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South Asian Dialogues on Ecological Democracy (SADED) Report for the Period April-September 2007 1

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South Asian Dialogues on Ecological Democracy (SADED)

Report for the Period April-September 2007

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Table of content

OverviewThematic activity: Adivasi Survival GloballyThematic activity: Himalaya Swaraj AbhiyanThematic activity: Water and AgricultureThematic activity: Ecology, Dignity and Marginalised MajorityThematic activity: Ped PanchayatThematic activity: Inter continental Dialogue

Annexes:Unaudited financial reportActivity sheet and expenditure

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Overview

As discussed in previous reports, given the nature of the SADED programme and its primary task of enlarging the concept of Ecological Democracy and increasing its spread through dialogue within civil society, policy makers and people at large, it is difficult to answer the three questions clearly. In this report, a brief overview note for activities during the reporting period is given below. It will, we hope, answer the questions somewhat more satisfactorily.

The period April to September has been a difficult one for SADED. Several of the core members, Uma Shankari, Rakesh Bhatt, Ritu Priya, Subhash Lomte and Narendra Bastar had to deal with serious illness of close family members. The thematic group of Himalaya Swaraj Abhiyan underwent a process of internal review and re-organisation. Despite this, we have been able to organize and participate in a considerable process of dialogue, and the network for Ecological Democracy continues to expand.

Cross-thematic dialogues were organised, such as the one on ‘Questions of Dignity and Future of Ecological Democracy’ at Dehradun in April, that brought together the issues of dalits, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and climate change in general, and with special reference to Uttarakhand. Interactions with diverse ideological and political streams in Nepal on the debates for the new Constitution writing, and within that the representation of the various ethnic and caste groups in the structure of state, were undertaken for SADED by a young researcher from Nepal and an Indian law student who interned with SADED in the summer. The SADED convenor continues to engage with the issues of Nepali democracy. Inter-continental dialogue was continued through participation in the WSF and ISF councils. Ecological and cultural issues became a part of the Indian social Forum plans for the week of action (23rd –30th Jan. 2008) at the suggestion and insistence of several members of the SADED team that participated in the ISF council meeting. It was further strengthened by the participation in meetings of the Socialist International on migration, as well as the VK Finland events in Finland in September.

Research was initiated on women’s health issues by H.S.A. Some other H.S.A. members undertook self-study of ecological issues in agriculture and water by reading the documentation collected by SADED. Along with SADED members from Delhi and Bihar, they visited a successful experimental project in organic farming. Researchers have also been commissioned to document the social and ecological impact of economic policies, through for example, the SEZs coming up in India, arguments against them and the campaigns opposing them; and the phenomenon of farmers’ suicides. A team of SADED members from Delhi and Uttarakhand went to study the situation of the floods in Bihar, and give solidarity support to the groups working in the flood devastated areas. The work of strengthening various networks of informal workers in Maharashtra and at the national level continues, as does the ongoing work of H.S.A. on Jeevanshalas.

The work of developing the concept of Ecological Democracy and enlarging its reach was furthered by discussions and brainstorming with various network members. The active involvement of Dr. Asha Kachru has strengthened the input on gender democracy. Interaction with networks on adivasi issues helped evolve ideas on how to

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view their condition. Discussions with Rajni Bakshi and Rama Shanker Singh brought focus on the Wealth Creators Forum for Ecological Democracy. Risto Isomaki’s intense interaction brought greater priority to the issue of Climate change-climate justice. Babulaji’s active involvement will develop the engagement with Gandhi and ecological issues further. We hope to build on these in the next phase.

During this period, especially the months of July, August and September, some publications were prepared for print, with final editing, updating and cover design. These include books and monographs on ecological democracy issues—among other, regional development issues of Uttarakhand including ecological issues, the floods of Bihar and their genesis in the ecological distortion of River Ganga, the phenomenon of hunger in India, and a successful non-violent struggle for land rights in Bihar.

