGA and PDS, Loisingha Block, Orissa

Budget and TimelinePTF signed an agreement with Adhar in June, 2009 for an amount $17,600. The first tranche of $5,280

has been released in June, 2009 and the project completion date is 15th June, 2010.


This project is being implemented by Adhar, Bolangir. The project was approved in June 2009. The

overall objective of the project is To reduce opportunities for corruption in the National Rural

Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) and Public Distribution System (PDS) in Loisingha block,

Orissa through a citizens campaign The specific objectives are to:

o To organise and aware 8000 NREGA beneficiaries those who are under BPL of 8 Gram Panchayatson Wage rights & PDS and building civil society response to ensure their collective effort againstcorruption;

o To activate one Community based Organisation from each Gram Panchayat to vigilant the communityin proper implementation of NREGA and PDS;

o To sensitise 8 Sarpanchas, 8 Secretaries, and Executive officers & Block functionaries in Loisinghablock regarding their accountability for transparent implementation of NREGA and PDS in all 48villages of the operational GPs.;

o To strengthen regular community monitoring of NREGA and PDS programme in the operational areatrough Citizen report card in all the 8 GPs;


10/30

o To sensitise the larger Civil Society Organisations involving CBOs, Media, Layers and intellectualsfor collective action to put pressure on governance system for effective implementation of NREGAand PDS; and

o To strengthen community action in streamlining the NREGA and PDS in 8 GPs under Loisinghablock.

Expected Outcomes(a)80 %age increase in the number of eligible citizens in Loisingha block who are able to obtain

benefits under the NREGS scheme without paying bribes as result of citizens campaign(b) Number of effective actions taken by the government authorities to ensure corruption free

services. (Each year 3 corruption cases will be apprised to government authorities for exemplaryaction for corruption free services)

(c) At least 70% of the Citizens Forum formed under the project are considered likely to besustainable by independent evaluation.

Current Status (April - June 2010):The progress during the fourth quarter was hampered due to delayed release of second tranche. Thecapacity building trainings, regular meetings with villagers, community members and beneficiaries wereheld regularly. After completion of the baseline information and its analysis, the status of the food securityschemes of the selected field area has been mapped. The anticorruption work in PDS and NREGA hasbeen in progress. The village and G.P level advocacy programme has helped in people demanding theirrights in PDS like issue of correct quantity of kerosene oil and rice and also late payment of the NREGSsoil work. The people from Jamjuri village complained on their own to the SANJOG help line inBhubaneswar for their problem on PDS, as a result of continued awareness generation programmes.Leaders of peoples organisation are using RTI to get information on PDS and NRNEGA, assess theirregularities and as a result they are able to resolve their issues. Still in three G.Ps distribution of properquantity of rice in the PDS has to improve. Now people who depend on wage labour are taking interest towork in NREGS. IEC material has been printed and the same has been distributed to the all villages.Quarterly news letter and citizen report card printing has been completed and planned to distribute to thepeople. Civil Supply officer of Loisingha block is taking immediate actions after complaints were filed bythe Anti Corruption Committees that were strengthened on their roles and responsibilities and their

entitlements. District Rural Development Agency has invited Adhar to conduct GP level statutory socialaudit process under NREGA and the same has been slotted for August 2010.

3. India-Ayauskam: Reducing corruption in the health sector, Orissa

Budget and Timeline

PTF signed an agreement with Ayauskam in June, 2009 for an amount $21,000. The first tranche of

$6,300 has been released in June, 2009 and the project completion date is 15th June, 2010.


This project is being implemented by The Ayauskam, Nuapada District, Orissa. The project was approved

in June 2009. The overall objective of the project is Checking Corruption of Health Sector in 10

Panchayats of Khariar under Nuapada District of Orissa The specific objectives are to:(a) Corruption in public expenditures on health checked

(b) Corruption-free Health Services are availed, as mandated, under NRHM and made available to

poor households of 10 Panchayats in the selected block; and

(c) Service Providers responded to the needs of the people positively and in a non-corrupt manner.

Expected Outcomes

(a) At least 80% reduction in diversion of essential drugs allocated for free distribution to the poor inKhariar block but currently not reaching them. (out of the total available drugs in the block)


11/30

(b) At least 2 types of effective actions will be taken by the Health Services department to ensurecorruption free services in Janani Surakshya Yojana (JSY) in all the project villages.

a. Department will ensure countersigning by the health worker and the medical officer inthe JSY form after institutional delivery to enable the beneficiary to receive the financialsupport of Rs.1400/- immediately after the delivery.

b. The department will enforce coverage of home delivery (child birth at home) by Skilled

Birth Attendant (SAB) in at east 50 percent of the cases.(c) The corruption vulnerabilities in the health services scheme are mapped and reforms advocated

by the Citizens coalition at least in the following two spheres.a. Distribution system of DOTs for Control of T.B.b. Effective Participation of local villagers

Current Status (April- June 2010):All the planned activities during this quarter could not be implemented due to shortage of fund. However,

the village level activities like conducting meetings of the Durnity Birodhi Manch (DBM) went on

smoothly due to the active involvement of the CBOs. The Social Audit conducted during the last week of

January had tremendous impact on the health service providers. Most of them stopped taking service

charges. However, some of the Doctors in UGPHC, Khariar, who are the regular offenders took the whole

process negatively and planned counter attack. They have decided to file FIR against the members of

DBM.10 public hearings on health issues were conducted in 10 Panchayats. More than 1300 villagers

and 150 service providers / PRI members attended the public hearing. Full ANC and PNC coverage

increased to 40 percent. Eligible entitlement holders registered in the Anganwadi centres. More than 600

DBM members were trained on RTI and 33 RTI applications were filed in ICDS office. The regular

meetings held in 19 villages influenced 12 Gram Kalyan Samithis (GKSs) in providing financial support

to eligible persons. Institutional delivery has now increased to 46 percent from 5 percent. Out of the rest

54 percent home delivery, 40 percent is now being covered by Skilled Birth Attendant (SBA).

Countersigning by the health worker and the medical officer in the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) form

after institutional delivery is now instantly done after the delivery. There is no problem or harassment

faced by the beneficiaries of JSY. One day meeting on nutrition programme will be facilitated in the

operational areas of 50 AWCs during July and August 2010. This will be a regular programme to motivate

people to continue their fight against corruption. Focussed Group Discussions (FGDs) for Impact

Monitoring with 200 entitlement holders of 20 villages will be held in July and will be repeated in the

month of August also.

