RNI Reg.no.APENG/2007/26469 Annual subscription Rs.50/- Postal Regn.no.H/SD/428/2009-11

TARNAKA TIMES VOL.NO.2 ISSUENO.54 MONTHLY NEWS LETTER published on every 2 nd JULY-2009

A Mouth Piece of The FEDERATION OF A.P.SENIOR CITIZENS’ ORGANISATIONS (FAPSCO)The UNITED-FEDERATION OF RESIDNET WELFARE ASSOCIATIONS (U-FERWAS)The FEDERATION OF ORGANISERS OF ELDERS’ HOMES IN ANDHRA PRADESH (FEDEHAP)

and STANDING COMMITTEE OF TARNAKA RESIDNET WELFARE ASSOCIATIONS (SCOTRWA) ****************************************************************************Editorial :

Beware, the Corporator-Candidates are Coming!

We are fast approaching the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation elections. The war machines of the political parties are getting ready. They would, soon, be nominating the candidates. This happens, even though, in the local body elections, it is not desirable to introduce politics and to have party candidates. Judging from the past experience, we notice that most of these candidates, as well as the final winner, would never resemble anyone of 80% of the Hyderabad population. An average urban person living in any of the 150 wards, is reasonably educated, qualified in some skills or profession, experienced having worked in an office or a factory, and has his own means of livelihood to maintain his family; where as the candidates seem to come from a distinct political class. Of course, our desire is to have somebody better than us as our representative. But, unfortunately, this is not happening. What can we as a senior citizens or a residents, belonging to a Resident Welfare Association (RWA), representing the civil society, can do to improve the situation?I. Right now, individually or collectively, please write or meet the presidents of the political parties suggesting to them to give ticket to the “good” candidates only. They, of course, know who is not a good candidate. i. We would request them not to “ parachute” a candidate from above i.e. not to bring in a party-worker or somebody, from outside, who is not a regular resident in the area. ii) The parties should not encourage the candidates to spend big money on the campaign. No liquor, no money distribution. Not even late-hour noise pollution through mikes is necessary. Since the resident welfare Associations are going to organize common platforms for all the candidates, including the independents, the voters will decide themselves on the basis of the merits of the candidates. Iii) The candidates should be warned that, in future, there would be no way to make money as a corporator. For the works like laying roads in the ward, already the contractor is paying bribes to get the contract and even to encash the cheques for the bills sanctioned. If he is to give, further, commissions to the local party representatives, starting with the Corporator, then, he cannot lay a good road. Similarly, irregular building construction and encroachments have become a source of income. These things, the resident welfare association can not tolerate. If a candidate had done such things in the past is nominated by a party, then, the RWAs would see that he or she is defeated. Candidates should know that these malpractices are punishable by law. They are criminal offences and they can be arrested on the spot. iv) The residents as sovereign

citizens have the freedom, the right and even an obligation to participate and deal with the municipal administration and with the Government directly to solve their problem. The corporator should, in fact, facilitate the empowerment of the citizen to manage his own affairs, rather than claiming himself to be a compulsory middleman. The RWAs can discuss their matters with the officials and the officials can come and work with the representatives of the RWAs locally, without any protocol justifying the presence of the corporator. v) In future, when the Area Sabhas are held and the peoples’ ward committees are formed, the RWAs should be present and represented. The corporator should dutifully be the emissary of the peoples’ ward committee to the municipal Council.

Only people who can raise up to these expectations, should present themselves as candidates. The defaulters would have an unhappy and harassed life for failing the people. The parties should not under-estimate the qualities required to be a candidate to represent the urban citizens. II. Having, initially, talked to the political parties, the RWAs have 3 strategies as options before them to follow: First Option: This can be done by all the resident welfare associations. Holding a Common Platform meeting with all the candidates in every ward: ‘Know Your Candidate”. At that meeting, we have to get the following commitments or promises from them, before the voters decide individually to vote to whomsoever they want:

i) Non-violence in words and acts during the election campaign;ii) Transparency in election expenditure, amount and mode of spending;iii) Avoiding pollutions during elections: noise, defacing walls, banners at

inconvenient places, alcohol distribution;iv) Commitment ( elected or not) not to take commissions from the contractors on

local works undertaken, nor from the builders of irregular constructions, encroachments, etc.;

v) Commitment not to create obstructions in the direct dialogue and participation between the citizens and the Administration;

vi) Such a candidate, even if he or she belongs to a Party, once elected, would accept to function in cooperation with all other political parties as far as the area development is concerned.