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Ecology, Dignity and Marginalised Majority – SADED thematic Co-convener Ghanshyam

S. No. Activities Description Participants Expenditures 1. Dialogue and

Consultation with Central Govt. (1-7th April 2007)

A Wide Consultation under the network 'Sangharsh 2007' at New Delhi and met Central Ministers and Officers of Ministry of employment on issues like Special Economic SEZ and the problems of unorganised sector. Apart from this implementation of Nehru Rojgar Guaranty Scheme was also discussed on 2nd April; issues in this regard were presented before state ministers and representatives present there. The Panchayat level elections were not held in the state in last 27 years. Moreover the tribal population including Pahadia, Birhor etc. are eloping from this tribal belt.

12 national level leaders and many officials and ministers and 50 representations of Tribal Groups

Monthly honorarium to one person Sh. Baijnath Prasad Baiju. Rest of the expenditure on activities to self-finance basis.

2. NACDIP Conference at Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, New Delhi(25-27th July 2007)

A three-day conference on the problems of land and livelihood in the tribal areas was held. A memorandum was presented to Union Minister, Mr. Oscar Fernandez.

Representation of 16 states participated

3. State level Programme at Madhupur, 1st May, 2007

A state level rally was organised of the labourers of unorganised sectors, issues relating to NREGA and exploitation/ atrocities on landless labourers were raised..

4000 landless labourers participated

4. State level seminar16-17th May at Madhupur

A two-day state level seminar was held at Madhupur in which unemployed labours were informed about the NREGA

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scheme and it procedures. The participants were informed about various aspects of Right to Information Act.

5. Meeting and Demonstration at Giridih28th May 2007

A demonstration and meeting was organised at Giridih District Headquarter, in which participants raised their grievances of their local problems such as land grab by the Indian and Multi-national business houses, and irregularity in implementation of Govt. Schemes. A memorandum was handed over to district authorities to return the Panchayat land (village council) which is illegally grabbed by ‘powerful’ people with the collusion of local police and state machinery. A public meeting followed the demonstration.

2000 farmers, labourers, women and students participated.

6. Padyatra/ Rallies

15th Sept. to 11th Oct. 2007, in various districts of Jharkhand.

A Padyatra (foot march) was organized in various districts of Jharkhand to address the issue of ‘Life and Livelihood’. This march was flagged off by Sh. Rajender Singh, along with Sh. Ghanshyam, Anil Chandhari, Vijay Pratap and others. 145 public meetings were organised during this March at various places, in which about 15000 people participated.

Following issues were raised during the month long Padyatra:

1. Migration of tribals to cities in search of livelihood.

2. Various existing laws and acts benefiting the local communities which support traditional crafts and farming should not be scrapped due to the pressure generated by the industrial houses and multinational companies.

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3. Panchayat elections be held immediately with equal 50% participation of women be ensured.

4. The land grabbed from the locals should be handed over to them.

5. The destructive schemes of World Bank and WTO which only benefit the industry destroy the indigenous livelihood should be withdrawn.

6. Privatisation of Water should be stopped.

7. Communalism should be curbed.

8. NGO-imperialism and marketisation of society should be stopped.

9. Traditional system, Democratic pluralism should be restored.

7. Demonstration 25th April 2007

A public demonstration was organised at Vengabad Block to highlight the following issues:

1. NREGA should be implemented on Gram Sabha (village council) basis.

2. Poor people, who were left out in the (Below Poverty Line) BPL list, should be included.

3. Gram Sabhas should be selected on the basis of Revenue Villages

4. Selection of Aangan Wadi (Creche) teachers should be made according to the rules and laws and nepotism in the

300 men & women participated.

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selection be stopped.

5. Equal wages to women workers

6. Grabbed land should be returned to tribals.

7. Violence on women should be stopped.

8. Kisan Assembly meeting13th May 2007

A farmers’ assembly was organised at Leda. The assembly raised the issues of deforestation; harmful effects of chemical fertilizers/ hybrid seeds supplied by multi-national companies like Dunkal. The assembly urged the government to protect traditional seeds which are becoming extinct and made suggestion to the farmers to use organic fertilizers and boycott use of chemical fertilizers. Other important issue was that of equal wages and rules for women workers.

Villagers from 45 villages participated in this assembly.

9. Demonstration at Block head quarter 'Jamna'13th June, 2007

A demonstration at Jamna block headquarter was organized. Following issues/ demands were raised in this demonstration.

