Wake-UpAYURVEDAIndian Health Science

ReflectionsNO REGRETSA poem by Athira A. Nair

ReportTHE EXPERIENCE OF RENOVATIONA report on Communicating Freedom Workshop by Caroline C

Reality CheckWHO NUKEMS WHONikhil Kuriakose on Indo-US Nuclear deal

OpportunityA chance to associate yourself with CPPR

MINDTEXTMINDTEXTA n e - j o u r n a l f r o m C e n t r e f o r P u b l i c P o l i c y R e s e a r c h

VOLUME-2 ISSUE-8 AUGUST 2007 www.cppr.in

CONTENTS

EditorialHAPPY ONAMYet another Onam for the Malayalee!

RAWTHIS PART OF INDIA IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY...The 60th Independence Day makes T.V.Vinu nostalgic

Just a MomentMonthly Quiz

ReportCOLLECTIVE DIAGNOSTIC WORKSHOPA report and Photo of Team CPPR

Photo GalleryPhotos from RTI Seminar

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MINDTEXTis published byCENTRE FOR PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCHNadakavu Post, Vaikom Road, CochinKerala, India - 682 307

Editor : Athira A. Nair( e-mail: mindtext@gmail.com)Design/Layout : T.V.Vinu

MINDTEXT is published each month and distributed free of cost. For subscription, written requests should be addressed to

Articles or extracts from the CPPR material may be freely used elsewhere provided acknowledgment of their source is made. For other articles appearing in the journal, permission to re-publish other than for the use of review must be sought from the author.

Views expressed in any signed article appearing in the MINDTEXT do not necessarily represent those of the Centre for Public Policy Research and CPPR accept no responsibility for them. Authors own responsibilty for their articles.

mindtext@gmail.com

Centre for Public Policy Research endeavours in areas like research promotion, knowledge dissemination, capacity building, grass roots initiatives etc. This, the Centre believes, would be a humble beginning towards its larger efforts aimed at the creation of an equitable, socially just and environmentally sound state enriched by democratic and secular principles. It is our firm belief that each citizen has a vital role to play towards the accomplishment of these tasks. The Centre has a pool of talents from various parts of the country. They are assisted by the experts and luminaries in the respective fields. The Centre acknowledges and appreciates the value of an individual in his own area of activity and commitment to the society at large. The Centre looks forward to the guidance and support from each individual to accomplish its mission.

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MINDTEXT | Volume-2 Issue-8 | AUGUST 2007 2

Another Onam has flown away, and we are again busy with our every-day lives. We had a good Onam, didn't we? There were many 'super-star' releases for the festive season, television-premiers of many hit movies, grand shopping festivals, and even night shopping and big parties at clubs and offices and schools and colleges. We had a nice little time, getting a few days to spend with our dear ones. Well, after all, Onam is a time for family, it has got to be! Still, when looking back, one finds a loss of something over the years, what is that? The happiness of togetherness? The memories of a long-lost prosperity? Or is it the time we spent in the loving company of our own families? Even if nobody can give an exact answer, we can't deny that we have moved over to a new era, of busy-lives, of snobbish-parties, of globalization!

Onam, though it still remains the 'national festival' of the state, and a cause of nostalgic happiness at least to the so-called 'older' generation, has gone through a wide process of transformation through the years. TV Channels have made it a business of lakhs, shopping malls have done their part too, and above all, Onam is now celebrated outside Kerala too, as Keralites have established their settlements across the globe. Well... no complaints there!! The millions of Keralites, who work abroad, find Onam the best opportunity to be a part of the family atmosphere. Friends, family, relatives and even strangers gather, forming a bigger circle, to celebrate this festival of happiness and prosperity.