4. India-CfAR: Reducing corruption in the delivery of schemes for vulnerable peoples in urban

slums, Bangalore

Budget and Timeline

PTF signed an agreement with Centre for Advocacy and Researsh (CfAR) in June, 2009 for an amount

$13,850. The first tranche of $4,200 has been released in June, 2009 and the project completion date is

15th June, 2010.


This project is being implemented in urban slums, Northern Bangalore. The project was approved in June

2009. The overall objective of the project is Monitoring Government Food Schemes and Schemes for

Vulnerable Women through Community Participation and Action to Create Transparent Governance The

specific objectives are to:


12/30

(a) Scale-Up quantitatively and qualitatively community-led advocacy on corruption in delivery ofentitlements and urban poor issues with strong community leadership and volunteer base.

(b) Demonstrate a rights-based approach to social entitlements and partner with officials to ensure andcorruption-free and community-centred mechanisms and norms for delivery of basic services,government schemes and programmes; and

(c) Strengthen use of lawful instruments like use of RTI in reducing corruption in service delivery to the

urban poor.

Expected Outcomes

20% increase in total number of ration card holders in each area able to obtain benefits under thePDS scheme without paying bribes as result of citizens campaign.

At the end of year one minimum 3 effective actions can be shown as taken by the governmentauthorities to ensure corruption free services.

Current status (April - June 2010):

The focus has been to consolidate the work that was being done over the past 10 months. Having trainedcommunity advocates on use of RTI and making them realise the power of collective bargaining; over

these three months CFAR witnessed, translating of some of these into strong actions in reality, in otherwords case studies. The community advocates know using of RTI, toll free numbers, negotiating withgovernment officials, fighting local leaders in more than one occasion; members were fighting for theirentitlements and in their own small but significant way trying to contain corruption. For instance, inBassappan Katte shop number 75 was seized and closed for a month by the KFCS, on complaint of blackmarketing by the Forum members. Though the residents knew that the shop-owner was engaged in blackmarketing, they were unable to take him to task owing to lack of evidence. Acting on a tip off by one ofthe residents the community advocates caught the erring shop keeper red handed. Community advocatesof Laxmi Devi Nagar, through collective action regularised the issuance of receipts to card holders againstdistribution of food-grains to card holders; similarly members at Sanjay Gandhi Nagar regulariseddistribution of kerosene in their shop. The collective action bore fruition when Karnataka Food and CivilSupplies Department was compelled to take back inedible 35 kg of food-grains from ration shop numbers75 and 70 at Bassappan Katte and Sanjay Gandhi Nagar respectively. In a show of collective action

members of Laxmi Devi Nagar got their community hall repaired. In the same league it was witnessed basic services that were unavailable hitherto were resumed in Kaveri Nagar- new bore well was dug,drains were cleaned, dedicated sweeper were allotted, given proper legal electricity, among others. Thisapart, the focus was also on bringing together the evidence gathered and organise two more publichearings on issues of basic amenities and health in Hosabalunagar and Laxmi Devi nagar respectively, based on the concerns raised by the members of the two areas. Meanwhile, CFAR also focussed onprocesses towards formation of a model ration shop. Several meetings were held in the chosen slums ofLaxmi Devi Nagar and Hawadigara Colony with shop owners, community members and local leaders.Capacitated vigilance committee members. Simultaneous efforts were being made to reach out to thecouncillor, MLA of the wards, who could play an important role in mobilising both the shop owners. Inthese interactions the criteria that was drafted for a model ration shop was also shared.

Two Public Hearings were held on 13th July 2010 and 15th July 2010 at Laxmi Devi Nagar andHosabaluNagar respectively on basic amenities. In both the hearings more than 250 people participated. A

two-day capacity building was organised on 6 th and 7th July 2010 to formalise the forums into a

community structure and train them on building a vision for themselves on dealing with all kinds of

injustice. A total of 30 community advocates (forum members) participated. A list of criteria was also

drafted in keeping with the orders of the Supreme Court.


13/30

5. India-CUTS: Use of RTI to check corruption in Rural Development Programmes, Rajasthan

Budget and Timeline

PTF signed an agreement with The Centre of Consumer Unity & Trust Society (CUTS) in April, 2009 for

an amount $32,000. The first tranche of $10,000 has been released in May, 2009 and the project

completion date is 1

st

May, 2010.


This project is being implemented CUTS. The project was approved in April, 2009. The overall objective

of the project is Reforming the processes in the Rural Development Department through policy and civic

engagement based on RTI Act 2005 in Rajasthan, India The specific objectives are to:

(a) Reduced incidence of bribery/corruption experience by the project area citizens for servicedelivery under the targeted schemes of the PR and RD department.

(b) Transparency and accountability in the target schemes increased through increased use of the RTIact.

(c) Citizens in the project area are able to obtain corruption free services through empowerednetwork of the CGCCs, CSOs & other interested citizens that do advocacy at multiple levels and

play the role of watchdog.(d)Expected Outcomes

(a) Reduced incidence of bribery/corruption experience by the project area citizens for servicedelivery under the targeted schemes of the PR and RD department.

(b) Transparency and accountability in the target schemes increased through increased use of the RTIact.

(c) Citizens in the project area are able to obtain corruption free services through empowerednetwork of the CGCCs, CSOs & other interested citizens that do advocacy at multiple levels andplay the role of watchdog.

(d)Current status (April - June 2010):Phase-I of the CAC programme of CUTS came to an end as of April 2010. CUTS worked on reforming

the processes in the Rural Development Department through Policy and Civic Engagement based on RTIAct in Rajasthan in three programmes namely, NREGS, SGSY and IAY in Jaipur and Tonk districts. Itwas observed that the corruption was reduced and the service delivery got improved thru Transparencyand Accountability in the target schemes. The CGCCs, as watchdog ensured corruption free servicesthrough empowered network of CSOs & other interested citizens. Under NREGS, mobile banking wasintroduced for wage payment and suo-motto disclosures of the programmes have become imminent.Under IAY, periodic meetings are held with BPL families and media and the fund flow has beensmoothened. Under SGSY scheme, flexible banking norms are going to be introduced. An independentassessment carried out by Ms. Stephaney De Chassey, suggested for end line survey in order to quantifythe outcomes and improve the documentation. Accordingly PTF has provided an additional funding of US$ 4000 for 5 months for assessing the outcomes and impacts created by project deliverables, especiallyRAIC calls, RTI Applications, feedback collected from CGCCs and service providers in a better mannerto showcase the results and best practices as a result of RePoRDD project and to develop a modelframework for replication (tool kit).