1. Land distributed under Bhoodan (Land Gift) to the landless people should be restored which has illegally been grabbed by the mighty class.

2. To release the bonded labourer and ban the child labour.

3. Landless marginalized people should be included in NREGA and Indira Aawas Yojna.

700 men & women participated with drums and flutes.

10. Farmers’ assembly17th June, 2007

An orientation camp for farmers was organised at Kendua village in Bengabad block. Following issues were covered during the orientation camp:

150 farmers from 10 villages participated.

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1. Organic farming2. Traditional Seeds3. Protection of Forest4. Gender issues5. NREGA and Right to Information and its implementation. Agriculture expert from Hazaribagh Mr. Raj Kumar was the resource person. He had told the farmers about the alternative farming and locally available pesticides, and organic fertilisers.

11. Children assembly 15 Aug, 2007

A children assembly was organized in which the children expressed their views on environment, education, democracy and issues relating to social justice and dignity.

12. 19th Aug, 2007 A meeting of farmers and villagers was organised at G.D. Jalan Dharamshala in Giridih district for social awareness.Following issues were discussed during the meet:

1. Campaign against Child Marriage,

2. Dowry/ Divorce and bride killing

3. Campaign against illiteracy

4. Unmindful use of fertilisers and hybrid seeds

5. Youth and students were called upon to play active role for social and political awareness.

Representations from 12 blocks of Giridih District participated in this meeting.

13. Kisan Mela (Farmers’ fair)(Farmers' Fair at Bengawad (Giridih District)11-12 Sept. 2007

A two day farmers fair was organised at Bengawad in Giridih district in which many farmer groups displayed the success of improved agricultural produce by applying traditional methods and seeds and organic fertilizers. Among others Ghanshyam and other agricultural experts spoke at length on the benefits of local/ traditional seeds.

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HIMALAYA SWARAJ ABHIYAN – UTTARAKHAND – SADED thematicConvener Bhuwan Pathak

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Activities

List the activities from the original project plan. Please also highlight any new activities that might have not been included in the plan.

Description of Activity

Describe the activities that have taken place so far, together with their possible impacts. For example, how many individuals attended trainings or meetings and what was their response etc.

Participants

Beneficiaries or target groups to the project activities

Expenditure

Conference A 3-day conference was organized by SADED-Himalaya Swaraj Abhiyan/ Samata Andolan from 14–16 April, 2007 in Dehradoon, Uttarakhand on the issues of Dignity and future of Ecological Democracy and impact of Global Warming. Political leaders, activists, members of civil society, social scientists, specialists in the field of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and littérateurs attended the conference. About 60 participants were present during the three-day conference. REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE IS ENCLOSED HEREWITH.

Meeting A Pani Panchayat (Water Assembly) was organized by SADED/HSA/Samta Andolan on 22nd April, 2007 at Kasani, District Almora, Uttarakhand to assess the impact of Global warming on Himalayan water bodies in which 35 Villagers from different areas participated.

Meeting A Two day meeting was

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organised on 3-4th May 2007 by SADED, at Ram Nagar District Nainital on the theme of people's rights on natural resoures in uttrakhand in which 48 people participated

Meeting A two day meeting was organised on 3-5th June 2007 by SADED, Uttrakhand and Save Himalaya Movement at Dehradun on the question of impact of Dams on Himalayan Ecology and society. 25 persons participated in it.

Meeting SADED/ Samata Andolan organised a two-day meeting on 21-22 June 2007 at Almorah on the Questions of Dignity and Future of Ecological Democracy. 30 persons participated in it.

Research Study A Research program was conducted betwen 7-22nd April, 2007 on woman's Health and impact of Ecology in Uttrakhand by SADED-Uttrakhand Swasthya Panchayat in Block Garud in Bagheshwar, District of Uttrakhand. This research was also conducted on 4-18 May at Yamuneshwar block of Pauri District and on 10-27 June 2007 at Block Ukhimath in Rudraprayag District of Uttrakhand

Training camp/ meeting

HSA/SADED, Uttarakhand organised a training camp for capacity building for the SADED research team. Mr. Anil Mukherjee from Deharadun and Mr. Tara Pandey from Ram Nagar where the main trainer. The trainers responded to the challenges faced by the

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research team while conducting research on woman's Health in Uttrakhand.

