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| A. Policy and Governance: Analysis and Advocacy B. Development and Governance Discourse. C. Development and Governance Practice. A. Policy and Governance: Analysis and Advocacy A.1 Water Sector Reforms and Regulation Work in other SectorsA.7 Disaster Management Governance A.1 Water Sector Reforms and RegulationThis booklet contains a brief introduction to the new proposal of 'Criteria for Bulk Water Tariff' in Maharashtra, the analysis of the same, and the demands based on the principles of equity, efficiency, rationality, and democratic governance. The Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority (MWRRA), after carrying out public consultations at nine places on the first draft of Approach Paper (dated October 2008), circulated a revised Approach Paper in November 2009. Several criteria for bulk water tariff determination were newly introduced in this revised Approach Paper. A state level consultation workshop was conducted by MWRRA on January 21st, 2010 in Pune. Based on the demands of various civil society organizations (CSOs) in this consultation workshop, MWRRA agreed to conduct consultations on the revised approach paper in six more places across the state. The booklet was disseminated to various CSOs across the state so as to facilitate a more informed consultation process. The compendium highlights some of the important work related analysis and advocacy in the area of water sector regulation. The first 'Independent Regulatory Authority' (IRA) in India in water sector was established in 2005 in the state of Maharashtra (i.e. Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority or MWRRA). This was followed by establishment of such IRAs in states of Uttar Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh. The compendium includes analysis of such regulatory developments in the context of the broader reforms taking place in the state. The compendium also includes the analytical work related to regulatory interventions in two areas, viz., i. Privatization of Irrigation Project, and ii. Determination of Bulk Water Tariff. The central government recommends setting-up of IRAs in water sector in other states in India. In this context, the compendium may provide valuable knowledge source for generating a wider debate on various public-interest issues related to IRAs in the water sector. In context of establishment of Independent Regulatory Authorities (IRAs) in water sector in various states of India, a national consultation workshop was held by Prayas in collaboration with the Centre for Technology Alternatives for Rural Areas (CTARA), Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B) and the School of Habitat Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai. The proceedings of this workshop include the discussions as well as the notes prepared by diverse participants, including, representatives of various NGOs, activists, consultants, academic institutions and government officials. The officials from the Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority (MWRRA) and the Uttar Pradesh Water Management and Regulatory Commission (UPWMRC) also presented their views in the workshop. The proceedings include diverse view-points on important water regulatory issues such as the organizational changes due to the IRA laws, new water entitlement system, and new water tariff systems. It is hoped that the proceedings will be an important source of knowledge for various policy makers and policy advocates working on water sector regulation. Note before downloading: The above file may take long time to download due to its size. Click here Table of Content to preview the content of the file. In case needed and useful, the file can be sent on a CD. Please contact us with your contact details. This booklets presents in brief the analytical dimensions of the regulatory intervention by Prayas with regards to process of privatisation of irrigation projects. According to official position, the Government of Maharashtra (GoM) requires capital investment to the tune of Rs 36,000 crore for completion of about 1,200 incomplete irrigation projects. Hence, GoM adopted the policy of privatisation of these projects through a government resolution (GR) passed in 2003. Accordingly, GoM initiated the tendering process of Nira-Deoghar Irrigation project in the Krishna valley of Maharashtra in 2007. Based on the findings related to flaws in the process, a petition was filed by Prayas before Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority (MWRRA) for protection of public interest involved in the privatization process. MWRRA issued a detail order on the matter in 2008. This become the first order by the first Independent Regulatory Authority in water sector in India. The booklet includes introduction to the privatisation process, critical arguments made during the petition and the analysis of the order passed by MWRRA. The original order by MWRRA can be accessed from their website: http://www.mwrra.org/Order%20No.%201.pdf. Short introductory note and various submissions are also available in the Prayas' compendium of work in water regulation (refer output numbered A.1.9 on this webpage) This Hindi publication, jointly prepared by Manthan Adhyan Kendra and Prayas, aims at disseminating the pro-people perspective to the water sector reforms, especially, related to establishment of independent regulatory authorities (IRAs). The publication was prepared as a follow-up to the dissemination-cum-consultation workshops held in Madhya Pradesh (where a bill for establishment of IRA is pending) and Uttar Pradesh (where a law for establishment of IRA was passed in 2008). The publication includes critical analysis of the pro-market reforms in water sector. It also includes analysis of the laws enacted for establishment of IRAs in various states, including, Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority Act 2005 and Uttar Pradesh Water Management and Regulatory Commission Act 2008. This includes a submission made before MWRRA jointly by various civil society organisations in Maharashtra on the issue of criteria for bulk water tariff. MWRRA circulated an Approach Paper on the issue in October 2008 for public consultation. Prayas organised analysis workshops for various civil society organizations of Maharashtra on January 19th, 2009. It was discussed that the Approach Paper and the process initiated by the MWRRA, both were seriously flawed. A joint submission highlighting these flaws, was prepared by the participating CSOs. The submission includes critical analysis of the approach paper from point of view of equity, efficiency, and democratic governance. This publication briefly introduces the first draft of the approach paper prepared by Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority (MWRRA) on 'Criteria for Bulk Water Tariff Determination'. In accordance to the MWRRA Act, the Authority initiated the process of fixing the criteria for determination of bulk water tariff by circulating an Approach Paper in October 2008. The proposal by MWRRA has been analysed and presented in this booklet. The document analyzes reforms in the water sector in Maharashtra state. The first section of the document explores changes in policies of the water sector at the global level. The second section explains conceptual framework and main principles influencing these changes and also summarizes critique of these principles. The third section reviews water sector scenario in independent India in brief. The fourth section narrates main provisions of the two recent state-level laws in water sector (viz., Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority Act 2005 and Maharashtra Management of Irrigation System by Farmers Act 2005). The fifth section analyzes some important provisions of the laws and explains its