6. India-Jananeethi: Reducing corruption in drug trial conduction, Kerala

Budget and Timeline

PTF signed an agreement with Jananeethi in June, 2009 for an amount $21,200. The first tranche of



14/30


This project is being implemented by Jananeethi, Thrissur, Kerala. The project was approved in June

2009. The overall objective of the project is combat corruption at the level of health delivery so as to

protect the human rights of human subjects undergoing clinical drug trials through improved systems of

transparency and accountability The specific objectives are to:

o

To identify 5 human subjects who have undergone clinical drug trials from 2004 to 2008 in fivemedical colleges of Kerala State and to investigate about the process and its impact on them.o To explore and document the level of corruption involved during clinical drug trials of the 5

subjects through investigation, evidence-building and fact-finding for use in the courtroom; forpublic dissemination in the media; and as first-hand material to lobby for systemic reforms whichwill reduce the opportunity for corruption to occur.

o Using the evidence collected, lobby to make the Ethics Committee of the colleges trulyindependent (as mandated) and suggest other systemic reforms which will increase theaccountability and transparency of its functionings ensuring meetings are minuted and properlydocumented etc. so that the opportunities for corruption in drug trials are reduced.

o Liaising, capacity building and mobilizing other civil society groups, victims of corruption,media, academic institutions, human rights activists to join the advocacy process and form acoalition to push for changes in the drug trial process to combat systemic corruption.

Expected Outcomes

o Policy level changes in the Government are made towards reducing opportunities corruption inconduction of drug trials

o making the Ethics Committee of medical colleges more accountable and the processes throughwhich they work more transparent, as mandated in their constitution

o Ensuring insurance coverage to human subjectso Increased role to local self government in monitoring drug trials on human subjects. In the result,

the patients get feeling that their rights are protected and adequate compensation is guaranteed, ifso required.

Current status (April - June 2010):The fourth quarter has witnessed activities mostly in constructive engagement and regular psycho legal

therapeutic services to the victims and their family members. Jananeethi also convened two press

meetings for the purpose of dissemination of information regarding the issues and concerns of clinical

trial. Other stake holders like KESS Thrissur, All India Drug Action Network, Kerala Sastra Sahitya

Parishad, Anaushi, Centre for Ethics and Rights, Health Action by People etc. are also in constant touch.

Jananeethi is still in the process of collecting further evidences on the mode and steps of clinical trials.

The major difficulty faced during the fourth quarter of the project was the collection of documentary

evidence on trial in question. Second major issue has been the lack of co operation from the authorities

and officials. Display boards containing rights of human participants in Malayalam has been made and

waiting for the approval from the authorities for its erection. Jananeethi had been informed by the

Chairman of Standing Committee for Health that their request for the erection of display board has been

formally approved in the committee meeting and waiting for written order. A draft charter on the rights of

human participants has been made and fair will be made after consultation with experts.

7. India-Paraspara Trust (PT): Reducing corruption in the Public Distribution System in urban

slums, Bangalore

Budget and Timeline

PTF signed an agreement with Paraspara Trust in June, 2009 for an amount $17,850. The first tranche of



15/30


This project is being implemented by Paraspara Trust in urban slums in Malleswaram Zone, Bangalore.

The project was approved in June 2009. The overall objective of the project is to implement a pilot

project to work with Citizen Groups to address corruption in Public Distribution System (PDS). The

specific objectives are to:o 30 PDS shops in Bangalore will work corruption-free and deliver services to the satisfaction ofthe card-holders in that area by the end of first year through monitoring done by 30 communitybased citizen groups.

o To increase awareness among consumer and public on the issue of corruption in PDS system.o To set a model in citizen participation in PDS distribution which reduces opportunities for

corruptiono

Expected Outcomes

o 10% increase in the number of eligible citizens in project area who are able to obtain benefitsunder the PDS scheme without paying bribes as result of citizens monitoring

o The corruption vulnerabilities in the PDS scheme are analyzed and reforms advocated by the

Citizens coalition.

o At least 50% of the Citizens Groups formed under the project are considered likely to besustainable by independent evaluation.

o


In the 4th quarter PT promoted 7 PDSMCs and facilitated orientations to the committee members.Community meetings were conducted in 7 slums towards formation of new PDSMCs. The follow upmeetings were conducted in another 23 slums also. Now there are 30 PDSMCs to monitor 30 PDS shopsto decrease corruption in the PDS systems. In this quarter two important and major tasks have beencompleted. One is promotion of PDSMCs zonal forum Dhanya Hakku Vedike[Food Rights Forum] andthe second is declaring 3 Model Fair price shops. On 03.06.2010 a meeting of the representatives from all30 PDSMCs was held. In this meeting a thorough discussion was held about public distribution and therights of beneficiaries. In the meeting it was explained to the members the necessary of forming acommittee in Malleswaram zone of Bangalore. A 15 members committee was formed and President, VicePresident and Secretary were selected from among the 15 members. This group was named as DanyaHakku Vedike. PDSMC members, PT activists identified 3 Fair price shops to promote as a model PDSshops. PT worked on improving communication, co-ordination and advocacy with the food and civilsupplies department towards declaring model PDS shops. PDS shop owners were oriented on SupremeCourt orders and the level of corruptions in PDS system. On 30th June 2010, was a historical day, sincePT succeeded in declaring 3 PDS outlets function as a corruption free in Bangalore city. The program wasorganized by the PDSMC zonal committee, Dhanya Hakku Vedike and PT with the support ofcommunity based organizations in Mathikere, Bangalore. The corruption free outlets have indicators,which is displayed in front of the shops. Mr. C. Narayana Swamy, Ex.MP, Dr.Aswath Narayana Gowda,

MLA, Mr. Muniswamy gowda, Deputy Director of Food and Civil Supplies, Bangalore North,Ms.Kathyayani Chamra from CIVIC, Ms.Sudha & Ms.Shramana from CFAR, Bangalore, Mr. RaviPrakash, PAC, Bangalore, Mr.Naganna, Industrialist, Peenya, Bangalore, were part of the program. Guestsvisited all the 3 shops and got the idea of MODEL FAIR PRICE SHOP. The shop owners were honouredby the guests. Organization developed a street play to create awareness on PDS system, corruption levelin the system and a need to promote model PDS shops in the community. The Deputy Director invitedParaspara Trust to facilitate the training to the Vigilance committee. He also expressed that let all 320PDS outlets in the northern zone be declared as corruption free MODEL SHOPS in Bangalore city. Ex.MP, MLA and other local leaders lauded the work of PT in declaring the model PDS shops.