HSA/SADED, Uttrakhand organized a workers meeting on 22nd July 2007 at SADED office (Gagrigole, District Bageshwar) for evaluation of six month work and planning of future work. Decisions were taken after discussions and debates among all the activists engaged in H.S.A activities. DETAILED HINDI REPORT IS SUBMITTED TO SADED DELHI OFFICE WHICH WILL BE TRANSLATED AND SENT TO SIEMENPUU FOUNDATION

Planning meeting

A programme planning meeting of HSA/SADED, Uttarakhand was organized at SADED center in District Almora, Uttarakhand in which 13 activists participated. Coordination among Jeewan-Shala activists and core group members was discussed.

Meeting A meeting of three Gram Panchyats (Village Councils) in Ukhimath block, District Rudraprayag Uttrakhand by HSA, SADED, and a research study on woman's Health in Uttrakhand by Swasthya Panchyat was conducted. It was an ongoing process of research in uttrakhand to understand the impact of climate change and

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shrinking of natural resources in uttrakhand. In the process of this kind of research, small meetings and interviews of local women were conducted. Detailed report and survey sheets were prepared.

Meeting A 5 member team of HSA participated in a meeting of India working committee of World Social Forum in Mumbai from 10th to 11th August 2007. These members later visited Yusuf Meharally Center, Tara Village near Mumbai from 12th to 14th August 2007 to get an exposure of experiments in organic framing.

Meeting HAS/SADED organized a meeting on 22nd August 2007 at Panchayat Bhawan, Ukhimath to analyze the research done by HAS in the villages in Ukhimath. The meeting attended by local people from neighboring villages. All meeting expresses including venue, local travel etc. were met from public contributions.

Field visit Four members of HSA visited Jharkhand, primarily to help Judav to assist in flood relief work from 6th September to 20th September 2007 During this visit they tried to understand the issues of flood and the ecological impact of floods an local people's life and livelihood.

Study camp A five-day camp was organized by HSA and

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SIDH at Anashakti Ashram Kausani, Uttrakhand from 27th September to 2nd October 2007 on Gandhi in modem age and it relevance. 55-Panticipans attended the 6-day camp. Expenses for this camp were met through other sources and on self-finance basis.

Meeting HSA and Lakshmi Ashram Kausani organized a 11 days meeting from 19th April to 29th April on the theme of Environment and Social system in Himalayas. 12 activists participated in it.

Meeting HSA and Lakshmi Ashram, Kausani jointly organized an orientation for teachers, activists and school children of Kausani on the theme of 'Importance of Environmental issues in Education’. The objective of this program was to generate and collect material on environmental education. School children also took active role during the discussion. About 40 people attended this program, which was organized from 3rd may to 10th may 2007.

Padyatra (Footmarch)

A 6-day Padyatra (Foot march) was organized by H.S.A in Dholadevi block, Almora to create awareness on ecological issues. Among others, 12 H.S.A activists took part in the Padyatra

Meeting HSA-SADED organized a meeting on 28th May 2007 at SADED office in Uttarakhand to prepare Plan of Action and also to discuss

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the future plans as well as organizational structure of HSA in which 8 activist of HSA participated

Padyatra (Footmarch)

On 1st June 2007 HSA organized a walk to contact people in the area to explore to start a Swaraj centre in Bina. Samata Andolon organized a seminar an Ecological management and issues of Democracy in Himalayan Societies in Almorah an 21st June 2007. 33 people including social activists from Delhi and Uttarakhand participated in it.

Meeting HSA organized activists meeting at SADED office in Uttrakhand on 22nd July 2007 to evaluate its Six-month program and to discuss future plans. 9 activists of HSA participated in it.

Meeting HSA-SADED organized a meeting at Swaraj centre, Madam, Almorah to discuss the action plan. A discussion on proper coordination and future action among Swaraj centres of Khalsor, Bina and Madam was held. 13 activists from these centers participated in the discussions.

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WATER AND AGRICULTURE – SADED thematicConvener – Dr. Uma Shankari

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Activities

List the activities from the original project plan. Please also highlight any new activities that might have not been included in the plan.