implications for people, especially poorer sections in the society. The document is useful for people interested in reform in the water sector and in issues involved, such as equity, participation, transparency, and accountability. The Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority (MWRRA) initiated the process for seeking comments and feedback (Nov-Dec 2007) from different agencies on the TOR for consultant for preparing regulations for bulk water tariff. This document is the submission made by Prayas to the MWRRA in this regard. The document suggests a detailed participatory and transparent process to be followed by the MWRRA and the prospective consultant for preparing the regulations on water tariff. The Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority (MWRRA), established in 2005, is in the process of preparing the regulations to define future course of its functioning. Considering the importance of the regulations for future of the water sector in Maharashtra, a detailed submission (with two annexures) was made to the MWRRA after some research and analysis. The submission is based on the analysis of the MWRRA Act, 2005 and comparison between the MWRRA act and the Electricity Act 2003. The main demand of the submission is that the MWRRA should put draft regulations in public domain for comments and recommendations. The first annexure of the submission highlights the participatory processes in the electricity sector of India adopted while bringing reforms in the sector. The second annexure briefly takes a review of major lacunas in the MWRRA Act and articulates some concrete recommendations for the regulations by the MWRRA. Coming Soon. A.3 Rural Drinking WaterThis report is based on a study of the Jalswarajya scheme, a rural drinking-water supply scheme of the Government of Maharashtra. Involvement of the local self-government bodies and their capability building in the areas of design and implementation of the village-level drinking-water supply system is one the most important features of this scheme. The scheme envisages devolution of financial and administrative powers to the local self-government bodies, including large scale financial devolution to the local self-government. This study analyses effectiveness of the activities conducted as part of the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) component of the scheme. It looks at the impact of the activities conducted in this component on community's learning and participation in implementing the project. The study shows that there are several shortcomings in the manner in which this component is designed and currently implemented. The study presents some recommendations for improvement, based on the responses of the beneficiary communities. This report would be beneficial to students, researchers, government officers and policy makers working on rural drinking water schemes and those interested in decentralization and capability building of local self-government institutions. A.4 Ground WaterThis note is based on "Maharashtra Groundwater (Development and Management) 2007 Draft Bill: A Detailed Note" sent by Groundwater Survey and Development Agency, Government of Maharashtra. This note is divided in three parts. Part one discusses some broader issues such as, decentralization of groundwater governance, equity, and sustainability. Part two discusses importance of participatory process. Part three provides concrete recommendations related to governance process. A.5 NREGAPrior to NREGA (National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), the sole responsibility of execution of EGS rested with the government machinery. NREGA allows NGOs take up responsibility as 'implementing agencies'. The analysis in this document is based on case-studies in six districts of Maharashtra as well extensive information obtained from Right to Information applications to all the districts in the state. The document presents both 'pro' and 'con's of the provision and puts forward some concerns that need to be recognized by practitioners as well as policy makers. The document would be useful for activists and researchers in MREGS. It would be also useful for researchers studying GO-NGO partnerships in development sector. This document presents a comprehensive overview of issues related to process and method of Social Audit of EGS. The overview is based on field work (actual experience of facilitating social audit), analysis of information obtained from RTI to all the districts in the state, and review of literature on social audit experience in other NREGS states. On the basis of this overview, the document also presents some important concerns about both, the process and method of conducting social audits. Note before downloading: The above file may take long time to download due to its size. Click here Table of Content to preview the content of the file. In case needed and useful, the file can be sent on a CD. Please contact us with your contact details. This document is the English version of the original Marathi document titled 'EGS in its Final Stages (due to): Regressive decision of the Progressive State of Maharashtra'. It scrutinizes the Maharashtra government's decision to restructure the EGS Fund for readers from states other than Maharashtra. On the basis of this scrutiny, the document presents lessons that can be relevant in the context of NREGS Note before downloading: The above file may take long time to download due to its size. Click here Table of Content to preview the content of the file. In case needed and useful, the file can be sent on a CD. Please contact us with your contact details. A.5.16 Update on Policy Developments in Maharashtra Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme: 2007 - 2008 (Maharashtra Grameen Rojagaar Hamee Yojaneteel Nawya Ghadamodi : 2007 - 2008, (Under preparation) Maharashtra Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MREGS) is a merger of original Employment Guarantee Scheme of state of Maharashtra and centrally sponsored National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Nineteen districts from Maharashtra have been selected for execution of MREGS. MREGS has introduced many procedural changes in the process of planning and execution of the scheme. Operational guidelines (in English) and important government resolutions have been issued in order to bring clarity about these changes among the government officials. However these government documents seldom reach the grassroots workers who work in close association with the laborers and therefore need to have clarity about these procedural aspects. The document takes a review of major policy developments, which have taken place after the completion of first year of the scheme. It provides summary of the operational guidelines in local language and a copy of important government resolutions along with their critique from a grassroots point of view. The document also suggests procedural reforms in MREGS and hence, it is useful for grassroots workers and activists. The document has been specially appreciated by senior activists in the state. This article also provides a critique of the Maharashtra government's proposed decision to merge the EGS funds in the general budget, along with relevant statistics. The article is meant for the civil society audience, especially the taxpaying citizens who regularly contribute to the EGS funds. Recently government of Maharashtra proposed a very important policy decision to merge the funds of the Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) in the general budget of the state. Consequently, EGS will no more have its own funds for expenditure, but will have to depend on the general budget for funds. This proposal has been recently submitted for the sanction of both houses during the monsoon session of the state legislative assembly, and it