Second Option: The RWAs, after observing the candidates on the Common Platform, meet separately to identify a few candidates to be opposed and also one or two candidates whom the RWAs would recommend, so that the votes are not splitting among too many candidates.Third Option: The RWAs to set up their own candidate and contribute towards his or her expenditure, only if the candidates proposed by the parties do not appear to be worthy of their votes.

Democracy is to empower the citizens and not the political middlemen.-----------------------------------------------------------------

DOCTOR-PATIENT DIALOGUE 0n 1 st July, 2009.

The following doctors came and received the appreciation of the community:Dr.Pushpa Hemadri, Dr.K.S.Rao, Dr.T.R.K.Reddy, Dr.Sheriffdin Sheriff, Dr.A.Krishna Mohan Rao,Dr.M.A.Virinchi, Dr.Mrs.Bharani Roy and Dr.Sydaiah Gopisetty.They say:

Help us to help you- together let us deal with Medical problems.1. Educate the public: No instant cure - have a family doctor. - have your Medical record along with basic data. - trust the doctor & be frank. - treat doctor as your friend. Basically body has a built in

mechanism to cure itself give time & have patience. We are an amazing cultivation of Body-Mind- Soul. Doctors know only about body – mind & soul are in patients control. Have a positive attitude. Have confidence in yourself & faith in God. Every body should save 10% of their earning for medical expenses. Arrange frequent medical education to the public. There is erosion in the relationships between the doctor and the patient in our times, mainly due to lack of communications. It is affecting the society adversely. It saddens to see the request clashes and man handling of Doctors leading to strikes, going to court and so much of un happiness. Then govt posting some police in the premises etc!!!!!! This is not a permanent solution.2. My hats are off to Dr. Chelikani who arranged this Doctor Patient Dialogue which is the real need of the day. We were eight doctors with about 50 lay people who attended the three hrs meeting. "Life is the mystery not the Disease" Let us not forget that no sane doctor wants to harm the patient. We all take Hippocrates oath not to harm the Patient. Like every other human doctors also made up of --- body, mind and soul. We learn to deal with just the body. But mind and soul are purely personal to everybody which are in their control. Misunderstandings and high expectations should be cleared through the powerful media like TV Broadcasts of frequent Doctor-Patient Dialogue. Let us help at least the next generation live in harmony with out doubting and blaming Doctor for every death and mishap.  Discussion summarized by: Dr. Pushpa Hemadri.,MD.,D.G.O, PG-DGM{Diploma in Geriatric Medicine}, Retd.Railway Ob.Gy. Specialist.

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UNITED-FEDERATION OF RESIDENT WELFARE ASSOCIATIONS(U-FERWAS)

Deliberations of the Special General Body Meeting of United Federation of Resident Welfare

Associations, Greater Hyderabad.

Held on the Role of Resident Welfare Associations in the ensuing G.H.M.C., Elections, date 23-07-

2009 at 2 p.m., Press Club Basheer Bagh.

The Meeting has been attended, besides the members and constituent R.W.As from various

parts of Greater Hyderabad, by the Representatives of Cova, Forum for A Better Hyderabad, M.V.

Foundation, APSA, Jana Chaitanya Vedika, HMTV & others. Dr. V.B.J. Chelikani, President

delivered the introductory speech. The following office bearers and guests addressed the meeting.

1) Sri. G. Satyanarayana General Secretary – Presented a report on activities of U-Ferwas

visa/vis the role of RWAs in the forth coming GHMC elections. He also apprised the members on

the proposed ”Rules” of the Amendment Act to GHMC – particularly on constitution of Area

Sabhas U/s 8B and Ward Sabhas U/s 8 A, particularly the method of nominations to both the bodies.

Sri. V. Gopal Rao, Exe – V.P.Sri. T. Satyanarayana, Exe – V.P. Sri. B.T. Srinivasan, Exe – V.P Sri.

Ashwini Kumar, Exe – V.P. Sri. M. Padmanabha Reddy, Social Activist ,Sri. M. Veda Kumar,

President Forum for a better Hyderabad, Sri. Dakshina Murthy, Malkajgiri Federation RWA., Sri.