16/30


17/30

about social audit procedures to youth groups and establishing Social Audit Committees at GP level couldnot be taken-up and will be given importance in due course of time.

9. India-VICALP: Reduce corruption in implementation of NREGS through community based

action, Orissa

Budget and Timeline

PTF signed an agreement with Visionaries of Creative Action for Liberation & Progress (VICALP) in

June, 2009 for an amount $20,900. The first tranche of $6,500 has been released in June, 2009 and the

project completion date is 15th June, 2010.


This project is being implemented VICALP. The project was approved in June 2009. The overall

objective of the project is to reduce opportunities for corruption in NREGS through a citizens

movement, Ekta Abhiyan, involving the poorest of the poor, campaigning for greater transparency and

strengthening accountability mechanisms The specific objectives are to:

o Communities in 12 GPs on RTI and its use in making service providers transparent andaccountable.

o To promote citizens corruption monitoring through formation of social watch committees(SWCs) in 12 GPs.

o To promote civic participation in village development planning, execution, and monitoring of allgovernment programs through activation of Pallisabha and Gramsabha of the PRI institution.

o To promote regular dialogue, feed back and interactions between the government departments,Panchayat level SWCs and PRI institutions.

o

Expected Outcomes

o 20-30% increase, from baseline figures, in the number of eligible citizens in Mohana block whoare able to obtain benefits under the NREGS scheme without paying bribe as result of citizenscampaign.

o Number of effective government actions taken by the local and state governments on anti-corruption issues in NREGS.

o 50% of the families in 12 panchayats have job cards, and 40% of the job card holders havereceived their wages through personal bank pass books through cheque in a corruption-freemanner.

Current status (April June 2010):

This has been the last quarter of the 1st phase for VICALP like few other CSOs of CAC programme. The

entire one year effort of Ekta Abhiyan has yielded spectacular out-come and achievements. Special effort

was put to enhance constructive engagement, which has enormously helped the Ekta Abhiyan anti-

corruption campaign effectively to deal with NREGS and other basic services issues and challenges.

Following are some of the development of the activities in the 4th quarter of the project implementation:

29 new job demands were submitted by 3560 people from 68 villages that resulted in 29 newNREGS projects providing employment to 2991 people from 48 villages.

Bank/Post office pass accounts along with pass books were ensured for 100% job card holders inthe target Panchayats along with wage payments through cheques.

By the Ekta Abhiyan continuous effort vigilance monitoring committees in 50% target villagesare active, vigilant and cooperative to the process of Ekta Abhiyan.


18/30

Because of effective NREGS monitoring by the SWCs 90% worksites have drinking water and20% have child care facilities in the target villages.

16 new RTI/grievances cases filed and 10 old RTI cases were solved through block grievancecell.

The Ekta Abhiyan SWCs are active in NREGS monitoring, block grievance advocacy,participating and vigilant on Panchayat nodal meetings, FRA interventions, and lobbying in block

administration and grass-root governance for basic services provisions. Corrupted, irregular and neglecting Government officials have been penalized, punished or

brought in to the fold of Ekta Abhiyan, and they have become useful resources in the process ofEkta Abhiyan.

Special effort was put for increase in the amount of wages from Rs. 35/- to Rs. 90/-.


19/30

10. India-PREM: Reduce corruption in implementation of NREGS, PDS and Forest Rights Act

through community based action, Orissa

Budget and Timeline

This project is to be implemented in one year from the 17 th August by the Peoples Rural Education

Movement (PREM). The budget is US $21,000.


Nuagada Block is characterised by a high concentration of Scheduled Tribes, a high level of poverty, low

literacy rate and poor access to public services. The three schemes (indeed Rights) being worked on in

this project are essential to the livelihoods of those living in the area. The corruption reported in the

communities in Nuagad and reflected in statistics on uptake of NREGA, FRA and Public Distribution

System (PDS), is perpetrated by local level officials, such as the Gram Sathi, Gram Savak and Junior

Engineer, who are frequently in collusion with middlemen, contractors, bank officials and Block level

employees. The project objectives are as follows:

To reduce opportunities for corruption in implementation of NREGA to through exposing corruptpractice and empowering community members to demand for their rights and monitor and trackimplementation of the provision in 12 GPs.

To eradicate all incidences of corruption in formal verification for application process under FRA. All BPL households will receive proper (i.e. once a month) PDS provision in all 12 GPs by

March 2011 in a non-corrupt manner.

Expected Outcomes

o 19% increase in the number of eligible citizens in Nuagad block who are able to obtain benefitsunder the NREGS scheme without paying bribes as result of citizens campaign.

o 80% BPL registered households to receive full quota in a non-corrupt manner under PDS everymonth.

o 75% claims under FRA (currently uncompleted due to Stay Order in the Orissa High Court) to beverified and sent to SDLC and DLC without payment of bribe.


This quarter for PREM has been very eventful. 2 RTI clinics were held to support community to file RTI;one at Nuagad Pallli Vikash and another at Parimal Margdarshi office. 52 RTI cases were filed with thehelp of RTI clinics. The block and district level media workshops on the issue of NREGA and FRA wereheld as planned. 200 RTI booklets in tribal language distributed to the community, 50 Posters on RTIdistributed to each GP and villages, wall writing completed in 12 GPs on provisions in NREGS, Forestrights Act, PDS and Right to Information. Joint consultation and planning meetings were organised twicewith PRI representatives, Government officials from block, revenue & other departments and communityleaders at Nuagad. Training and orientation to 160 Social Watch monitors selected was held at GP level in

12 GPs. Regular monthly progress review meetings were held among the team members, local BCO,community leaders and PRI representatives. Peer review was held and the recommendation of the reviewteam were considered positively.

11. India-Suraksha: Reduce corruption in NREGS through communitys use of RTI, Gumma

Block, Gajapati District, Orissa

Budget and Timeline


20/30

Suraksha are implementing this project for a year starting 24th August, 2009 with a total grant of $13,450.