is expected that the decision will be made in the forthcoming winter session of the assembly. This article examines the state's decision, critiques it from a grassroots point of view and states demands that need to be pursued before the decision is finalized. The article gives relevant statistics about EGS funds, which is obtained through right to information. The article provides concrete arguments that can be used by the activists to pressurize the government act in the interest of poor. A.5.13 Resource Book on Employment Guarantee: Nuanced Introduction to Maharashtra Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (Rojgar Hamee Sadhan Pustikaa, in local language Marathi, August 2007, 68 pages) This is a resource book on MREGS for the use of semi-literate grassroots workers in rural-tribal areas of Maharashtra. The book contains minute details required for planning, execution and monitoring of the scheme at grassroots level, but in simple language. This nuanced information is further supplemented by illustrations of requisite formats, phone-numbers of government officials and sketches, as well as key documents such as schedule of rates. The book also provides formats for generating field level data, which can be used by the laborers or workers for effective monitoring of the scheme. The content of the book is field-tested by village tribal activists from northern Maharashtra, and it is verified by village-level as well as senior bureaucrats from planning department. The size of the book is compact and a plastic cover ensures its durability, which makes the book handy, not only for activists and field-level workers, but also semi-literate laborers who toil on the field sites. The book has been widely appreciated by grassroots organizations and activists in the state. It has the potential to facilitate and strengthen the grassroots' struggle for right to employment and livelihoods. A.5.12 What Reforms are Required in National Rural Employment Guarantee Act? (Rashtriya Gramin Rojgar Hamee Kayadyat Kaay Hawe?, in local language Marathi, April 2007, 156 KB) This article compares the strengths and lacunae of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) with the Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS), and suggests reforms in the design of NREGS in the context of its forthcoming expansion in the country. The article also shares lessons from Maharashtra's long experience of executing EGS for policy makers, as well as senior activists and academics. Thus, the article would be useful study material for activists and policy makers in Maharashtra and other states. The article was published in a special issue of a magazine 'pani patrika' in May 2007. A Hindi version of the article is also available and can be read on the same website. A.5.11 Maharashtra's Haste in Jatropha Plantation (Jatropha Lagwadit Maharashtrachi Ghai, in local language Marathi, published on August 3, 2006, in 'Agrowon', an agriculture related daily, 2006, 694 Kb) This article in Marathi language is based on the English report 'Jatropha in Horticulture Program of Employment Guarantee Scheme: An assessment from Small Farmers' Perspective' (Refer Output number A.1.10). This article was written specifically to generate awareness about economics of Jatropha plantation among the farming communities in the Maharashtra state. A.5.10 The EGS Policy: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow? (Rohayo Dhoran: Kal, Aaj, aani Udya?, in local language Marathi, 2006, 528 Kb, 52 pages) This document advocates the need for ensuring transparency, participation, and accountability in the policy making of EGS, on the basis of systematic analysis of key government documents. The first section of the document provides historical review and analysis of major government resolutions (GRs) issued by the planning department since inception of the scheme, with special focus on recent policy developments. The second section presents review and analysis of two types of important government documents, viz., the reports of the state level monitoring committees and financial reports. The document also identifies important advocacy issues in the EGS policy that emerge from the analysis. The third and the last section of the document reviews and analyze advocacy efforts on EGS by CSOs during the recent years and concludes with suggestions on ways of strengthening advocacy efforts by civil society organizations in future. The document provides a comprehensive and systematic knowledge base on a neglected but critical aspect of EGS namely policymaking. It would be a useful resource for various groups such as activists, researchers, and most importantly, taxpayer citizens. This document in Marathi language is a simplified version of the English report 'Jatropha in Horticulture Program of Employment Guarantee Scheme: An assessment from Small Farmers' Perspective' (Refer Output number A.1.10). This document is written specially for grassroots- level organizations, local NGOs, and activists working with small farmers and on issues related with EGS. A.5.8 Jatropha in Horticulture Program of Employment Guarantee Scheme: An Assessment from Small Farmers' Perspective, (2006, 1.16 Mb, 64 pages) In April 2006, Maharashtra state government announced a policy for Jatropha plantation through the horticulture program of state's Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS). This report reviews the status of development of Jatropha-specific cultivation practices and factors affecting economics of Jatropha plantation. Based on this, the report also analyzes the economic feasibility of Jatropha plantation through EGS from the perspective of small farmers and also assesses the scale of employment generated through such an activity. The study exposes various gaps and unwanted provisions in the Jatropha-EGS policy of Maharashtra state. In conclusion, the study indicates that, in the present state of development, Jatropha plantation cannot become an economic asset for small farmers and its inclusion in the horticulture program would fail to fulfill objectives of the EGS. The study is of special value for organizations, activists, and individuals working on EGS and on issues related to Jatropha plantation. This booklet orients the reader about 'Maharashtra Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme' (MREGS), i.e., the recently revised version of the original Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) of the state of Maharashtra. Government of Maharashtra formulated this revised scheme in January 2006, after commencement of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) of by the central government. At present, it is being implemented in 12 backward districts of Maharashtra. Being a merged scheme of EGS and NREGS, MREGS combines together the progressive features of both, NREGA and EGS. This is a highly important change, as it has opened up some new opportunities for making the scheme transparent and accountable to the rural poor. This booklet elaborates upon the distinctive features of this revised version of EGS and also introduces the reader to the opportunities created and challenges posed due to this revision. Taking into account the fact that MREGS is going to be expanded to the entire state in the immediate future, this booklet will be useful not only for those working in the MREGS districts, but also for EGS activists and researchers across the state. This policy brief was prepared and disseminated among the elected representatives and policy makers during the monsoon session of the legislative assembly in 2005. It focuses on three policy issues in EGS: (i) proposed policy changes in EGS, i.e. recommendations of the Review Committee (ii) inclusion of Jatropha plantation in EGS, and (iii) problems with MREGS. This document provides a summary and analysis of the report of the 'Review