N.S. Narayana, G.S. COWAM – Mehdipatnam, and the Co-ordinator of HMTV etc. The participants

have mainly discussed on the following issues:

i) In co-operation with other Civil Society organizations of the area, efforts must be

made by writing letters and contacting various political parties not to field

candidates with un-clean back ground.

ii) Arrange Common platforms for all the contesting candidates and observing on

various angles, to select the best among them.

iii) Specific commitments be taken from the contesting candidates that they would

not spend money on election campaign more than the money fixed by the State

Election Commission. There shall be complete non violence during the campaign

and also after election.

iv) Candidates with clean record of service and possessing required eligibility who

makes commitments, to co-operate and assist and take all measures on priority

basis to complete the developmental and other issues of the colonies only be

supported.

v) The candidates if elected to ensure 100% transparency in the quality of

developmental works, while avoiding commissions from the contractors. He or

she should not support any irregular constructions and encroachments either on

private or Government lands.

Release of News Letter: “Malkajgiri VANI” Malkajigri Federation RW A:

Dr. V.B.J. Chelikani President U-Ferwas, ceremoniously released the 1st copy of

“Voice of Malkajigiri” a news letter published for internal circulation.

Felicitation of Sri. T. Sita Rama Swamy : The former President of Malkajgiri RWA

Sri. T. Sita Rama Swamy has been felicitated for his outstanding services to the society.

The U –FERWAS members and others attending the meeting unanimously passed the

following resolutions:

RESOLVED that the RWAs and their Federations of Greater Hyderabad should assess the

qualities like eligibility, previous history of service, his commitments, readiness to co-operate

with the RWAs, assuring transparency and accountability in his performance of the candidates

seeking to become corporators, before deciding to vote.

That the members of the RWAs who come forward to contest and who are worthy and

committed should be supported with all help. With the vote of thanks the meeting was adjourned.

G. Satyanarayana, Genl. Secretary.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Meeting With the Commissioner, GHMC

A delegation consisting of Sri. Rao Chelikani, Sri.G.Satyanarayana, Sri.B.T.Srinivasan,Sri.VuppalaGopalaRao,Sri.T.Sitarama Swamy, Sri.P.L. Menon, Sri.T.Satyanarayana, met Sri. S.P. Singh, Commissioner and Special Officer, GHMC on 29 th June, 2009 on the following matters: Points for Discussion: 1. Dialogue with the Minister, M.A.U.D., 2. Dialogue committee at G.H.M.C. level. 3. Dialogue at Dy. Commissioner level. 4. B.P.S. Consultations.

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A P STATE CONSUMER COMMISSION DIRECTS THE BUILDER TO COMPLETE PENDING WORKS AND PROVIDE FIRE SAFETY MEASURES

The flat owners of Happy Homes Palace ‘A’, near Upparpally cross roads, GHMC Rajendranagar Circle, got the justice after 2 ½ years long legal battle.

The Happy Homes Palace ‘A’ Flat Owners W.A. has been fighting completion of works and other amenities in their block with the builder Dr. Shafiuddin Ahmed of Happy Homes Housing since they took possession of their flats during end of the year 2002.

Several letters were written and complaints were lodged with Director of Municipal Administration, Country & Town Planning, HUDA and Rajendranagar Municipality, nothing materialized.

The launch of Consumer Online Resource & Empowerment Centre called Core Centre in the year 2005 by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs Delhi came handy to the Palace ‘A’ flat owners. Sri. TR. Madhavan,Vice President lodged a individual complaint to the Core Centre and they tried to negotiate with the builder for the redressal of grievances. The builder having responded negatively, the core center issued a letter to file a consumer dispute case in the state commission immediately.

Basing on their advice, a CD was filed against the builder in the year 2006. The dispute case was admitted and after long ordeal the commission has delivered reliefs to the flat owners on July. 6, 2009.

The following are the reliefs awarded by the AP State Consumer Commission;

1. The builder has to provide Fire Safety equipments and safety measures and obtain NOC from the Fire Services department.

2. The builder has to provide transformer and HT lines as well as rectify the works in all electrical panel boards.

3. The builder has been directed to plaster the stilt area roof, beams, pillars and expansion joints properly.

4. Proper drainage system as per the HUDA specification has to be done.5. Rain Water Harvesting Systems.6. Construction of Parapet wall in terrace.7. Water filtration plant near the overhead tanks.8. Transfer of common and other electrical meters in the name association and flat owners.9. Car and Scooter parking marking and plans.10. Plan of the building.11. Structural Stability certificate.