We, the people of God's own country, have witnessed the changes and make overs that went through our society in the past decades, with curiosity as well as pride. But the way Onam has changed through the past few decades is unbelievable. Alright, the word 'Onam' brings the memories of 'Maveli Thampuran' and the bygone era of his rule. Still the harvest festival of the feudal era has become a market-and-media event in the age of globalization. Wishing a 'Happy Onam' by a SMS was a major 'event' for almost every keralite, or so the reports that show 1.5 crore profit for the mobile-networks say. Reports also say that crores were spent for the movie-hype alone during the Onam celebrations this year. Onam shopping has also undergone a sea change. People still buy new clothes but now more money flows into consumer goods stores than into piece-goods stores. In the run-up to Onam this year manufacturers of electronic goods and home appliances offered various incentives and ran massive advertisement campaigns to push up sales. According to trade sources, there was significant rise in the sale of television sets and refrigerators.

As usual, this year too, the media prodded aging writers and politicians into reminiscing about the way the festival was celebrated in their youth. Their recollections clearly bring out the difference Onam then and Onam now. In their days, Onam was a festival of rejoice after the sufferings in Karkidakam, and the month of Chingam brings prosperity along with Onam, so that Onam became a symbol of happiness and prosperity. The 'Onasadya' (multi-course festival meal) was a major part of the celebration, along with Pookalam (floral decorations arranged on the front yard) and 'Oonjaalaattom' (mainly children, playing on a swing) which is, sadly, seen rarely even in village areas lately. Now, it's the 21st century's Onam, and we have changed traditional Onam to 'modern Onam'. As the house-maids take three or four days off to spend Onam with their own families, the mistresses find it hard to prepare the traditional sadya. Many middle-class families, therefore, pack their bags and go on a holiday at Onam time. The many amusement parks in the State experience heavy rush of visitors during the season. Those who can afford more expensive holidays go to cities like Bangalore and Mumbai. Many also go to foreign destinations like Singapore and Hong Kong. Those who opt to stay put at home during Onam can avail themselves of the services of caterers who are attempting to fill the breach created by the absence of domestic help. Some of them are said to supply several thousand meals daily during the season. The rates are modest: the figure quoted by one caterer for a 29-course meal this year was just Rs40. Whatever changes cover our traditions, it's still really fabulous to know that our own 'Vallomkkali' (boat race), 'Pookalam', 'Pulikkali' (a tribal dance performed by men dressed as tigers) and 'Onasadya' still remain as the inevitable parts of our celebrations. Celebrated all around the state, and now, almost round the globe, Onam is a symbol for 'Malayalalee'.

To conclude, let me convey, though a bit belated, all my wishes of happiness, love and prosperity to all our dear readers. Hope all of you had a remarkably joyful Onam. And I would remind you of our great tradition, that heritage of charity we began from the Asura king Mahabali, who left this world to keep his promise. Mahabali fulfilled his name as the great martyr for the sake of Truth. The name "Mahabali" itself means Great Sacrifice. Thus Onam celebrates a series of martyrdom of the devoted Daityas. I wish there were practices of helping the poor and old, the weak and needy too, to add marvels to the coming generations' memories about Onam. We celebrate Onam to commemorate the memory of a great sacrifice. Let the people of Mahabali also show the same kindness, generosity and virtues of a gone-but-never-forgotten era. Better late than never, HAPPY ONAM!!!

-Athira A. Nair, Editor

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EDITORIAL

RAW

By T.V.Vinu

I still remember those days. Only a few owned television sets at that time. On Independence day, I and my friends would run home from school, after the morning "mass assembly", to reach in time to watch the parade telecasted from Delhi. We would watch the school children march by; the tableaus and the dancers; the armed forces - on foot, on horses, on camels...and there would be the fly-past. The fly-past used to give us goose bumps. The bands would march by, playing tunes that excited us. We would watch with awe, as the tanks and missile carriers rolled by. There would be the Presidential Address, which none of us would really listen to (that was a boring part, then.). And in the end there would be the National Anthem. We children would stand up in 'attention', in front of the television. In the end, we would cry at the top of our voice "Jai Hind"!