Committee', which was appointed by the Government of Maharashtra to review the success and failure of EGS during the last three decades and to suggest appropriate recommendations. The committee comprised of government officials as well as senior non-government members known for their pro-poor stand. However, the non-government members were excluded from the process of preparation of report and the report was written from the sole perspectives of bureaucracy and engineers. As a result, three-fourth of the recommendations of the committee are anti-poor and, hence, detrimental to the fundamental spirit of the scheme. The document provides a summary of various arguments presented in favor of these recommendations, and also poses questions, which will be helpful in analyzing the recommendations of the committee and for building counter arguments from the viewpoint of poor. The document has been widely read and used by the activists and researchers working on issues related to EGS. The recommendations of the Review Committee are yet to be accepted by the state legislative assembly, and, hence, are still relevant for all who want to protect the pro-poor, progressive content of EGS. This is a report of the state-level consultation (Refer Output number A.1.3), which was organized by Prayas in collaboration with 'Vrukshamitra', a grassroots organization from Vidarbha region, in March 2005. This consultation was aimed at evolving an articulation of key problems in design and implementation of EGS and possible solutions. Drawing from the deliberations, the report presents of in-depth analysis of problems in EGS and suggestions for possible solutions from the viewpoint of senior activists working on EGS. The report also presents insights gained from experiential learning, which were shared in the consultation. Being a consultation report, it is presented in the form of proceedings of consultation, i.e., consisting of presentations and highlights of discussion on those presentations. The annexure of the report gives contact information of participants. The report can be a small but useful resource on grassroots perspective on analysis of problems and solutions for influencing the practice of EGS. The Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) of Government of Maharashtra (GoM) is being implemented in Maharashtra for the last three decades. As a result, thousands of government resolutions (GRs) have been issued on this historical scheme. This document provides a compilation of selected GRs issued on EGS by GoM. These GRs are found to be useful for activists working with poor for influencing the content and governance of the scheme. In this document, the GRs are classified into four groups, pertaining to the following four aspects of the scheme: (i) registration of EGS laborers (ii) planning of EGS works (iii) implementation of EGS, and (iv) monitoring of the scheme. In addition, GRs pertaining to the 'Scope of Work', as well as questions, which are useful for analysis of these GRs are also included in this document. This document was prepared for the purpose of a state-level consultation on EGS organized by the ReLi group in March 2005 (see publication number A.1.4 for the abstract of the report of this consultation). This consultation was aimed at evolving an articulation of key problems and advocacy demands, which in turn aim at reorienting EGS from the viewpoint of poor. This document contains presentations on two more aspects: (i) a brief consolidation of critique on EGS by activists and researchers, and (ii) suggestions on possible plan of advocacy and action by grassroots activists and academicians. GRs on any scheme reflect operational part of government's policy about the scheme, which usually remains restricted to the government officers. GRs can also be used as a tool for pressurizing the government and holding it accountable for doing what it has 'written on paper'. Therefore, this document, especially the compilation on GRs, can be used for both the purposes: (a) understanding government's unsaid policy on EGS, and (b) influencing the practice of EGS with the help of appropriate GRs. This article analyses two major developments with EGS from the viewpoint of rural women who work on EGS in large numbers. These two developments are: (i) report of the EGS Review Committee and its recommendations, and (ii) commencement of National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS). The article also suggests various action points, which could be immediately taken up by the rural women and their organizations to influence the practice of EGS/NREGA in their villages. The article is targeted mainly at women activists who are associated with the village or block-level Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs). Hence, the article is written in a simple language and with illustrations. Thus, the article can provide a good introduction on the two issues to semi-literate rural women or grassroots level activists who work with rural women. This magazine article reviews and analyzes the report of the Review Committee appointed by the Government of Maharashtra (GoM) to review EGS. It also comments on the process of preparing the report of the committee. In doing so, the article adopts the viewpoint of EGS laborers and activists working on EGS. It describes efforts by activists and researchers to counter the government's efforts to introduce anti-poor changes in EGS through the medium of review committee. The GoM has not paid any attention to the objections and demands from the civil society on the issue of report of Review Committee. On the contrary, the government is going ahead with back-door acceptance of these recommendations, without scrutinizing them and in a completely non-transparent, non-accountable manner. In this context, the article can be a small but useful resource on an important issue like restructuring of EGS. Coming Soon. A.7 Disaster Management Governance This paper on role of NGOs in disaster management (DM) was presented at the First India Disaster Management Congress (29-30th November, 2006) organized at New Delhi by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The paper presents an analysis of the roles conventionally played by NGOs in DM and also reflects on the changing macro-reality affecting the DM field in general and the role of NGOs in particular. Based on this analysis, the paper emphasizes on the need for NGOs to go beyond the conventional roles, by undertaking direct interventions in the key governance functions of disaster management. The paper concludes by presenting the key strategies and possible activities for this new roles. Apart from adding to the ongoing debate on government of public services, the paper will be useful for civil society organizations to reflect and revitalize their role in DM. This paper on people-centered governance was presented at the First India Disaster Management Congress (29-30th November, 2006, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India). Based on the action research undertaken after the floods in 2005, the paper presents analysis of multiple levels of causes of deficiency in the governance of disaster management. The paper concludes by presenting the mechanisms for direct public involvement in the governance of disaster management, as a means for overcoming these deficiencies. The paper contributes to the efforts of providing an alternative understanding of governance, which finds fault with the depoliticized discourse on good governance. The paper will be useful for government as well as civil society organizations to understand and apply the people-centered governance approach in disaster management. A.7.6 Policy Brief on Disaster Management, (Sarkarkadun zhalela Jantecha Apekshabhang, in local language Marathi, 2006, 61 Kb, 7 pages) This document was prepared as a 'brief' on major