Gumma block is situated in the Gajapati districts of Orissa characterize by its inaccessible, hill and

hillocks where 74.35% population belongs to schedule tribe (soura) and 5% belongs to schedule caste.

Over 80% belongs to below the poverty line and 29% are functionally literate. The Gumma block theaverage of days worked/claimed under NREGA is fewer than 25 to 30 days. There is a manipulation of

those eligible for the Job Card, so that they are not aware of what they are applying for and the

government employee then appropriates the issued job card. There is a reduction in number of work days

available though deliberate or non-deliberate failure of Gram Savak , Panchayat, block and Junior

Engineer to scope and confirm work to be completed. Likewise there is a collusion among banks,

middlemen and government employees to give the Job Card holder only a proportion of his/her earned

wage either by falsifying the hourly rate or the number of days work. It is in this context that

communitys awareness of NREGA and RTI will be raised and they will be mobilized to be able to fight

corruption and avail their rights.

To initiate steps toward citizen-responsive and transparent, non-corrupt, governancethrough active civic vigilance, monitoring or public services and action against corruptionin implementation of different schemes and provisions in 207 communities of Gummablock.

To ensure non-corrupt implementation of NREGA through exposing corrupt practice andempowering community to demand for their rights and monitor the implementation ofthe provision in 19 GPs of Gumma block.

To increase awareness among people on the issues of poor governance and poorimplementat ion of government schemes through a proact ive mediaprogramme ,investigative reporting and facilitating social audit in Gumma block.

Expected Outcomes

o 50% increase in the number of eligible citizens in Gumma block who are able to obtain benefitsunder the NREGS scheme without paying bribes as result of citizens campaign

o 70% bogus Job Cards obtained by corrupt officials will be exposed and confiscated

o The corruption vulnerabilities in the NREGS scheme are analyzed and reforms advocated by theCitizens coalition

o


Training, awareness generation thru IEC materials, filing of RTIs, strengthening vigilance committees, participating in social audit organised by government, etc. marked this quarter. Two CBOs TrainingProgrammes at the village level have been held successfully. In 5 interior pockets, village level awarenessprogramme was organized. Vigilance Committees in 7 G.P.s were strengthened. As a follow up measure,awareness to the committee members on social audit, suo moto & RTI filing were held. Due to use IEC

materials and posters the people are now actively participating in the Gram Sabha & they are frequentlydiscussing about the budgetary provisions of their work, and measurements during the meetings. They arealso taking an active role in prioritising their work in NREGS, planning their work & determining theworksite. One Block level workshop was organised consisting of Block Level Officials & the VigilanceCommittee Members. The delay in payment issue has been reduced to some extent. The delay in takingthe measurements after the work has been accomplished by the Engineer at the Block level has beenreduced in some cases. In this quarter 10 nos of RTIs were filed. Through this tool it was possible torecover rupees 3 Lakhs, out of which Rs.80,000/- is the Corruption money which was kept by the Govt.authority as bribe. Due to ignorance & very little knowledge, their rights are still being sucked by the


21/30

implementing authorities in some places. We have also developed some key points on NREGA & theirrights in the form of posters in their local speaking language as well as Oriya for their betterunderstanding & pasted them at important places inside each village. Suraksha are constantly havingmeetings with the NREGA implementing authorities both at Block Level & G.P. Level and pursuing themfor the SUO-MOTO disclosure of details of the NREGA activities & timely compliance of the NREGArelated activities. Some activities were rescheduled like the School Campaign, Social Audit & Public

Hearing, Media Campaign, Network & Advocacy activities & One District Level Workshop onAnticorruption & RTI for the next quarter.

12. India-YSD: Enabling Citizen Monitoring of Public Services, Preventing Bribery to Foster

Effective Service Delivery in Brahmapur city of Orissa, Orissa

Budget and Timeline

The budget for this project is 31,850 and it will operate for one year starting 30th September, 2009.


Building on their work in the first phase of PTF funding where they conducted a survey of perceptions on

corruption in different services, YSD have identified three services on a needs-based analysis and areworking with government, using RTI and mobilizing citizens groups to monitor and reduce corruption in

these selected services land administration, drinking water and PDS. Objectives as follows:o To promote citizen groups and civil society monitoring of basic services delivery (i.e. water

supply, public distribution system and land record & administration) with set of monitoring checklist;

o To build capacity of the citizen groups, civil society on monitoring service delivery by utilizingright to information and to act upon those information to fight corruption/bribery;

o To advocate for proactive discloser of information, provision of grievance redressal andinstitutional reforms for reduction in bribe/petty corruption ensuring transparency andaccountability

Expected Outcomeso 40 percentage (Rupees 23.09million) reduction in bribe payment to access the public services by

the households

o Number of effective corruption-reducing actions taken by the service agencies based oninformation gained through project

o Citizens in the six selected wards (10,000 households i.e. 25% of the total households) will beable to obtain services without bribe

o


Six Citizens Monitoring Committees in 6 wards of Berhampur city were formed and capacitated to fight

against corruption with the use of Right to Information and act upon the information. Following many

informal group meetings YSD formally organised two technical meetings for CMCs; one was on

dissemination of corruption issues, to identify the current issues the community face and share

information on PDS and water and another important meeting on capacity building on Right to

Information (how to use RTI to fight corruption). Training workshop of Public Officials on Right to

Information particularly on suo moto provision organised and the public authorities are in the process of

designing the 17 point information disclosure in consultation with YSD team. 17 out of 28 public officials

attended the training. The team competently brought supply side actors to interface between the citizens,

CMCs and senior public officials to the Public Hearing on Transparency and Accountability in Water


22/30

Service Delivery. 47 citizens and members of CMCs and 3 senior officials attended and raised many

issues of water service delivery. Many resolutions made to bring transparency and efficient service

delivery like establish complaint mechanism, speedy disposal of complaint and information. It has seen

during the field work, interaction with the community service delivery in a corruption free manner is

improving due to citizen engagement. Citizens Monitoring Inventory (check list) to monitor the service

delivery and check corruption in public service delivery specifically on water and PDS has been designedand ready to use by the CMCs. Third issue of the quarterly newsletter Transparency and Development

was published and distributed 300 copies among various stakeholders.

13. Transparency International, Sri Lanka (TISL): Reducing corruption in local government

through use of Citizens Report Card and community action.