August 15th, 2007 just passed by and it was just another holiday. I slept a little longer than usual. When I woke up, I could hear the national anthem being played in the nearby school. I didn't even think of turning on the TV. Watching the celebrations live from Red Fort on Doordarshan is...a cliché. But then, no other channel broadcasts the celebrations live. There are "Independence Day Special" programs and "Independence Day Special Movies" on every other channel. Any programme with the tricolor as background is an "Independence Day Special" programme. Any film in which Shah Rukh Khan or Amithab Bachan is seen with the national flag is an "Independence Day Special" movie. Every programme or movie has a "short break" every 10 mins, lasting 10mins. All the companies, especially the MNCs, are eager to wish the viewers a Happy Independence Day. A good part of the TV viewing is spent viewing the advertisements. But then, it is only a matter of choice - to see or not to see.

So, I picked up the newspaper and felt it heavier than usual. There were some additional pages to commemorate the 60 years of Independence. There were some rare pre and post independence photographs, editorials and articles. They were inspirational and gave a feel of India at that time. But the most depressing part was that, the articles and photographs filled only half of every page. The other half was full with advertisements. Almost 3/4th of the page on which the famous "Tryst with Destiny" speech of Shri Jawaharlal Nehru was printed, was filled with advertisement. Did I tell you I was reading a national daily which celebrated a Hundred years long back in 1978? The paper claimed that the press had played an important part towards an independent India and boasted of their commitment to the people of India. Well I see it!!

My mobile phone beeps as the Independence Day messages keep pouring in. My Orkut scrap book is full of Independence Day wishes and Gmail inbox is full of messages asking me to change my photo to that of a tricolor. But I don't find that old excitement. As I lie on my favourite arm chair, with a TV remote and a copy of the national daily by my side, I remember the good old days. That excitement, that togetherness, those goose bumps... Some day I would like to be free... Some day I would like to stand in attention...to sing the national anthem... Some day i would like to cry on top of my voice....."JAI HIND"!

THIS PART OF

INDIA IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY...

Which luxury travel magazine ranked India at No.1 position among the top travel destinations in the world in 2007?

E-mail your answers to mindtext@gmail.com

JUST A MINUTE

Just a Minute quiz is prepared by Hariprasad R C

MINDTEXT | Volume-2 Issue-8 | AUGUST 2007 3

Cochin: 11-12 August, 2007

Collective Diagnostic Workshop was organized for Team CPPR in Cohin on 11 and 12 August 2007. Ms Manali Shah was the facilitator. Most of the team members attended the workshop. The key objective of this engagement was to understand and review the strategic planning process of the organisation in terms of vision, objectives, activities and resources. The first steps were indepth interviews with all founding board members of CPPR. The key themes emerging from these interactions formed the basis of a two-day workshop with CPPR board and team members. The workshop was based on the value of co-construction. Change will be most effective if the reality and future of the organisation is constructed collectively. Therefore, this workshop aimed to be a collective diagnostic exercise with entire team of CPPR to help prepare for strategic planning. The workshop deliberations would result in plans to further develop specific strategies for organisation vision, structure, projects and processes.

The workshop helped the team members to explore and identify the concerns within the organization and the hurdles to cross to expand the horizon of the activities of the Centre. The workshop witnessed intense debates and discussions among the team members on various confronting issues and tried to find solutions for the same. The workshop was a great experience for Team CPPR and also a personal moment for each individual. Documentation of the workshop will be completed by the end of this month and implementation of the phases will start soon once the Board approves the decisions.

Team CPPR during strategic workshop held on August 11, 12 – 2007

REPORT

“COLLECTIVE DIAGNOSTIC WORKSHOP”

MINDTEXT | Volume-2 Issue-8 | AUGUST 2007 4

Madhu speaks at a RTI Campaign in Kalady, Perumbavoor on August 15, 2007

PHOTO GALLERY

Ayurveda is divided into eight parts:

Kaya: The part of ayurveda which mainly deals with diseases related to body.Bala: It is the treatment for the diseases and proper growth of children.Graha: It deals with stars and planets and other mental disorders.Urdhwa: It deals with diseases of upper part of the body above the neck.Shalya: This is the surgical branch of Ayurveda which is well developed by Shushrutha.Dhanstra: It is related to the tooth where animal bites, poisoning and its treatment are considered.Jara: It is the branch related to geriatrics.Vrushya: It is the branch related with healthy sex life.