issues in Disaster Management (DM) that emerge especially in the context of massive floods, which hit the state of Maharashtra in June 2005. The brief presents key arguments and advocacy demands for rehabilitation of flood-hit rural disadvantaged communities, on the following five aspects of DM: (i) rehabilitation of paddy farms, (ii) rehabilitation of the families whose homes were destroyed during the disaster, (iii) special needs of women affected by disaster, (iv) roots causes of the disaster, and (v) delay and lack of people's participation in the process of preparation of DM law. Considering the fact that rehabilitation of the disaster-affected and policy measures are neglected but crucial aspects of DM, the arguments and demands made in this brief are still relevant and need to be followed up. The article is based on a study of disaster of flood and landslides in Konkan region of Maharashtra in 2005. It narrates how natural disasters affect women in more than one ways. It also elaborates coping mechanisms adopted by women in such situations. It calls for gender-sensitive approach on the part of government and bureaucracy to handle relief and rehabilitation of disaster-affected women. The article is useful for people interested in issues of impacts of disaster, disaster management, and gender aspects of disaster. A.7.4 Disaster in Konkan: Advocacy Efforts for Judicious Solutions (Koknateel Arishta: Nyaya Upayyojnesathi Janwakili, in local language Marathi, 2006, 3.07 Mb, 27 pages) This is the abridged version of the English report titled 'View from Below: A Report of the Advocacy Efforts on the Disaster in Konkan', (Refer Output number A.1.7) A.7.3 View from Below: A Report of the Advocacy Efforts on the Disaster in Konkan (Maharashtra, India, 2005,17.58 Mb, 43 pages) The report presents description of the activities, outputs, and outcomes of the advocacy efforts undertaken by the ReLi Group in the aftermath of the flood and landslide disaster in Konkan region. The advocacy efforts were undertaken to develop awareness among the decision-makers and major opinion-makers on the 'view from below'. This view from below throws light on the perspective of the vulnerable sections of the society towards the causes and effects of the disaster and also on their demands for effective disaster management. Apart from description of the advocacy efforts, the report also presents a short summarized version of outcome of the detailed qualitative study undertaken to document this view from below (Refer Output number A.1.6). This report will be useful for the policy makers, bureaucrats, and academicians to understand and apply the civil-society's standpoint towards disaster management. Note before downloading: The above file may take long time to download due to its size. Click here Table of Content to preview the content of the file. In case needed and useful, the file can be sent on a CD. Please contact us with yd.pdfour contact details. The report presents the findings of a study comprising of the qualitative survey and semi-structural interviews conducted in the aftermath of the flood and landslide disaster in the Konkan region (Maharashtra, India) in July 2005. The report presents the 'view from below' to the natural disaster in the region. It provides detailed discussions on the nature, impacts, and ecological roots of the disaster as perceived and understood by the disaster-affected people. The unique feature of this report is the compilation of demands related to effective disaster management, which are voiced by the disadvantaged sections of the society in the region, especially by small farmers, tribal people and women. An effort has also been made in the report to present analysis of probable arguments against those demands and counter-arguments in favor of the demands. This unique form of documentation was proved useful for advocacy efforts in the aftermath of the disaster. The report could be a valuable source of insights into ground-level reality policy makers, bureaucrats, academicians, and NGOs interested in understanding and applying the grassroots perspective to disaster management. Note before downloading: The above file may take long time to download due to its size. Click here Table of Content to preview the content of the file. In case needed and useful, the file can be sent on a CD. Please contact us with yd.pdfour contact details. A.7.1 Media Response to the Advocacy Campaign Conducted by the ReLi group of Prayas in the Aftermath of Floods and Landslide Disaster in Konkan (Maharashtra, India) in 2005 (2005, 6.28 Mb) The newspaper clippings depict the response from media to the advocacy campaign conducted by the ReLi group. The campaign was aimed at raising awareness about the problems and demands of the neglected disaster-affected people in the rural areas of Konkan. A report based on the study of people's perspective and demands for effective disaster management was prepared. This report and information kits about other related issues were disseminated to the media through meetings and press conferences. Both state-level as well as regional media highlighted the demand's for disaster management that is sensitive to the needs of the disadvantages sections of the society. The press clippings give glimpses of the media response to a focused advocacy campaign in disaster management. This could be a valuable source of information for campaigners as well other interested in understanding the role of media in disaster related campaigns. A.8 OtherA.8.1 BPL Survey under the 10th Five Year Plan Begins from 2002... 2003.... 2005.... 20..? (Dahawya Panchawarshik Yojanesathi Daridraresha Ganana 2002 Pasun Suru.. 2003... 2005... 20..?, in local language Marathi, 2006, 126 Kb, 10 pages) This policy brief was focused on policy issues related to BPL survey and disseminated among the elected representatives and policy makers during the monsoon session of the legislative assembly in 2005. It presents key issues regarding the BPL Survey 2002, along with concrete expectations from the elected representatives. This policy brief can be especially significant in the context of the forthcoming BPL census. This magazine article presents a review of various developments with the BPL Census 2002, and also presents an overview of efforts by the ReLi group and other grassroots organisations to voice the concerns of the poor communities about this process. The discussion on efforts to voice the concern of the poor demonstrates various ways of influencing the process of BPL survey at grassroots level. Thus the article can be a small but useful resource for researchers and activists who are interested in the issue of measurement of rural poverty through BPL census. A.8.3 The New Draft Tribal Policy of the Central Government: Issues and Alternatives (Kendra Sarakarche Naveen Adiwasi Dhoran: Prashna aani Paryay, in local language Marathi) (Under preparation) This document analyses the issues and presents alternatives on the draft tribal policy brought out by the NDA government in January 2004. Many senior and village level activists from Maharashtra working on tribal issues came together to form a coalition titled 'Adivasi Dhoran Jagrutee Samittee'. This coalition went through an intensive process of state, regional and district level consultations, which was very helpful in mobilizing advocacy efforts at state, regional and national level. The ReLi Group has played a crucial role in initiating and facilitating advocacy efforts through this forum at state as well as national level. This document is published by the same coalition. The document consists of: (a) Marathi translation of the original (English) draft of the policy, (b) critique of the government's draft, (c) concrete recommendations on specific sections mentioned in the policy draft, (d) declaration of the Delhi Forum, which was organized