Budget and Timeline

The project is being undertaken by Transparency International-Sri Lanka for one year commencing 1 st

January 2010 and is for US $35,000.


TISL plan to exact accountability in local governance through use of the Citizen Report Card

methodology, community awareness raising and mobilization and extensive constructive engagement

with authorities. Corruption will be reduced by monitoring public service and engaging the community in

more participatory governance structures.o Increased awareness of corruption risks in financial management of LGso Sustainable dialogue and interaction between LG and public establishedo To increase capacity and willingness of LG officials to include citizen views and priorities in their

worko To increase capacity of CBOs to represent citizen views and monitor LG performanceo

Expected Outcomes

o LG annual financial accounts published and available

o Citizens afforded opportunity to report corrupt practices (no of complaints) and % of complaintsresolved through an established complaints mechanism

o Increase in public awareness

Current status (April to June 2010):

TISL is in its second quarter of the project period. During the reporting period there has been goodprogress in constructive engagement and community empowerment. TISL discussed the project with theLocal Government Commissioner for the Uva province, and received his approval and directions on theproject. As a next step TISL had several meetings with the Pradeshiya Sabha members and officials inMeegahakiula and Rideemaliyadda. TISL also had many consultations and focus group discussions with

other local government groups, community leaders and CBO leaders. A training program was conductedfor the Pradeshiya Sabha members and officials to educate them on the local government act, and this wasalso useful to establish a working relationship with the Pradeshiya Sabha. As TISL has not worked withthese Pradeshiya Sabhas earlier, the collaboration is fresh and requires trust building between TISL andthe Pradeshiya Sabha. This is needed for the Pradeshiya Sabha to sign the MOU with TI and also assistthe Survey by giving data on service recipients. The questionnaire for the CRC has also been developedand needs to be finalised. A significant challenge for the project has been that the project areas are thinlypopulated and the residents are difficult to locate. Also, many of the inhabitants of the area have littleunderstanding of the Pradeshiya Sabha and what its purpose is. TISL is trying to overcome these obstacles


23/30

by getting lists of service recipients from the Pradeshiya Sabha itself. Another challenge is the poverty inthe area, and in the local governments. These conditions seem to have made the local governmentsdysfunctional. The Pradeshiya Sabhas are most interested in NGO project that can assist them in theseareas and are less keen on projects addressing the area of good governance, accountability andtransparency. The TISL team also conducted several interviews with Pradeshiya Sabha officials andaverage citizens of the area. While all this footage exists, it was decided that more aspects of the program

need to be filmed before a meaningful audio visual could be produced. Constructive engagement has builtup through the project with a representative from the Future in Our Hands CBO. This representative(Mr. Pushpakumara) has been very helpful and resourceful in connecting the TISL project with othercommunity leaders and CBO leaders in the project areas. TISL has linked up with Facilitating LocalInitiatives for Conflict Transformation (FLICT) in this quarter and joined their project team in a quarterlypartner review meeting in Badulla. TISL used this opportunity to make all the FLICT partners aware ofthe TISL Curbing Corruption in Local Government in Sri Lanka program and also had a discussionwith the FLICT partners about their views of the project and received their input. The TISL project teamalso linked up with the one of the main governance related operational teams at the United NationsDevelopment Program and discussed their governance initiatives in Badulla and also introduced the TISLprogram. The Senior Advisor, Governance in UNDP, Mr. Ganesharaja agreed to consider possible spacesfor mutual collaboration between some of the UNDP projects in Badulla and the TISL project.


24/30

14. Prerana NJMO (Nava Jeevana Mahila Okkoota), Karnataka, India (Adviser: Indira

Sandiliya)

Timing and Budget: PTF has approved a grant of US$ 26,000 in November 2009 to Nava Jeevana

Mahila Okkoota, Karnataka, India. The agreement was signed in November 2009. The first tranche of

US $ 9,000 was released in November 2009.

Background:

PRERANA presently works in Raichur and Bangalore urban districts:a) Micro Lift Irrigation projects for marginal farmers, which improves the land yields and also

generates more employment days for others.b) Involved in various major government projects like JSYS for rehabilitation of tanks and also

Unicef Swasth+ project to help improve the health indicators.c) Pratibha Poshak is a program to support the meritorious but poor students for higher education

and impart skills for them to get gainfully employed.d) Girl child Dropout program, wherein in 20 villages schools are run for girl children, who have

never been to school or have dropped out and are in child labour.e) Parivartana is a project in 25 villages to empower the most marginalized dalith (SC) families by

supporting their children with tuitions and other life skills.f) Nava Jeevana Mahila Okkoota (NJMO) is a dalith (SC) womens federation which was formed

in 2003, to stop the Devadasi system in Raichur district and which also works on ensuringeducation to the children and also that people get the rights they are entitled under the constitutionand laws of this country.

Project Objectives, Expected Outcomes and Activities:

ProjectObjectives:

1) To increase awareness of issues of community rights and corruption through a CitizensCorruption Report Card with regard to NREGS, PDS, PHCS, ICDS and Gram Panchayatbudgets.

2) To increase understanding of the use of RTI as an effective tool to combat corruption.3) To expose and reduce corruption in NREG through Social Audits.4) To work with Government in implementing an effective Grievance Redressal System.

Expected Results and Targetso A group of 30 people trained in doing the CCRC and 60 villages and 1 city surveyed.o A public meeting conducted and the results shared along with demands for action.o A people friendly and easily understandable document is ready with CCRC results.o 15 people trained as Master trainers in CCRC, social audits, RTI. Handbook on Social Audits

developedo Trainings conducted in all 60 villages and city to 3 volunteers per village/ city.o A document that lists the problems in each village and the priorities after interactions in each

village.o At least 10 RTIs on various issues filed in each Gram Panchayath.o An RTI helpline set up along with documenting specific case studies.o Meetings, democratic protests, using different forums like Lok Ayuktha and Employment

Guarantee councils at state and national level.o Social audits conducted in all Villages.o The governments action taken report released.o Songs are ready and being sung by the people.o Administration starts a Grievance Redressal system which also includes a free telephone line to

make complaints.


25/30

o NJMO involved in documenting the complaints and also giving feedback to top officials on theeffectiveness of action being taken.

o People know about the Lok Ayukta and other legal and administrative mechanisms. Stories inmedia.

Overall Project Outcomes include:

1) NREGS expenditure in districts increases, as mandated, by at least 25% and is disbursed in anon-corrupt manner.

