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Letters to Press
June 02 2009
Ref: Svaraj/let/2009Dr. Manmohan Singh
The Prime Minister's Office,
South Block, Raisina Hill,
New Delhi-110 011
India
Ph: 011-23012312
Dear Sir,
Congratulations on your second term of office and I wish you the best of luck and successful term.
It is with a very heavy heart that I write this note to you as a leader of our nation and as an exceptional human being. I am writing to in my capacity as the Executive Director of a small but effective voluntary organisation – SVARAJ (Society for Voluntary Action Revitalisation and Justice).
As a registered and professional society working in the field of social justice and environment sustainability, we work on value based activities, fulfilling our statutory obligations and delivering on our commitments to donors and communities. And these have not been without challenges and hurdles.
The challenges of working with different stakeholder on issues of injustice, inequality and environmental degradation is accepted by many in the sector and addressed as part of our commitment to our vision and mission. Svaraj’s vision is a just society in a just environment.
However, in our interactions with government departments, invariably, we are subjected to the challenges of working with officers – namely in the Income Tax department and Societies of registrar – who are deliberately acting in self interest and for their own personal and illegal financial gains. Actively engaged in practices of corruption with a threat of either non- action on papers submitted to the department or the threat of legal action unless there is a pay off. The Chartered Accountants engaged by societies/ trusts see this as a normal practice and advise many of us to pay off or face long delays.
In all enquires, we have tried to address the issue with our principles of non-corruption and non-confrontational means. However, this has been met with either ridicule or aggressive and shameless demands for pay offs or long period of non-action from government departments.
I am conscious of the fact that corruption in India, at all levels (in the national polity, public and private life) is well documented and rehearsed and there is helplessness on the part of people, community and even the Prime Minister wishing to address it. The Right to Information Act, a powerful tool, has made a little difference. And for those attempting to fight, only leads to frustration, chaos and unrest and ultimately harms the larger national cause we are all fighting for. Already Svaraj, who is committed to the cause of truth, is being driven down to despair due to our inability to change the system. To quote an example Svaraj has been waiting for a name change of our society from Oxfam India to Svaraj since 2005. Regular enquiries have resulted in being asked to provide information already on their files or a pay off. The organisation has already incurred huge expenses in meeting their requirements but to date neither any acknowledgment nor result.
I am convinced that as Honourable Prime Minister of this country, you have the wisdom to realise the dangers facing this corrupt ridden individuals in government departments and urge you to make this issue a key aspect of good governance in your second term starting with key departments such as Income Tax, Home office and Foreign office.
Svaraj would be happy to work with you and any other networks of committed individuals/institutions in this much needed fight for the sake of our nation’s future and our people.
I am copying this mail to the General Secretary of the Congress Party as I am sure as a future leader of the nation, Shri Rahul Gandhi will take up this fight and ensure the new generation says no to corruption in our country at all levels.
Best regards,
Bharti PatelDirector
Svaraj
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Feb 28th 2008
The EditorThe Guardian
London
Sir
The solution for the rising concerns over meeting the needs of the world’s undernourished children in the face of rising prices of basic food (Feed the world? We are fighting a losing battle, UN admits. Guardian 27 Feb) lies in localizing the accessibility and availability of pulses, millets and vegetables which would provide all the right nutritional values for a healthy life.
In India the shift away from cultivation of diverse locally needed crops to cash mono-cropping for exports is creating food insecurity amongst the vulnerable communities. India’s Public Distribution System (PDS) procures wheat from the north and distributes to the south without giving due consideration to the local food culture. For instance, ragi (finger millet), known for its high nutritional content is the staple food of many in the South, but it is not part of the PDS. The PDS is a result of a deliberate policy favoring the interests of profit making centralized food production systems at the cost of local communities, local micro enterprises and the environment.
The UN in their deliberation would be wise to consider localized solutions rather than seeking more financial resources to help the worlds undernourished populations.