Description of Activity

Describe the activities that have taken place so far, together with their possible impacts. For example, how many individuals attended trainings or meetings and what was their response etc.

Participants

Beneficiaries or target groups to the project activities

Expenditure

Meeting On 22 June, 2007 a team comprising of Vijay Pratap, Dr. Anil Thakur, Gopal Krishna, Mehar Singh Dabas, Babulal Sharma and Narendra Bastar took part in a meeting organized in Almora Distrist on traditional organic farming. Possibilities of starting organic farming in Madam village, Almora were discussed. The meeting was organized by H.S.A. Uttarakhand.

Meeting On 28 – 29 April, 2007 a two day meeting was held in Udaipur, Rajasthan by SADED convener Vijay Pratap and member of SADED coordination committee Rakesh Bhatt with social activists in Udaipur, Rajasthan to explore possibilities of cooperation between SADED and other organizations in Rajasthan in the field of organic farming.

Field visit A field visit was undertaken by SADED convener Vijay Pratap, SADED coordination committee member Rakesh Bhatt, Rishikant and Rajendra Dhasmana from April 30 to Mary 2, 2007 in Dehradoon and Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Possibilities of starting SADED’s activities in Organic farming were discussed. A field inspection of land to be given to SADED on lease was done around Pali Village, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand.

Conference A three member team of SADED attended a three day Civil Society Conference in Bangalore from 24 to 26 August, 2007. Fruitful discussions of cooperation were held with Timbaktoo Initiative - an organization working in the field of organic and traditional farming in South India.

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Meeting SADED convener Vijay Pratap visited Hyderabad from 2-4 September, 2007 and discussed issues of sustainable agriculture with Uma Shankari and other activists in Andhra Pradesh.

Ecology, Dignity and Marginalised Majority – SADED Thematic Co-convener Subhash Lomte

S.No. Date Place Activity Participants1. 1, April 2007 Aurangabad Demonstrations

against Supreme Court Order against Other Backward Classes (OBCs) reservations in higher education. A memorandum was

100

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handed over to Divisional commissioner’s office urging Supreme Court to review its decision.

2. 3, April 2007 Pune, Maharashtra

State level meeting of the representatives working in unorganized sector workers on social security legislation. Among others Dr. Baba Adhav was present during the meeting. The meeting discussed the following topics:

1. Comprehensive legislation for unorganissed sector workers, Wage revision, insurance and old age pension.

2. Demand of inclusion of Right to Work in fundamental rights in the constitution.

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3. 4, April 2007 Mumbai, Maharashtra

Rally and Demonstrations of the domestic workers before state assembly for the comprehensive legislation

400 domestic workers

4 5, April 2007 Mumbai Demonstration before the State Assembly for scrapping of special economic zones’ legislation. The meeting was organized by anti globalization front, Maharashtra. Delegation later met Deputy Chief Minister R.R. Patil took note of the demands of the gathering and

5000

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promised that there would not be forced grabbing of farmers’ land for setting up of SEZs. He also promised to discuss the demands with the State Chief Minister.

5. 7-9 April 2007 Aurangabad An indefinite hunger strike was undertaken against forced eviction of hawkers near Siddharth Garden (A recreation center cum restaurant). The demands included providing alternative livelihood avenues for the affected hawkers. Hunger strike of hawkers ended on 3rd day with the assurance from the Municipal Corporation Authorities for proper rehabilitation. A public meeting was organized after ending the strike.

10 people were on the hunger strike. 150 people attended the meeting.

6. 8, April 2007 Aurangabad Meeting of Hamals (Head loaders) at Waluas in Aurangabad, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) for the implementation of Mathadi Act

250 participants.

8. 10, April 2007 Aurangabad Domestic workers' meeting for the comprehensive legislation and against corruption in Public Distribution System

300 domestic workers were present

10. 11, April 2007 Mumbai A state level Meeting of anti globalization front representatives; to assess the special economic zones proposed in the state

20 participants

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11. 13, April 2007 Aurangabad Dharna and demonstration before labour commissioner's office, of the Mathadi workers (Head loaders) to implement the Mathadi Act.

90 workers were present

12. 14, April 2007 Aurangabad Dr. Ambedkar's birth anniversary program meeting.