It is thus indeed a matter of pride for India to have developed such a sophisticated health science system at a time when none of the modern facilities where available. The practice of Ayurveda thus provided holistic health care to Indians for centuries and continues to do so even now, which explains it's steadily raising demand.

WAKE-UP

INDIAN HEALTH SCIENCE

AYURVEDA

Courtesy: Awakening Indians to India

MINDTEXT | Volume-2 Issue-8 | AUGUST 2007 5

Ayurveda is the vedic science related to health. It was part of Atharvaveda, one of the four Vedas. In recent years, this ancient Indian science has witnessed a fresh interest globally.

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REFLECTIONS

Lost in thoughts,I met my pastwho asked me with a painful smile,

"Regretting when u see me?""No",I said,"I used to, but

not any more.."

I thought I was wrong,but the world proved that I was not;

My life told me I was not..

Hate told me to love it andthe latter told me to hate it;I did both,realising the world

was not as it seemed to be,but "wonderful",in its own way!

I realised, perhaps a bit later,that, to love is more wonderful

than to hate;but difficult still!

I learned to love myself,becauseI learned a great lesson..

that only 'love' can forgive and forget,wait and cry and smile at the same time..!That only a cheat can teach you the real values of life..Ha!How i thanked them for their kindness..!

Now I am happy,accepting that I might be wrong yet again,and still ready to learn more wonderful paths of life..

I told the whole long story to thedark blue eyes of my past..breathing slowly,heaving my poor heartI waited,as I always did..

Suddenly the mournful face turned crimson,it was blushing!With joy or surprise or what?I never knew..It felt happy for the first time,"Nice to meet you," said the face,smiling to me;I replied,with an equally cheerful heart;"So do I, and we will,again.”

REPORT

To make a decision at the right time- yes it has been a great difficulty for me right from my child hood. Here also, it was like that. Simple; but I couldn't. Just a matter of attending a workshop or not……It was a big question before me. But it made me to feel the excitement….But….at the very next moment….It was really difficult for me to decide. At last I did that…That is how, I was there in Communicating Freedom Workshop 2007(August 2-5, Yuva centre, Navi Mumbai.).

A short break from the world of official responsibilities, livelihood issues, interns and mails to cities, telephone calls etc. But it was a high pressure for me to leave all these. But the result… a really fantastic experience…. I can say these two words, every thing lies there. The experience of getting new contacts for my project, interaction with new people in different fields, development of new ideas from my mind… After some time, may be after a year, I started to explore.. Project presentations, discussions and redefinition of freedom etc made me rethink, discover and finalise goals and gain a new spirit for my profession.

Above all, first time in my life to go out of limits…that too alone! Even without knowing the local language! Yeah…confusion was there.. But it was an opportunity and now I can feel the confidence and courage. Overcoming all these, I landed there in Yuva centre in Navi Mumbai, away from the busy city life, a place of calmness and silent beauty. The experience in Navi Mumbai was really great and that was an experience of renovation for me.

The beginning sessions they were an eye opening; both in professional and personal terms. Exploring skills, limitations, areas to be strengthened, targets to be achieved etc. travelled back to the past; right from one year baby to the present and future. There I found the missing feelings, values, "the why of myself", my goals etc. Sharing all this to a person whom I was not familiar... it was really difficult for me. Then I realized it was my opportunity to enhance my listening skill and to overcome my fear of acceptance among people. Then I learned the exact meaning of freedom to myself.

The core of C.F.W. was the presentations of participants. Though I like presentations, they were the occasions, which I became nervous. But here I gained myself back through the feedbacks from video recording etc. The feed back of video recording was really a growth opportunity, as I analyse myself and found my limitations. There I really enhanced my presentation skills.

The session on "Planning to Change" by Manali Shah, and the discussions with the participants having the same project idea, motivated me to rethink about my project in terms of smart objectives, fixing my project to the proposal formats, reconstruction of goals and aims. All this haunted me for a whole day. I was completely at sea. Feeling of being learned put before me several questions, and at the end, I decided to reframe; and the joining of ideas was the platform where my ideas began to sparkle.