2) 60 Villages PDS shops show more than 50% improvement in the non-corrupt delivery ofservices.

3) At least 1 corruption issue is solved in each of the target villages by use of RTI.4) 1000 of the poorest families in target villages, who do not have BPL cards, attain them in a

non-corrupt manner.5) Government takes at least 3 effective actions to ensure corruption free services.

Current Status (April to June 2010):

In this quarter NJMO started with the project objectives, mainly training of karyakartas in RTI and then

using RTI in the villages for different issues. The karyakartas also were involved in sending letters and

memorandums to the government demanding Food Security Act to be passed in parliament which willalso have in it proper transparency and accountability clauses. Preliminary discussions were held with

PAF on the survey process and finalized the different schemes to be taken up in the survey and also the

area to be covered. NJMO also met the CEO and DC in connection with the CCRC (corruption report

card) and they have whole heartedly agreed to support the entire process. 15 maser trainers have been

trained. The process of trainings in the target villages is going on and already covered 15% of target

villages. A total of 80 RTIs have been filed, mainly connected with proactive disclosure details of

important departments and some on PDS and SCP (special component plan for SC-ST people).

Developed awareness materials on Gram Panchayath elections, NREGS and PDS. These are in process of

being fine tuned. NJMO also approached the Minister at the State level for proper functioning of PDS. He

has re-energized the help line number which had become dormant. In 10 villages, shops are now opening

for around 10 days in a month and people are getting their rightful entitlements. NJMO has alsodemanded that food stock released to each village be displayed at Taluk office for people to see. Also the

government has agreed to involve NJMO in issues connected with NREGS & PDS formally. NJMO had

formed a forum called Jana Arogya Andolan in Raichur, which has 8 organizations and in next quarter

they will be taking up the issue of PHCs and government health service delivery and the problems related

to this.

15. Sambandh, Orissa, India (Advisers: Willem Struben & Vinay Bhargava)

a) Timing and Budget: PTF approved a grant of US $ 35,000 in November 2009 to Sambandh,

Orissa, India. The agreement was signed on 30th November 2009. The first tranche of US

$10,500 was released in December 2009.

b) Background:

Sambandh since 1992 has been constructively engaged in the following sectors:

Sustainable livelihood through NRM based integrated watershed and non-farm activities Community health based on local health practices and uses of medicinal plants Strengthening Panchayats through localizing MDG campaign and tracking the poverty

alleviation schemes and public expenditure in delivery of public services. Climate change trials through alternative energy resources and conservation of forest. Community based disaster preparedness


26/30

SAMBANDH works in 504 villages in 86 gram Panchayats, in 37 blocks of 9 districts such as Cuttack,Puri, Ganjam, Rayagada, Kalahandi, Kandhmal, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar & Bolangir in Orissa.SAMBANDH directly covers 5665 households with more than 50,000 population and through the partners another 9951households covering another 70,000 population with support from Europeancommission, DIPECHO, UNDP, Welthungerhilfe, BMZ, KFW, NABARD, MoEF, Ayush, NMPB,

Misereor and BD.

Project Objectives:The objectives are clearly linked to project goal in terms of establishing a Rural call centre at one block

on a pilot to provide single window services through increased ICT connectivity and to access and

provide information under RTI to legitimize the tracking of the implementation of NREGS for checking

the corruption. The social watch group members would be trained and become the vigilance committee

members under NREGS. This is the first phase of establishing just the system of tracking and monitoring

of schemes vis--vis corruption especially the NREGA.

1. Rural Call Center on entrepreneurship basis in Jashipur block is established with access toand make available of information on demand (using RTI) for tracking corruption in

NREGA program implementation. (Policy Implication: Integration of concept of Rural callcentre under e-governance under Ministry of Rural Development, Government of Orissa)2. Visible tracking system adopted at block level with appropriate MIS at panchayat level for

quality delivery of quality services and checking the corruption in NREGS by trained socialwatch groups in one block. (Policy Implication: MIS at Panchayat level is accepted andpracticed. This might be accepted as a tool of monitoring by Ministry of Panchayati Raj)

3. Specific capacity building modules and IEC materials are developed and widelydisseminated for localizing the Social watch process and tracking and monitoring ofimplementation of NREGS and checking the corruption. (Policy Implication: Members ofthe social watch group is well accepted as the vigilance committee member under NREGSand later on this might be accepted at the District administration level)

Expected Results and Targets:

Objective-1: (Integration of concept of Rural call centre under e-governance under Government of

Orissa)

1. 1 Established one Rural Call Center (Gyan O Soochana kendras) would access to and makeavailable of information on demand (through linkages with government departments) by usingRTI for checking the corruption in NREGS related work in Jashipur Block, Mayurbhanj district

1. 2 The introduction of ICT, better information and communication will strengthen the informationbase on implementation process of NREGS related work. Better linkages between communitieswould be established to increase decentralized planning processes, and making themaccountable to check the corruption practices.

1. 3 ICT will link the demand and supply of information related to work under NREGA.1. 4 Government Line Departments are trained to recognize ICT with social watch process as an

instrument for checking the corruption and ensuring the quality implementation of the NREGS

related work.

Objective-2: (Greater understanding of mechanisms of tracking the delivery of quality implementation of

NREGS related work by the Social Watch Group members through capacity building would lead towards

improved governance at Panchayat level)

2.1 Visible tracking system at the regular interval strengthened the social audit system andmanagement of MIS at panchayat level.

2.2 MIS register is developed and used by the local Panchayats


27/30

2.3 Local Media is playing a positive and proactive role in countering local level corruption inNREGS

Objective-3: (Development and dissemination of specific capacity building modules and IEC materials

for localizing the Social watch process and tracking and monitoring of implementation of NREGS and

checking the corruption)

3.1 Materials on for future Training manual on localizing Social watch process and Toolkit forTracking and monitoring of public service delivery have been complied at this stage

3.2 IEC materials have been circulated and created an impact among the local population.

Overall Outcomes:

o 25% increase in citizens who report corruption in NREGA scheme under PR department and RDdepartment in the 1st year.

o 50% reduction in incidence of bribery/corruption experienced by citizens in the project areawhilst getting the job card and the work or entitlement.

o Number of effective actions taken by the Department to curb corruption in the NREGA has beenevident through various reports from the Block level during 1st year of the project.