350 people attended

13. 15, April 2007 Nagpur State level meeting on land and livelihood issues and participation in Janadesh2007 march was discussed.

About 250 people

14. 17, April 2007 Aurangabad Peaceful Satyagrah of the Hamals (Head loaders) before the Cosmo Films Company to implement the Mathadi Act

200 people present

15. 19, April 2007 Aurangabad District level anti globalization front meeting

About 25 representatives were present

16. 21, April 200 Aurangabad Participation in Lecture of justice Rajender Sachchar on judicial system in democracy organized by Aurangabad High Court Bar Association

500 people

17. 23, April 2007 Aurangabad Dharna and demonstration before the regional commissioner's office against the Supreme Court's Stay to OBCs Quota in higher education

About 150 participants were present

18. 25, April 2007 Aurangabad Rally and demonstrations of domestic workers on district collectorate to have a legislation for domestic workers which contains provisions of social security and

About 1000 domestic workers participated

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pensionary benefits was organized in Aurangabad. Issues relating to corruption in public distribution system for Below Powerty Lines Ration Cards holders.

20. 29, April 2007 Aurangabad A meeting was organized in Aurangabad on the legal aspects of SEZ legislation. Supreme Court advocate Prashant Bhushan informed that proposed SEZ legislation would give unlimited power to the business houses who own a particular SEZ. No national labor laws would be applicable which would make the SEZ owner a State within a State.

About 200 people were present

21. 1, May 2007 Aurangabad A rally and conference of Head Loaders on May Day (International Workers' Day) was organized in Aurangabad.

300 workers were present

22. 1, May 2007 Aurangabad A Domestic Workers' rally was organized with demand for a legislation for their welfare.

400 domestic workers were present

23. 2, May 2007 Aurangabad Participation in a seminar on regional imbalance of backward Marathwada region. The seminar was organized by Swami Ramanand Tirath Institute

70 people were present

24. 9, May 2007 Mumbai Participation in a meeting organized by State Labour Minister on the issues relating

About 25 representatives were present from Marathwada Labour

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to Mathadi Workers Union.25 16, May 2007 Nagpur A Conference was

organized to implement Sachchar committee report for the upliftment of backward muslims. Chief guests were Dr. Abu Saleh Sharif, Asgar Ali Engineer, Hussain Dalwi, Dr. Roopa Kulkarni and Subhash Lomte

1000 people were present

26. 18, May 2007 Aurangabad Demonstration before High Court, Aurangabad for OBCs reservation in Higher Education. Police arrested 43 demonstrators and jailed for one week.

43 activists were in the jail for a week

27. 13, June 2007 Kultabad in Aurangabad District

Rural workers conference on employment guarantee Act and Land to the landless issue. Logistics and other issues for participation in Janadesh2007.

About 150 people

28. 17, June 2007 Aurangabad Training Camp for young Hamals workers was organized for one day. The new Hamal workers were informed of the provisions of the Mathadi Act. They were thoroughly informed of their rights and duties in the act.

60 people

29. 24, June 2007 Aurangabad A meeting of Rag pickers' on the issues of Ration Cards, BPL Cards and Identity Cards from Municipal Corporation.

150 people were present

30. 26, June 2007 Aurangabad A conference on the issue of Social justice was organized in

2500 people attended

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Aurangabad. Bhai Vaidya, Comrade Govind Pansare and Dr. Nadaf were the Chief Guests. The seminar discussed on this issue with special reference to minorities, dalits and OBCs.

31. 1, July 2007 Aurangabad A meeting of Domestic Workers' was organized in Aurangabad for their demands to have a legislation for the Domestic Workers.

200 domestic workers were present

32. 3, July 2007 Mumbai State level meeting called by State Labour Minister for the implementation of labour legislations in unorganized sector

35 representatives were present

33. 6 to 8 July, 2007

Delhi Participation in SADED consultation meeting in Delhi.

34. 19, July 2007 Aurangabad Rally and one day strike was organized in Aurangabad for wage revision issue of Grain Market Hamal workers.