by various activist forums at the national level to articulate the demands on the policy document (major recommendations suggested by the coalition in Maharashtra were integrated in this document), and (e) contacts of activists and individuals from Maharashtra who contributed to the process of building critique and alternatives. This document is especially significant in the context of acceptance of most of the recommendations of the activist forums in the revised draft of the policy published by the subsequent UPA government. The ReLi group initiated and facilitated a similar process on this revised draft at the state level. Deliberations on this revised (current) draft resulted in good critique and concrete recommendations for the government. The critique and the recommendations have been submitted to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. These deliberations and the revised policy document along with its Marathi translation are also being compiled together. The current document is further being strengthened by merging this compilation. The new document is under preparation. This document elaborates upon the issues and alternatives involved in the 'Below Poverty Line' (BPL) Census of 2002. The BPL Census 2002 was claimed to be the unique census by the government. However, serious lacunae were observed both, with the process and method of this census. This would result in exclusion of the real poor from benefits of poverty-eradication programs during the period of subsequent five year plan. This document places the BPL Census 2002 in its historical context, analyzes the lacunae and suggests alternatives from the viewpoint of rural poor. This analysis is based on an in-depth review of government documents and experiences of senior activists working on the issue. Along with this analysis, the document also provides a simple tool in the form a checklist, which can be utilized even by a semi-literate villager to monitor the process of survey in his/her village. This tool can be further utilized to generate data required for block, district, or regional-level lobbying and advocacy. This tool was utilized effectively by some activists in a few villages in Maharashtra. In these villages, the government had to act/promise to act in the interest of poor, by rectifying the Census outcome. The central government will soon declare the next census, i.e., BPL census 2007. Many issues with the 2002 process still remain unresolved. It is thus necessary to influence the new process before it begins, in order to avoid repetition of mistakes and lacunae in the previous process. The document therefore would be relevant for all interested in the issue of BPL surveys, as a resource book. B. Development and Governance Discourse B.1 Documents and ReportsB.2 Research Papers and Articles B.3 Articles in Magazines and Newspapers
B.1 Documents and ReportsB.1.9 Review Document on the Literature on Sustainable Livelihoods, (Under preparation) The document discusses concept of sustainable livelihoods as evolved and developed by Robert Chambers and others from IDS, Sussex. It also explores various formulations based on the theme of sustainable livelihoods developed mainly by DFID (U.K.) and UNDP. The document summarizes the conceptual core of sustainable livelihoods and strategies for its operationalization from different papers. It further summarizes analysis and critique of the literature on sustainable livelihoods. The document was prepared mainly for internal use. It is useful for researchers and activists interested in debate on sustainable livelihoods, and critique of sustainable livelihoods formulation by DFID. The document is an abridged version of Marathi output 'Towards Development Alternatives'. In the first section, development process in India is summarized briefly. The next two sections discuss alternative development thought and strategy in detail. The discussion focuses on issues like role of technology in alternative development; alternative production system and economic relations. The question of caste exploitation and the way we can address this issue from the perspective of alternative development is also discussed. The document is available in Marathi, Hindi, and English languages. The document is useful for people interested in the critique of current development model and alternative development thought and action plan. B.1.7 Question of Slums: A Need to Change Development Paradigm (Jhopadpattyancha Prashna: Vikasneetimadhye Badal Hava, in local language Marathi, 2005, 224 Kb, 36 pages) The document was written after massive demolition of slums in Mumbai in December 2004, displacing more than four lakh people. The document views the issue of proliferation of slums from the perspective of alternative development. It argues that the causes underlying proliferation of slums in metropolitan centers and big cities could be traced to the urban-industrial model of development, which results in city-centric policies of development and pauperization of rural areas. It claims that the long-term solution on this question is to restructure development priorities to provide livelihoods security at the village level, which will prevent mass exodus of rural people to cities. The document is useful for researchers and activists interested in problems of slums, urban development issues, and the impact of mainstream development model. The document summarizes various aspects of development debate and articulates alternative development perspective. This document draws from three sources, namely, a) inputs obtained from activists and thinkers in Maharashtra, b) document entitled 'Alternative Development Perspective: Concepts and Strategy: Learning from Enviro-Development Debate' wrote by Prayas, and 3) the literature on alternative perspective (especially by K. R. Datye and his colleagues). In the first section, analysis of different social and political movements in Maharashtra is presented. The second section summarizes development process in India and some important aspects of development debate. The next two sections discuss alternative development thought and practice in detail. The last section deals with the issue of politics of alternative development and action plan for alternative development. The document is useful for researchers and activists interested in mainstream development model, alternative strategies for development, and politics of alternative development, caste system, and alternative development. The document articulates and attempts to develop further the 'sustainable livelihoods' perspective proposing that it should be at the conceptual core of the alternative development perspective. The summary of the various aspects of the environment-development debate, which is presented in sections 2, 3 and 4 of the document, provides background for this formulation. The entire development debate is classified in five components, viz., i) Ethical Values, ii) Epistemological Component, iii) Economic Component, iv) Political Component, and v) Socio-cultural Component. This debate is further divided into four stages, viz., (i) The Mainstream Position, (ii) Critiques of the Mainstream Position, (iii) Alternatives evolved, and (iv) Critique of the Alternative Formulations. In the next section 'Sustainable Livelihoods Perspective' and development strategy based on that perspective is articulated. This section begins with foundational values of the perspective and articulates the economic component of the perspective. Various issues that shape the economic component, such as, role of market, private property, labor and self-interest are also discussed. The document is useful for researchers and activists interested in development and environment debate, concept of development, alternative economic system. The document is a summary of the Human Development Report 2002 for