Current status (April - June 2010):This quarter was more of the follow-up activities of the previous quarter. Capacity building of thetransparency workers and staff were held as planned. Sambandh conducted a survey and focused groupdiscussion for knowing the status of the NREGS. The documentation and analysis of the data collectedare still going and will be shared as soon as it gets completed. The Rural Call Centre (RCC) brochure hasalso been finalised. CMS (Community Monitored System) has been developed and the dynamic data iscollected from time to time and the same is updated regularly. RCC is functioning well and thecommunity people are visiting the call centre for their benefits regularly. Internal project monitoring wasdone, that is a regular process in Sambandh by the staff external to the project. The RCC Entrepreneurfacilitates filing of RTIs, and provides other services like filing applications for Job cards; unemploymentallowances applications etc. He also maintains detail records of visitors, beneficiaries, services availed by people in the context of NREGS and other relevant records like social watch group register, stockregister , visitors register, beneficiary register, library register etc. The entrepreneur also participates in

Melas and weekly Haats and creates awareness on NREGS and ICT services available at the call centre.The entrepreneur is now increasing the assets of the RCC, on his own expenditure to provide morerelevant services, for e.g. Digital Camera & photo printer, colour Xerox. Social watch group with its locallevel network is involved in promoting citizens movement that hold Government accountable towards thecommunity. Media is involved in covering different activities regularly and has taken self interest tohighlight the different activities. SHG members have actively come forward for their rights and hadsensitized the whole community for the same. They are helping people in getting the job cards on theirown. The social watch group and project implementing team were in constant interaction with the blockofficials and panchayat bodies ensuring constructive engagement. All 20 Panchayat Offices and officials,The BDO of Jashipur, Zillaparishad Members, Sarpanchs, NGOs, Media Representatives, SHGFederation and Lawyers are constructively engaged in bringing transparency in NREGA work.

16. Samuhik Abhiyan, Nepal: Combating Corruption through Citizen Participation (Adviser:Jagadish Upadhyay)

17.a. Timing and Budget: PTF approved a grant of $18,350 on January 17, 2010 for Samuhik Abhiyan,

Nepal. The agreement was signed on March 2, 2010 and the first tranches of $7,300 was released onMarch 12, 2010.

b.c. Background: Samuhik Abhiyan (SA) a non-profit, NGO established in 1992 was promoted and is

managed by a group of development professionals, development trainers, and social activists. It is anactive member of World Alliance for Citizen Participation (CIVICUS) and has an autonomous


28/30

chapter in Japan. SA works with local level social development organizations in the field of socialmobilization and promotion of people centered development. It also works with the international andnational organizations at policymaking level in the area of advocacy in various social as well aspoverty related issues.

d.Project Objectives, Expected Outcomes and Activities: In recent years, the Government of Nepal has

taken a number of anti-corruption measures, but they have failed largely to achieve their objective due tothe lack of effective implementation of the policies and lack of citizen participation. In view of this, SAhas developed an initiative for reducing corruption through citizen participation in Nuwakot district,particularly in health sector. Within the overall goal of contributing towards reducing corruption in healthsector, the project objectives are:

i. Citizen participation is increased to identify the forms and scope of corruption and tocontribute towards promoting good governance in district level government health services

ii. Corruption in the district health facilities is reducediii. Existing government health policies and regulation are implemented effectivelyiv. Corruption monitoring committees are formed/strengthened at district level

A total of 13 different activities have been planned, including:

Assessment of Corruption by using Citizen Report/Score Card

Technical Support to improve service delivery

Development of Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials

Awareness Campaign

Promoting community participation against corruption

Interaction meeting at central level

Policy research

National level workshop

Media advocacy

Meeting with central level government officials

Formation of Corruption Monitoring Committee at district level

Capacity building of the Committee

Current Status (April June 2010):

This has been the first quarter for Samuhik Abhiyan. During this quarter the project took off with thedistrict level one day orientation workshop in Nuwakot District to provide the information about projectto the Stakeholder. District level stakeholders discussed their problems to maintain transparency in healthsector due to the political intervention. Political leaders, media persons, civil society, private sectors, line

agencies as well as stake holders have committed to support the programme. A contact office, with afocal person has been established in Bidur to implement project activities effectively. SA has organizedinteraction meeting with the central level government officials (Ministry of health and National vigilancecentre). A base line survey has been conducted in the target community to identify the level of corruptionin health sector. 625 people of the project area were directly involved in the survey. They informed aboutthe level of corruption in heath sector. They complained the behaviour of health staffs in health centers.The Citizen Report/Score Card has been conducted focussing on the government health services in BidurMunicipality, Khanigaun VDC and Beteni VDC of Nuwakot district. Participation of Dalit, Ethnicsgroups, women and poor community was ensured while conducting the Citizen Report/Score Card. A four


29/30

member Advisory Committee among Ministry of health, National Vigilance Center, Samuhik Abhiyan hasbeen formed to implement the programme effectively. District Public Health Office has been positive todevelop plan of action according to the findings of the Citizen Report Card Assessment.

18. ForestAction, Nepal: Promoting Transparency & Accountability for Rights Based CommunityForestry in Nepal; (Adviser: Dante delos Angles)

19.a) Timing and BudgetPTF approved a grant of $29,625 on January 27, 2010 for ForestAction, Nepal. The agreement was signed

on February 19, 2010 and the first tranches of $11,950 was released on February 25, 2010.

b) Background

ForestAction, a Nepali NGO established in 2000, works in the field of environmental governance and

livelihoods of the rural communities. It has a vision of environmentally sustainable society free from

poverty and injustice. Its mission is to transform policies, institutions and practices for transparent,

inclusive, democratic, equitable, sustainable and effective management of natural resources. It also aims

to influence international environmental agenda by actively promoting deliberative, bottom-up, and pro-

poor approaches to governance. It works at different levels of government and community and hasdeveloped extensive working linkages with local grassroots organizations, resource users federations,

civil society organizations, policy communities, and international research networks.

Project Objectives, Expected Outcomes and Activities

Nepals forests are one of the most important resources for generating livelihood and for maintaining

ecological integrity. But they are not serving their full economic potential because of serious governance

issues leading to widespread illegal exploitation of forest resources by powerful groups and individuals.

The legacy of poor governance and corruption has remained in the forestry sector even though the current

trend in Nepal is moving from state control to participatory management. The government has handed

over approximately 22% forest of the coun

Documents

South Asia Regional Progress Report