Bharti PatelDirector
Svaraj
95/2, 6th Main, 15th Cross,
Malleswaram, Bangalore, South India
PIN: 560003
Ph: +91-80-23347491/41281664/665
Telefax: +91-80-23347504
Mobile: + 91 9448461334
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Nov 29th 2007
EditorThe Economic Times
India
editet@timesgroup.com
Sir
Inequality is a threat to growth
Arvind Panagariya’s analysis of the rise of the billionaires and his conclusion that it is better to have large wealth in the hands of the few rather than spread to the many completely negates the need for a much equal society in the modern world, where it is less about the few rich giving to the poor – in the form of a charity - but more about a society moving towards self sufficiency and self reliance. For this we need equality of opportunities and equality of outcomes for a socially just society.
The obscene disparities in income and wealth which characterize India today are clearly not socially just, particularly as much of that income and wealth is earned at the expense gross exploitation of human labour and our natural resources. So whilst Azim Premji may fly economy class and drive a Toyota Corolla, there is Vijay Malaya who’s ostentatious lifestyle includes homes and businesses around the world, a private Boeing 727 and luxury yacht. When it comes to philanthropy it is a well known fact that it is the less well off who give proportionally more than the richest. India needs a fair distribution of wealth to address its growing poverty and inequality and to move towards a stable and sustainable growth.
Bharti PatelDirector
Society for Voluntary Action revitalisation and Justice
Malleswaram
Bangalore. 560003
Tel: + 91 80 23347491
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Sept 6th 2007
EditorDeccan Herald
75 M G Road, Bangalore
560001.
Sir
Moving beyond yield for real food security
Karnataka is the fourth worst affected state for farmer suicides. But to argue that this will be mitigated if the National Food Security Mission is implemented in Karnataka and the state agricultural production increases is a gross error of judgement. (State told to implement National food security properly). Banishing hunger is not about just seeking the right micro-climate to increase yield, but by creating local food security at the farm level and ensuring the long term health of the micro climate. Asking a farmer to grow wheat and buy ragi does not have any guarantees on alleviating indebtedness and improving nutrition. Medium sized farmers should be encouraged to provide the right nutritional food for their own families and local consumers first before relying on the vagaries of the market. This is food security.
Arati Davis and Bharti Patel.Svaraj;
95/2 6th Main, 15th Cross
Malleswaram.
Bangalore 560003
Tel: + 91 80 23347491
Tele fax: + 91 80 23347504
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30 August 2007
EditorThe Hindu
Letters@thehindu.co.in
Another tantalizing trap
Even an ordinary person could understand that this package is simply absurd. Let us imagine a farmer gives an acre of land (43,560 sq.feet). In turn he will be getting back 8,500 sq.f of land, - a mere19.5 per cent of what he gives.Does the government seriously believe that this is viable holding for farming? The farmers will be finally forced to hand over all the land to any one of the companies. A smooth but back handed way of taking away the lands!
The new policy claims that it is 'developed land' that the farmer will be keeping. Developed for what and how? This small piece of "developed Land" will be situated amidst huge corporate physical structures/units with all its pollution and over exploitation of water. It will be a question survival of the rich and powerful. This absurd idea exposes the unintelligent nature of our policy makers. Farming land is not only a part and parcel of a given ecosystem but also an indivisible unit of the geo-hydrology of a watershed. Bulldozing all these aspects how can a "developed land" be made available? We can understand from their policy that the 'development' they propagate is made out of destruction; destruction of natural resources and livelihoods. This package of offer is nothing but a tantalizing trap, and our farmers are wise enough to oppose it.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/29/stories/2007082954420600.htmRajkumar
Programme Officer
SVARAJ
95/2, 6th Main, 15th Cross,
Malleswaram, Bangalore, South India
PIN: 560003
Ph: +91-80-23347491/41281664/665
Telefax: +91-80-23347504
Mobile: 9449951066
rajkumar@svaraj.in
18 July 2007
EditorThe Hindu
Letters@thehindu.co.in
Sir
The felling of trees is no answer or solution for “smooth flow of traffic” in Bangalore. (Auctioning trees to widen roads Hindu Yuly 18th 2007). Already thousands of trees have been felled in the city of Bangalore to accommodate its “modern” infrastructure - roads, flyovers as well as office blocks, residents blocks and car parks and yet the traffic congestions in Bangalore is increasing day by day. The reason is the daily increase in the numbers of cars in Bangalore. This will increase the CO2 emission and with no trees to use up the CO2, will lead to pollution and impacts on our health. Citizens of Bangalore need to be active in preventing such destruction of our nature which is necessary for a healthy life for all.