the state of Maharashtra, published by the Government of Maharashtra and UNDP. The document was prepared to facilitate wider dissemination of important information and statistics from the report. The Human Development Report discusses the concept of human development in general, and focuses on the following issues in the context of Maharashtra: population, economic development, health and nutrition, education, gender, growth and human development. It also provides suggestions for future. Substantiated by statistics, the report is an eye-opening document that shows an utterly disappointing performance of a 'developed' state like Maharashtra on several human development indicators. This summary was used by several social activists to substantiate their arguments about ground reality in Maharashtra. B.1.3 Pro-poor Development Thought, Strategy, and Action Plan (Vanchitabhimukh Vikasvichar, Vyuvhaneeti ani Krutikaryakram, in local language Marathi, 2003, 422 Kb, 48 pages) The document is a compendium consisting of the background material and report of the deliberations of two workshops on 'Alternative Development: Perspective, Strategy, and Action-Plan' organised by Prayas. These workshops were attended by forty grassroots activists from all over Maharashtra. There was discussion on limitations of the current development thought and 'Sustainable Livelihoods Perspective' as an alternative to it. The livelihood-centered strategy and action plan was also discussed. The document is useful for researchers and activists interested in alternative development, development strategy, and natural resources. The document is a compendium consisting of the background material as well as report of the deliberations during a one-day seminar on 'Development Paradigm'. The seminar was attended by about fifty people including academicians, senior grassroots activists, political party activists and journalists from all over Maharashtra. Various conceptual aspects of the dominant development model and the alternative development perspectives were discussed in the seminar, including the concept of development, role of technology in development, questions like environment, natural resources, and urbanization, problems in current economic system, and various alternative ideas for development. The document is useful for researchers and activists interested in development process, technology, natural resources, and economic system. This document presents discussion primarily on alternative strategy of development. In the beginning, the document summarizes the formulation of an alternative development perspective titled 'Sustainable Livelihoods Perspective' in brief. Further, it describes the strategy to achieve the objective of livelihoods security of marginalized sections of society. The central theme here is that there is a need to combine three aspects in development policies and practices, in order to achieve the objective mentioned before, viz., (a) rights over natural resources, (b) increase in the productivity of these resources, and (c) capabilities of vulnerable sections to achieve the productivity rise in a sustainable manner. This document briefly elaborates the action-plan for fulfillment of this strategy. This document is useful for activists and researchers interested in natural resources based alternative strategies for development. B.2 Research Papers and ArticlesThe paper discusses the concept of good governance that gained prominence in the discourse of World Bank (WB) after 1990. It also reviews some major themes that critically analyze WB's formulations on governance. It further articulates an alternative perspective based on the theme of 'democratization of governance' drawing lessons from the conceptual critique of WB model and its practical failures in many developing countries. It brings out some major features for operationalization of alternative perspective in the infrastructure sector. The paper is useful for researchers and activists interested in debate on good governance, issues of participation, accountability and transparency, infrastructure sector reforms and process of democratization. B.4 Articles in Magazines and Newspapers B.4.2 Economic System in Alternative Society (Paryayi Samajrachaneche Aarthik Swaroop, in local language Marathi, Manthan, December 2004, 3.38 Mb, 8 pages) The article draws from work of the ReLi Group on Alternative Development Perspective in collaboration with civil society organizations. It discusses important features of alternative economic system, such as material base of production system, technology, role of natural resources and rural economy, water and energy resources, infrastructure development, new economic institutions and financial system. It tries to portray the alternative system which has potential to address inherent problems of the current economic system. B.4.1 Political System in Alternative Society (Paryayi Samajrachaneteel Rajkeey Vyavastha, in local language Marathi, Manthan, December 2004, 1.43 Mb, 5 pages) The article discusses important features of alternative political system. It elaborates on the theme of 'democratization of governance' through increasing Transparency, Accountability and Participation (TAP) in the governance structures. TAPing the government is regarded as an important step towards attaining the goal of alternative political system. The article is useful for people interested in governance, political system, as well as in the issues of transparency, accountability, and participation. C. Development and Governance Practice. C.2 Articles in Magazines and Newspapers C.1 Documents and ReportsThe report presents the findings of the survey (January 03 to February 04, State of Maharashtra, India) conducted for compiling an inventory of sustainable agriculture techniques. The inventory has been classified and organized systematically using a specially created framework called 'Practices-Methods-Techniques (P-M-T)' Framework. Presently, the document curtains detailed information on eighty-seven general techniques classified under thirty-one methods and seven broad practices of sustainable cultivation. The report will be useful for grassroot innovators to improve their practices and to agriculture institutes for expanding their knowledge base, for improving their methodology, and for doing extension work. C.1.8 Sustainable Agriculture for Small Cultivators: Illustrative Models of Small Plot Sustainable Cultivation (Under Preparation) This report presents the results of field trials of sustainable technologies implemented on small plots of land in the Konkan region (western coastal region, Maharashtra, India). The report presents comprehensive primary data of inputs and outputs for three different packages of sustainable practices, each for three different livelihood activities of the region, viz., kitchen garden, rice cultivation (both for self-consumption) and small vegetable plot cultivation (for cash-income generation). The results show that the illustrative models of small plot cultivation have the potential to generate positive benefits with the least amount of cash and other external inputs like chemical fertilizers. Hence, the models are beneficial to small cultivators, especially women and tribal people. The report will be useful to NGOs, academicians, policy researchers who are interested in strengthening the livelihoods of small cultivators through sustainable agriculture practices. C.1.7 Report of the Action-Research titled 'Dissemination of Sustainable Cultivation Technology' Using a Combination of Participatory and Non-Participatory Methods (Under Preparation) This action-research was conducted in the Maharashtra state, and was designed based on an earlier study (Refer Output number B.1.5). In this study, participatory and non-participatory methods were used to motivate and assist farmers to analyze