49 percent of population is throwing garbage in the open land; 75 percent of the people admit that they face problems due to stray animals; 50 percent people don’t get any effective solution of complaints made by them. These were some of the key findings presented in the ‘Dissemination cum Advocacy Meeting’ organised by CUTS (Consumer Unity & Trust Society) in Jaipur yester on August 28, 2014 under a project named MyCity. Project is supported by The Asia Foundation, New Delhi with the objective to improve service delivery of Jaipur Municipal Corporation through enhanced civic engagement. To measure the status of service delivery and know the level of citizens satisfaction, tools such as ‘Citizen Report Card’ and ‘Public Service Index’ were used. Findings from CRC and PSI were shared through a presentation wherein the status of services in different wards was shared.
As chief guest of the programme, Ms. Jyoti Khandelwal, Mayor of Jaipur Municipal Corporation said that as development is a continuous process, problems also keep emerging; hence the efforts should be made continuously. She said that Ward Committees should be formed and even there is a provision in the Municipal Corporation Act for the same. She said that as we keep our houses clean, we should also consider the city as our own and keep the same clean. She also said that we also need to look into other aspects of service delivery like the issues of sanitation workers and should also go deeper in the roots of problems.
Dr. Ratna Jain, Mayor of Kota City through a presentation briefed on the interventions made by her through use of technology especially the mobile application where any citizen can not only go through the required information but also can file complaint. She said that among citizens there is a confusion prevailing due to multiple agencies and lack of awareness with regard to the scope of work. She also emphasized on the lack of financial resources to carry out the desired interventions. Dr. Ratna said that there is a need for convergence among various schemes and also citizen monitoring of implementation of schemes. She also expressed that Chief Executives of Municipalities should be senior IAS, so that the functions can be carried out effectively.
Mr. George Cheriyan, Director, CUTS International in the opening remarks said that Jaipur is a fast growing city having population of 33.5 Lacs in 2014. He pointed out that in accordance with the 73rd amendment of constitution, is functioning well in rural areas, however there is no progress on implementation of 74th amendment such as formation of ward sabhas in urban bodies.
Dr. Sagar Parsai, Country Representative, The Asia Foundation briefed that there can be a debate on findings presented, however the perceptions on lapses need to be addressed. So here it is important to get feedback of citizens for improving quality in delivery of services.
Mr. Rao Rajendra Singh while delivering his address said that as citizens we should fulfil our fundamental duties and make efforts towards conservation of human capital. He emphasized on the need of developing civic sense for a better future. He also said that for better outputs in there should be a dialogue among leaders across political parties. Mr.Manish Pareek, Deputy Mayor, JMC in his address raised that the required devolution of powers to elected representatives in Urban Local Bodies has not happened due to various reasons which is resulting in poor service delivery.
About 100 participants took part in the meeting including representatives of Jaipur based civil society organisation (CSOs), resident welfare societies, councillors of various wards, officials from JMC & other line departments as well as media.
For more details, please contact
Amar Deep Singh (91 – 93146 17532)
CUTS Centre for Consumer Action, Research & Training (CUTS CART)
D- 218, Bhaskar Marg, Bani Park, Jaipur 302 016
Ph: 91. 5133259; 2282 823/2282 482; Fx: 91.141.4015 395
Email: cart@cuts.org; Website: http://www.cuts-international.org/cart