Bharti PatelDirector, SVARAJ ( formerly Oxfam India Society)
bhartipatel@svaraj.in
+ 91 94484 61334
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18 July 2007
The editorFinancial Express
The Indian Express Online Media (Pvt) Ltd
9&10, Bhadur Shah Zafar Marg,
Express Building, ITO
New Delhi -110002
India
Telephones: +91-11-23702100 - 10
Fax: +91-11-23702141
editor@expressindia.com
Sir
Whilst the news of the expansion of organic farming in India is welcomed, the reason behind its expansion is worrying. ('India has potential for organic farming' Financial Express July 18th 2007) . With foreign countries like USA and European Union driving our growth, only the production side of the market that is considered. Little attention is paid to the long term environment affects including climate changes for exporting food. Also the needs of local markets and small and marginalised farmers are ignored. Concerns are beginning to be voiced in farmers forums of this dependencies on export market. The minister Kamla Nath should ask whether this global trade in organic produce is viable given some of the bodies promoting organic food to consumers are considering withdrawing approval of organic produce from air-freighted food. More efforts are needed to create sustainable, secure and local organic food production and distribution system for strengthening food security in India.
Bharti Patel
Director, SVARAJ ( formerly Oxfam India Society)
bhartipatel@svaraj.in
+ 91 94484 61334
5 June 2007
The editorThe Hindu
letters@thehindu.co.in
Sir,
So Karnataka is soon to join other sates in constituting a Groundwater Authority to regulate our water use. Whilst this new Act, as an indication of awareness about the immediate nature of the problem, is welcome news it would be wise to recognize the steps that have already been taken towards Groundwater management. An existing Karnataka Ground Water (Regulation for protection of sources of Drinking water) Act, 1999 already has provisions for the management of drinking water, and the drilling of borewells. But as highlighted in your article (State Groundwater Authority to be set up, 5 June 07 http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/05/stories/2007060507800400.htm) the situation has only become worse between 1999 and today. How will this act be any different? Should we not think about what more is needed to put in practice the words of the Act so that the benefits are realized on ground?
Arati DavisManager – Research Programs and Policy, SVARAJ
Email: aratidavis@svaraj.in
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25 May 2007
The editorThe Indian Express
bangalore@epmltd.com
Sir,
Sub: Vulgar wealth display insults the poorThe Prime Minister is right to expect the flourishing business community to be a partner in making India a “more humane and just society”. (Vulgar wealth display insults the poor. Indian Express, 25 May 07). There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that the current economic growth is increasing socio-economic inequalities and environmental damage in India which is not sustainable
In Svaraj we believe that social, environmental and developmental responsibility starts from the premise that each of us has responsibilities we owe to each other, which when executed will result in the well being of the country. The Indian constitution Article 51 (a) (g) entitled fundamental duties – imposes responsibility on every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment including forest, rivers, lakes tanks etc.
Business excellence should now include corporate responsibility not as an add- on, a side show, but at the heart of what they do where companies can make a difference in environment, employment and community life, as well as in success of their own business and how working together we can do more. This is the smart solution for business today: - a recognition that in the modern world, the good economy, the good society and a good environment go together. This can happen through investing in local communities; its environment and its own plant for a greener production all in an environment of adequate regulatory framework.
Bharti Patel
Director, SVARAJ ( formerly Oxfam India Society)
bhartipatel@svaraj.in
+ 91 94484 61334
http://www.indianexpress.com/comments/31751.html#125823
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10 April 2007
The editorThe Hindu
letters@thehindu.co.in
Sir,
Sub: Cleanliness CampaignThis is a question of relativity. If Bangalore is one of the cleaner cities of India, (Cleanliness campaign ) I would hate to see the other “less clean cities”. I have now lived in Bangalore for 3 years, having arrived from London and what I have seen is an exponential increase in waste in Bangalore from plastic bags, disposable cups, to domestic waste littered all over our streets and in our drains.