The Individual sessions with the mentors were the most close-to-heart experience at CFW- the opportunity to have discussion and facilitation in a really focussed group. It was some thing great. These discussions were the platforms of reframing of my project- A change from A to Z, addition of ideas, willingness and urge to work, realistic reflection! All these were my outputs after the session.

The presentation on Phase five by Mr. Vinodh put before me a question - the presentation of my personal values in my project and the way of explanation of it. Is it really there? It went on till the discussions in the late night and thus it laid the basics of free market solutions before me.

The session on "How to run effective campaigns" by Mr. Manish really helped me to be with the participants by overcoming the language barriers. So much perfect and systematic were the slides and video clippings! The speaker, whom we call Manish Bhai, was really worth - A man with real grass root experience!

The Reframing of e catalyst- it was a feeling of disappointment and satisfaction together. Unlike other sessions, I found difficulty there to communicate to the participants and so we felt a starvation of creativity. So language was a barrier of communication there; a real life explanation of communication theory. But at the end, the creation of a Hindi poem and its recitation, followed by the creative suggestions for the further growth of CFW, was real fun.

THE EXPERIENCE OF RENOVATION-A JOURNEY BACK TO MUMBAI!

Caroline C.

MINDTEXT | Volume-2 Issue-8 | AUGUST 2007 6

The screening of documentaries: It was really thought provoking and eye-catching. Documentaries on 'Right To Information act' were really helpful. Yes, it had some valid points. If we slap our five year old child just because he made a difference of Rs.5 when he is back from shop, then why don't we have an answer for our money handled and utilized by government? I felt the basic essence and necessity of RTI in those two lines in documentary. I enjoyed it, even overcoming my language barrier.

The presentation on "Beyond Borders" helped me reflect the difficulties to sustain while running an organization. I really noted the enthusiastic spirit of the participants. The people in North used to be involved in social groups and activities, right from their educational period. I noted the importance of clarity among the presenters and preparations for discussions especially in an unfamiliar audience. It is really inevitable. I learned that.

The presentation on CPPR and livelihood project was really an enriching experience. It was the time, which, I was looking forward for the previous two days. Though I was familiar with the contents, I was becoming nervous. Inability to access 'Power Point' properly was one of my limitations. I was wondering why I was like that. From there I learned the need of proper revision of slides. I learned that consistency in confidence is also needed for good presenters.

Then came the most awaited moments - the session to reflect on the programme. It made us think and rethink, and then we realized our transformations. The transformation and utilization of gifts, and needs for a second person, and their gifts being utilized for the well-being of the individual. There we all felt that we were networking and that thinking circle helped me to sense, realize and identify the good renovations that came to my professional as well as personal life. Then I found myself more enthusiastic and confident; and the sudden increase in the capacity and confidence to work more hard! More than all these, fifteen more contacts in my life! That was really great! The thought-provoking as well as casual discussions in the late night were really wonderful. Even the calmness of night didn't make us sleepy.

The last and final day of the programme- it was simply great! It was running like 300 feats/ second. We were actually running out of time. The discussions with the mentors and the detailed project presentations formed the core part. We all felt the real difference with the presentations. They all were so confident, and they themselves provoked the rest for raising questions and doubts, and at the end everybody got a realistic picture of their project. The FOF presentation in the afternoon gave the participants the ideas for future associations, and the feedback exercise through the game. It was both fun and reflective. Everybody enjoyed it, and there came to end, the five day programme.

Before my final comment, I shall remember two things particularly. The sessions by participants through out the days... It grew confidence in all, even to those who didn't take that, seeing the presenters as models to gain confidence…. It gave opportunity to develop facilitation skills and the feeling of confidence that we can act as facilitators even without preparations. Getting feedbacks, experience of being a facilitator, was really great.