their present situation regarding use of chemical fertilizers in rice cultivation. The community-based analytical processes helped in increasing appreciation of community members for sustainable cultivation methods with low-external-inputs, leading to adoption of the sustainable techniques among a sizeable number of farmers. In a neighboring district, where the same techniques was disseminated using conventional non-participatory techniques, the extent of adoption of the new techniques was approximately four times less than the former set of communities. A post-harvest survey has shown that use of the sustainable techniques has decreased costs and increased rice production. This report would be of interest to practitioners involved in dissemination of sustainable cultivation techniques. C.1.6 Good Practices in Governance Initiatives (Under Preparation) The project to prepare a 'Best Practices Resource Book (BPRB)' is commissioned by UNDP and the Planning Commission of India. The BPRB will be a compendium of case-studies, containing documentation and analysis of 'Good Practices' in schemes, programs, or projects of state governments. It will specifically focus on development schemes that improve the livelihoods of people as well as schemes related to delivery of services. A distinguishing feature of this resource book will be that it will contain a set of operational guidelines for development practitioners, working especially in the government sector, based on the analysis of the documented good practices. C.1.5 Report of the Action-Research for Pilot-Testing of the Concept of 'Community Livelihoods Manifesto' and testing of the Tools for Process Facilitation (Gaavpatalivareel Upajeevikecha Jaaheernama, in local language Marathi, 2007, 3.89MB, 80 pages) This report provides a brief account of an action-research initiative conducted by the ReLi group in 2004. The objective was to pilot-test the concept and tools for evolving the 'Community Livelihoods Manifesto' (CLM). The CLM is a document, which articulates the demands in the form of guideline for preparing detailed plans, of the community for improving its livelihood. The demands are based on the data and information collected and analyzed by the community. Prior to this study, the ReLi group had conducted a study on rural livelihoods (please refer report number B.1.3), which provided the foundations for developing this study. This study has shown that that applying the 'livelihoods' framework in practice is difficult, but holds promise. This 'CLM' approach is now being adopted by one NGO in its village to conduct a micro-planning initiative. This report would be of interest to practitioners working in the area of rural livelihoods. This study was conducted to identify the problems in the design as well as implementation of selected government poverty alleviation schemes for tribal people. The qualitative data was collected through long, semi-structured interviews with few experienced grassroots activists. The interviews explored the experiences and insights of the grassroots activists regarding the design and implementation of the schemes. In the report, these experiences and insights have been presented in six sections related to different aspects of government schemes: governance, financial aspects, economic aspects, technical aspects, capabilities of the beneficiaries, and their socio-cultural context. Similarly, based on an analysis of these experiences, recommendations for better design and implementation of schemes have also been presented in this report. C.1.3 A Report of the Study titled 'Profiling the Livelihoods Situation of Tribal Communities in Raigad District of Maharashtra State' (2003, 4.53 Mb, 251 pages) This field-based reported here study was undertaken with the objective of developing a detailed profile of livelihoods of tribal communities in the Raigad district of Konkan. The study was conceptualized as a participatory action-research initiative. Two grassroots organizations were involved in this study from the stage of conceptualization to data collection and analysis. 'Household Record Keeping' (HRK), was an innovative method used in the study to obtain primary data about the livelihoods of the tribal people. Semi-literate tribal youth collected data about their own community members with the help of the HRK tool. Data regarding livelihoods activities and consumption for satisfaction of livelihoods needs was collected on a daily basis for eight months. The study showed that the semi-literate tribal people can collect their own data; and that it is possible to sustain their motivation to collect data daily, even on a voluntary basis. The process resulted in building awareness among the tribal youth, leading to some of them taking up social action on issues relevant to their community. The study revealed tremendous diversity as well as vulnerability in the livelihoods of the tribal communities; it also showed the extreme levels of deprivation when this data was compared with national averages from the national sample studies. In 2001, members of the ReLi group conducted a study of various issues relating to the management of natural resources in the Deogad block of the Sindhudurg district in konkan region Maharashtra. The analysis of land-use data conducted as part of the study shows that there had been a major shift in the block from cultivation of food grains (especially paddy and millets) to horticulture plantations, mainly of mango and cashew-nut. The second part of the study discusses the approaches and methods for water management being practiced in the block, which receives high rainfall. The study documents some traditional water management practices, and highlights their importance. The concluding part of the study discusses the major trends in social, economic, and ecological conditions in the block, such as, transformation of a food economy to a cash economy, the phenomenal rise in mango cultivation (mainly for exports), and the decline of traditional water management systems. The report concludes by arguing the need to move towards a more sustainable economy and ecology, based on a judicious use of local natural resources. The study investigates impact of urban and industrial intrusions on the natural resources and livelihoods of the rural people in the Konkan region of Maharashtra state. The study shows that, other than direct displacement of some families, urbanization and industrialization have many other effects, which negatively impact linkages between rural natural resource base and rural livelihoods. The study also shows that some sections of the local community endowed with more resources are able to cope better with these intrusions than the sections having fewer resources. These less-endowed sections are more vulnerable and suffer severe deprivation due to the negative consequences arising from the degradation and destruction of their natural resources-based livelihoods caused by the intrusions. This report would be useful to all those interested in understanding the impacts of urbanization and industrialization on rural areas. C.2 Articles in Magazines and Newspapers C.2.1 Magazine Article on the 'Deogad NRM' Study, (Paryavaranachi Hani Karanara Hapus, in local language Marathi, 2001, 173 Kb) Articles in Marathi based on the study conducted by the group in Deogad taluka of Sindhudurg district, in Konkan region, appeared in 'Sadhana' and 'Gatiman Santulan' respectively. Both these articles present a vivid picture of the harmful environmental impacts created due to monoculture of mango crop in the taluka, which is discussed in detail in the study. Since this issue has significance for the economy and ecology of the region, these articles were well- received and helped to generate a lively discussion on this subject. | ||||||||||
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