On a recent train trip I collected all my bio-degradable rubbish in a plastic bag and asked my fellow traveler where I should dispose it off. His advice was that I should throw it where there was less rubbish so that it gets spread out!!! Re-distribution or equal distribution of our rubbish!! The logic being a clean place is there for us to make it dirty. All of us have a responsibility to keep our environment clean and that applies to our homes as well as our surroundings. But how many of us really question our actions when we indiscriminately throw our rubbish wherever we feel like.
Bharti Patel
Director, SVARAJ ( formerly Oxfam India Society)
bhartipatel@svaraj.in
+ 91 94484 61334
http://www.hindu.com/mp/2007/04/10/stories/2007041000460100.htm
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25 January 2007
The EditorThe Guardian
letters@guardian.co.uk
Sir,
Larry Elliot is right to point out the efforts needed in area of water and sanitation to help address issues of poverty and inequality in developing countries. (Time to wake up and smell the Great Stench - Monday January 15, 2007). But the question is not just about more money so that people can have their toilets to flush and water to wash hands with. It’s about the priorities in accessibility and distribution of the available water. In India, as he must have observed from his last visit to Bangalore, the Indian Government’s focus is on how to entice Foreign Direct Investments through promising industry 24/7 access to supply of water; whilst women and children in household across India are being left without any. Indian NGO’s like Svaraj are campaigning hard with the poor to secure basic rights for safe drinking water, but against the might of richer nations and their vested interests.
Bharti PatelDirector, SVARAJ ( formerly Oxfam India Society)
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Commenting on a story in The Guardian dated September 1, 2006 - America puts poor countries in danger - Svaraj Director Bharti Patel cautioned the Indian government not to trade off its people's right to basic needs in the name of macro global economics.
1st September 2006
The EditorThe Guardian
letters@guardian.co.uk
Sir,
It is this unquestioned dependency on foreign markets that is the cause of the growing inequality in developing countries. (America puts poor countries in danger. Ashley Seager, Fri 1st Sept). When the success of a country's economic growth is measured by the size of its export market, it puts huge pressures on local companies to produce goods for export rather than enabling the country to meet its domestic needs. In India the agriculture produce is now focused on floriculture and pesticide-ridden, water-intensive fruit and vegetables for export, instead of the traditional crops – wheat, millet and ragi. This is leaving local people, particularly the poor of the country, without basic dietary needs - water and food. Poor countries need to rethink their macro-economic policy to ensure that it is not trading off its own peoples' rights to basic needs.
Bharti Patel
Director, SVARAJ
bhartipatel@svaraj.in
Click on the below link for article
http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,1862644,00.html
30th December 2005
The EditorThe Economic Times
Sir,
Mr Narayana Murthy blames corruption as an ill for poverty in India, but what or who do we blame for corruption. (Dec 29 2005.) True, corruption has serious costs in terms of economic growth, and increasing inequality, but corruption is ultimately the direct result of decision, choices and behavior at the level of individual. It is citizen's behaviour to pay bribes for private gain that feeds a corrupt system. This is more often than not, the case for people that can afford to pay a bribe, who then get ahead of the game leaving behind the poorest who become the victims of corrupt systems.
Yours sincerely,
Bharti PatelDirector, SVARAJ
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30th November 2005
The EditorThe Hindu
letters@thehindu.co.in
Sir
Need for equitable growth
The Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh is right to stress “we need growth, we need jobs income and security” (10 per cent GDP growth Feasible - Hindu 30 Nov). These are necessary requirements for eradicating poverty in India . However permitting FDI in the retail sector will not help this process,
Our retail culture is a thriving mix of independent fruit & vegetable vendors, tobacconist, grocery stores, books stalls, flower markets where women create beautiful garlands, where you can bargain and build relationships. Why do we need supermarkets that create employment only for those able to speak English, and reduce shopping to a mere clinical experience?
The prime minister should instead take a bold decision at protecting India 's distinct retail identity, promote local shops, enhance diversity and increase vitality and stability of local economy.
Unless foreign investments in India has a specific mandate to invest in local economic prosperity, social justice as well as environment sustainable programmes with our cultural values –vital for India's growth if it is to be fair, equitable and just for all its people - any growth will only create inequality and increase the gap between “haves and have nots”
Yours sincerely
Bharti PatelDirector, SVARAJ
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