Standing grounds really challenged our ways of thinking. We explored the supporting and opposing views and thoughts for liberalisation and freedom. Associations, challenges, oppositions, rethinking and redefinition - all happened there. Thus at the end we find our stand. These two events were really remarkable in the programme. Without this, the development of thought process in the programme will not be complete.

Thus the Five days in Navi Mumbai was really an experience of Renovation!

Caroline C is the Project Co-ordinator for Team CPPR

MINDTEXT | Volume-2 Issue-8 | AUGUST 2007 7

Ms Caroline. C, Project Coordiator, CPPR at the communicating Freedom Workshop held at Mumbai from August 2 to 5, 2007

They have walked the walk, now let's talk the talk. All the bulletins and newsreels are all fired up with the dos and don'ts on the Indo-US Nuclear deal. While the politicians and beaurocrats are busy taking up sides in this skirmish, the views of the public are neglected. Most are even blinded by their faith towards many silver tongued politicians. Let's take a brief review on what this so called 'Yankee Deal' gives us and takes away from us.

India, the third largest economy in the world, is in the verge of a technological boom. This boom attaches itself to a financial, social and intellectual outburst. The rapidly growing nation has seen glimpses of the so called 'Developed India -2020' with these recent supernovas. But, a growing child needs food and a growing nation needs power. The predicted power India would need by 2020 has been estimated to be 2,50,000 KW which is many folds that is in use by many developed European nations, to be relative. Our nation depends mainly on coal for its power. In the present scenario, only 3% of power comes from the nuclear fuels. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels has choked our population with CO2 and other hydrocarbons, and has also given us some of the most polluted cities in the world. The only possible solution is to rely on clean energy sources like wind power, hydropower or nuclear power. The most effective, nuclear power, is our gem for the future. India leads in nuclear technology than many of the western countries. But what we lack is the raw materials, and to be specific, U-235. India solely depended on Russia for her nuclear feed. But, recently the Kremlin ally has shown us her open hands, clearly a warning note to our progress. This is where the Indo-Us deal comes in. Having the US as a sportive ally in nuclear field is a nuclear fuel supply. The deal also allows us to reprocess the used fuel which is a two-fold advantage.

What if, after all these apprehension, the deal gets rejected? Our nation will face a sever shortage of fissionable fuel. The other nations from NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group) like Russia, France & UK will have to think twice before providing India with the fuel, as the NSG is led by the US. The alternate power source proposed by the left is coal and diesel. The use of these crude power sources will not only pollute our air, but also affect our economy. Also, we all know the pressure Mr.Bush faced in the US Senate. Canceling the deal in such an advance stage will adversely affect the relationship between India and the US. We all believe in the global village thing, don't we?

As for the left, they are seen opposing anything good or bad. The Russian model of communism really can't set its roots on India soil. The deal has been in discussion for over a year now. The leftists, who have been keeping a back seat all these times certainly knows to strike the iron when it is hot. At such an advanced stage, this kind of opposition can really cripple the present system of government. The communist wing of India has long been left unnoticed. This entire hullabaloo can be compared to a toddler craving for attention to its mother. Also, they are not even mature enough to provide an alternative solution to the power requirement.

This entire Congress-Communist clash has been really reduced to the clash of egos between Mr.Sing and the Left leaders like Siaram Yechuri and Prakash Karat. Last week, it was Manmohan daring the left to withdraw their support. Now it's the Left who seems to be returning the favour with statements like 'Withdraw the deal or the government falls'. This ego clash was clearly evident in the personalized remarks which came out in the parliament meetings.

What if the Left actually withdraws its support? The left comprised of 59 seats in the 258 UPA seats, and without the Communists Congress would be 53 seats short or majority and the left has nothing to lose. The Congress has three options now.

1. Dare the Left to withdraw their support, which will pressure them to prove their majority in Parliament. This would not matter if the Left stays out of the matter, which is really not very probable.

2. Prolong the signing of the deal. This won't be easy as the deal has to be signed when the Bush regime stands.

3. Change the deal according to the Communist interest, which is graver than the other two. This will have far reaching effects in the international and foreign relations scenario.