As regularization is not the subject of the commission and the clause related to drinking water connection and 8 passenger lift are not in the sale agreement, on these issues no relief has been awarded.

The commission has asked the builder to complete all the aforementioned directions which has been allowed within a period of 3 months from the date of receipt of the orders and also to pay compensation of Rs. 5,000/- to each of the complainants (above mentioned persons) and also to the members of the complainant association who were members at the time of filling the complaint. Also awarded cost of Rs. 10,000/-. Time period for compliance 3 months.

It is to be noted that the secretary, Mr. TR. Madhavan fought this case, even though there was no moral or financial support from the resident or non resident flat owners related to this issue.

There are plenty of apartments in and around twin cities where deficiency in services by the builder can be found. The flat owners or the association should boldly come out and bring the builder to books. They should utilize the services of the Core Centre. Registering a complaint online is free of cost in their website http://www.ccccore.co.in/ .

Indra Deo Sah, 416, Palace ‘A’, Happy Homes, Upparpally Cross Roads, Hyderabad-4.

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 FEDERATION OF A.P.SENIOR CITIZENS ASSOCIATION(FAPSCO)

A copy of the letter addressed to Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy Garu,Hon,ble Chief Minister, A.P. on 4th July, 2009.

Sir, Our Federation congratulates you on your being re-elected to head the affairs of our

state.Though we have many other things to bring to your attention, there is one problem that is in pending since long time and which deserves your immediate attention:

The senior citizens deserve travel concessions in the fares and other facilities in the transport managed by APSRTC.

This is an essential means of transport for the common man. Maharashtra Government is offering 50% concession in the bus travel. Other States like Goa, Delhi, Karnataka are also giving concessions. Railways are giving 30% concession to male senior citizens and 50% to female senior citizens.

We request you to kindly consider this case and recommend to the transport authorities to take the necessary steps. We are available to them for consultations and to explain the situation.

Thanking you, Yours sincerely, Dr. Rao V.B.J. Chelikani, President. With copies to:

1. Srimathi Konda Surekha Garu, Hon’ble Minister for Women Development, & Child Welfare, Disabled Welfare and Senior Citizens, 2. Sri.S.Vijayarama Raju, Hon’ble Minister for Transport.

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A copy of the letter addressed to Sri. K. Rosaiah garu, Hon’ble Minister for Finance, A.P. on 29th June, 2009 by the President of FAPSCO:

Sub: Inclusion of a budget head in favour of the elders.Dear Sir,

The Government of India has declared in 1999 a National Policy on Older Persons and has been taking up a number of projects, some of which are routed through Government of Andhra Pradesh, including the Pension scheme for the BPL elders.

The Government of Andhra Pradesh too has issued a policy statement to implement the NPOP at the state level. Some activities are being carried out.

However, there is no item in the budget which could eventually justify any further activities or expenditure in favour of the elders. We want to bring this to your notice, as you

have been very receptive to the problems of the elders, whenever we approached you.

Thanking you, Yours sincerely, Dr. Rao V.B.J. Chelikani, President.

----------------------------------------------------Tax reliefs in Budget 2009 for Senior Citizens

Some of the changes announced in the Budget for this year are as under:The basic exemption from income tax has been raised from Rs.2,25,000 to Rs.2,40,000 in the case of tax payers who have completed the age of 65 as on 1-4-2009. For women below 65 the exemption limit has been raised from Rs.1,80,000 to Rs.1,90,000.The basic exemption limit for other individuals, HUFs, AOPs and BOIs has been raised from 150,000 to Rs.160,000.The surcharge of 10% which was being levied on incomes above Rs.10 lakhs has been abolished. Advance tax limit has been enhanced form Rs.5,000/- to Rs.10,000/-. That is income tax has to be paid in advance only in cases where the tax payable exceeds Rs.10,000/-.SARAL form of return to be re-introduced. It is however disappointing to find that in the railway budget for this year, no announcement has been made regarding grant of 50% fare concession to males aged 60, a concession presently available for females of the same category. Courtesy: Elders, 7TH July,09. -------------------------------------------------------

SENIOR CITIZENS DESK

BIRTHDAYS AUGUST 2009

2nd YRK Paramahamsa 9848261406

8th R Adavaiah 27824114

9th Prof.V. SudheerChandraReddy 27177956

11th Dr D Ramakrishna 9440379010/27205980

12th Thakorlal C Patel 9492047262

21st T Panduranga Chari 9441469190

23rd R Riberiro 27004564

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

9th AUGUST Lion N Raghu Rami Reddy, Habsiguda 9949467298 / 27174704

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Police Helpline: The Hyderabad police have already allotted ‘9010100100’ to receive grievances from citizens by SMS.” It is expected to be used only in emergency situations for speedy response when crime is in progress or after commission of Crime”.