This long term deal with Uncle Sam is more of a Pandora's Box than it seems. The ultimate fate of this deal still has to be determined. The humorous quote seems relevant here-"Yankees go home, but take us with you"!

REALITY CHECK

WHO NUKEMS WHOBy Nikhil Kuriakose

Nikhil Kuriakose is doing his second year in engineering at Rajagiri Engineering College.

MINDTEXT | Volume-2 Issue-8 | AUGUST 2007 8

OPPORTUNITYApplications are invited for the Internship for our Livelihood Project. Through this project, we will document the livelihood regulations and entry level barriers to informal sector in 63 Indian cities. The purpose of the project is to find out the laws and regulations applicable to entry level professions like cycle-rickshaw pullers, mobile and stationery street vendors (fruit, vegetables, pan, dhobis, dhabas, flowers) and to document them and thus, to attract public attention to the issues faced by the entry level professions.

Research PlanThe cities in which the opportunities available are:Ahmedabad, Madurai, Agartala, Aizwal, Hyderabad, Itanagar, Ranchi, Bhopal, Nagpur, Chennai, Bangalore, Vishakapattanam, Shillong, Ajmer-Pushkar, Hyderabad, Pune, Mathura, Allahabad, Srinagar, Mysore, Varanasi, Rajkot, Surat, Indore, Lucknow, Vadodara, Imphal, Nainital, Vijayawada, Bhubaneshwar, Shimla, Dhanbad, Patna, Ludhiana, Agra, Ujjain, Gangtok, Pondicherry, Jabalpur,Nanded,Faridabad,Haridwar,Guwahati,Meerut,Bodhgaya,Trivandrum.

The outcome of this research project is to navigate website on the rules and regulations on five informal sectors in these 63 cities. The individuals who are doing the internship have to select the trades from the priority list given by us. As an award to their performance we will be giving the interns a small stipend of Rs.1000 and incurred expense upto a maximum of Rs.750. The individuals can work both as a team or single persons according to their choice. The stipend is for collecting the documents related to the five sectors in your city. So the interested individuals/team is advised to contact the centre within the three days after receiving this mail. Then the centre will send you a contract for the better outcome of the plan of action. On the successful completion of the project interns will receive an internship certificate.

The specific tasks assigned to the individuals doing internship are:

1. Select five informal sectors from the priority list given by the centre. The individuals are also advised to follow the instruction/guidance of the centre to select the sector.

2. Contact the respective Municipal / Cooperative office and collect the copies of regulatory Acts, Laws, and Rules etc,which includes all the relevant acts and policies related to the identified sectors. The individuals /team must alsocollect the necessary documents related to the Legal procedures. For example the authorities responsible for licensing and regulation, the Procedure to get a license, and its renewal, effects of the Violation of rules etc.

3. Apply RTI application form, which is given by the centre to the respective departments on this selected informal sector.4. Sending all the necessary documents, both in its hard copy form and soft copy form within twenty days of time.5. The priority list for selecting the sector will be as follows:

1.Street food vendors (dhabha)/food courts.2.Vegetable/fruit/ flower sellers.3.fashion streets/ bazaars4.Cobblers.

Street Hawkers/Vendors(Mobile/stationary)

City Corporation/Municipality or Government Departments

Transport 5.cycle rickshaw6.auto rickshaw7.any other local transport at entry level

Setting up a shop 8.Barber shop.9.Meat shop.10.Cycle repair workshop

City Corporation/Municipality or Government Departments

City Corporation/Municipality or Government Departments

1.

2.

3.

Sl. No. Category Profession Licensing Issuing authority

The individuals/team undergoing the internship is advised to select one sector each from each category. The rest two can be from the remaining options, provided the rules and regulations are necessarily different for each.

So we request your sincere commitment to this effort. Hope you will see this letter in its high spirit!

Caroline C, Project Coordinator

Centre for Public Policy ResearchNadakavu Post, Cochin Kerala - 682 307

Tel: 0484 6469177 Mobile: 9249755468 Email: Project@cppr.in

MINDTEXT | Volume-2 Issue-8 | AUGUST 2007 9

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