AASARA – Equal Rights and Dignity for Elders

The GHMC (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation) and Helpage India are jointly serving the Senior Citizens through a help-line -1253. The Organisation, AAARA helps the Senior Citizens to lead a healthy, peaceful and dignified life. AASARA issues a Senior Citizen privilege cum Identity Card to all citizens who have completed 60 years of Age. These Identity Cards may be obtained free of cost from GHMC. Attach 2 passport size photos and enclose Xerox copies of residence & age proof.

HELP LINE-1253: (Tollfree) or 040-23226982.

Any Senior citizen or some one on behalf of a senior citizen can make a call to AASARA Helpline: 1253 to record his/her problem or complaint. The queries will be answered and the recorded. The Social worker/volunteer then act on the call and respond accordingly. The AASARA call center receives calls between 8.am. to 8p.m. on all days.

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Close gaze at Bed Side Assistant: Training & Employment is AvailableAge: 18-45yrs, Duration: 3 months, Education Qualification: Not required (Widows, Single). Required: Social Commitment, Facilities: Bus Pass(Rs.350), Lunch, Certificate, Placement. After training, salary around Rs.4,000 to Rs.5,000/-. Contact: Mr. P.L. Menon: 9848074063/ Mr. B.Rajesh: 9393395269/ AASARA 23226982

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Directory of OLD AGE HOMES IN INDIA 2009

Helpage India has brought out their “ Directory of OLD AGE HOMES IN INDIA 2009”. This is availableforRs.102/-at 2-2-3 /A / A5, Prema Sai Apts, Besides ATI campus, Shivam RoadDD Colony, Hyderabad– 500007. Tel. No. : 040-27427066/27428472. Email: hyderabad@helpageindia.org

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CIVIC SERVICES HELP LINE - A SATYAM FOUNDATION Initiative.

Now just call away: get timely help, whenever you need it, for availing the services in the following areas: Electrical, Carpentry, Automobiles(Drivers), Food, Veterinary, Legal, Sports, Construction. Just Call 040-27652233,(Any day between 8 a.m. to 8p.m.)To get contact details of helpers in your neighbour hood. Note: As a pilot programme, service available only in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation limits only. -------------------------------------------------------------------

Watch When the Trees are Cut or the Bores for Water are DrilledInform or contact for clarifications on WALTA Act for Hyd & R.R. districts:

Mr.M.J.Akbar, IFS., Divisional Forest Officer, Hyderabad & R.R.Dists, mjakbar_hyd@hotmail.comHelplines: 1. Mr.Viplav Reddy, Forest Range Officer, Hyderabad Central, 9849132752 2. Mr.,.Pramod Kumar, Asst.Conservator of Forests, Hyderabad Central.- 9492921277.3. Mr.Naga Mohan.Chelimi Foundation-9010594834

Meeting with the Hon’ble Minister Sri. Rama Narayan Reddy

A delegation of

U-FERWAS consisting of Sri. Srihari Rao, Sri. Sita Rama Swamy, Sri. B.T. Srinivasan, Sri. T.Satyanarayana, Dr. Rao chelikani, and Sri. G. Satyanarayana met the minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development on 25th June,2009 .

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HMTV Focus on RWAs HMTV has launched an initiative to high light the life of the RWAs in GHMC area. Their Happy Hyderabad programme is carrying out portraying the local problems faced by RWAs in each ward and arrange a dialogue with the authorities concerned. In this context, a meeting was arranged on 26th July, 2009 in FAPSCI auditorium in Red Hills with the Hon’ble Minister for MAUD, GOI Sri. S. Jaipal Reddy and Hon’ble Minister for MAUD, GOAP, Sri. A. Ram Narayana Reddy.

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