400 workers were presentMANDI HAMALS

35. 24, July 2007 Kultabad at Aurangabad District

Huge rally was organized for proper implementation of Employment Guarantee Act and Distribution of Government land to the landless labourers

500 people were present

36. 29, July 2007 Aurangabad A demonstration of Domestic workers was organized in Aurangabad. The demonstrators gheraod the Rationing Shops for 4 hours to prevent the corruption in the Public Distribution System. The District

125 domestic workers were present

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implementing authorities intervened and assured the domestic workers of appropriate action against the PDS shop owner who indulge in malpractices.

37. 1, August 2007 Aurangabad Scholarship was distributed to the wards of unorganized labourers through Jan Shree Yojana of Life Insurance Corporation.( Rs.1200/- per year per ward is given as scholarship)

Scholarship for 109 students were given

38. 3, August 2007 Soygaon of Aurangabad District

Rally and demonstration of Mathadi Workers on Tahsil Office for the proper implementation of Mathadi Act

About 150 Hamals were present

40. 9, August 2007 Aurangabad District

Week long campaign started for the social security protection for unorganized and unprotected workers: Demonstrations of domestic workers- 300. Demonstrations of construction workers- 150, Demonstrations of Rag pickers- 100, Demonstrations of Hamals- 400, Demonstrations of Agricultural workers and landless labourers- 500

About 1450 people participated

41. 10 & 11th August, 2007

Mumbai WSF India Council meeting attended by representatives of Socialist Front, Samata Andolan, Himalays Swaraj Abhiya, Ped Panchayat,

About 30 people

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Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,

42. 13, August 2007

Delhi A rally and demonstrations for the comprehensive legislation for unorganized workers before Parliament of India

About 1000 people were present;RAM DAS Members of Parliament, Ram Das Athavle, Devendra Prasad Yadav, Chandrakant Khaire, Surendra Mohan and Baba Adhav, Ila Bhatt were mobilized. The Members of Parliament promised that they would back the Bill when Placed in Parliament.

43. 19, August 2007

Ahmednagar, Maharashtra

State level meeting of the Coordination Committee of Agriculture and Employment Guarantee Scheme workers for proper implementation of Employment Guarantee Act.

25 representatives were present

45. 30, August 2007

Delhi Core Group Meeting of national campaign committee on land and livelihood issues.

15 representatives were present

46. 9, September2007

Aurangabad Domestic workers' meeting. 5000 forms were collected from Collectorate Office in Aurangabad and distributed in 100 slum areas. Out of these 5000 forms, 4500 were duly filled and submitted to the Collectorate for issuing the Ration Cards for the poor people.

100 people were present.

47. 10, September2007

Aurangabad Rag pickers meeting.The District Municipal Corporation authorities were urged

50 representatives attended.

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to issue Identity Cards to the Rag pickers and they should not be harassed by the local police and Municipal Corporation authorities.

48. 14, September2007

Mumbai State level anti globalization front meet on SEZ

30 representatives were present

49. 16, September2007

Khultabad One day training camp for rural youth to organize and train them with proper information of Public Distribution Scheme, NREGA and other acts that have effect on their lives directly.

100 youths were present

50. 16, September2007

Aurangabad Domestic workers' meeting on Public Distribution System scheme issues.

200 people were present

51. 20, September2007

Mumbai A state level meeting organized by State Labour Commissioner for the proper implementation of Mathadi Act.

35 people attended

52. 28, September2007

Sakri, Dist Dulia

Huge rally and public meeting of landless Adivasis on land and livelihood issues and against the Wind Mills on their lands. The meeting was organized by Anti Globalisation Front. The rally and the meeting was not against alternative sources of energy, but erecting structures for new technological innovations, the land of poor and voiceless people was being forcibly grabbed by the Wind mill owners. The meeting

5000 people were present

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demanded that share of profit from sale of the energy should be given to those people on whose land these wind mills are being erected.

53. 29, September2007

Aurangabad Huge demonstration of domestic workers before Collectorate to raise issues of corruption in Rationing, for BPL rationing cards and Comprehensive Legislation for domestic workers.

1000 people were present

Ecology, Dignity and Marginalised Majority – SADED Thematic Co-convener Dr. Ritu Priya

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Activities

List the activities from the original project plan. Please also highlight any new activities that might have not been included in the plan.

Mid-Term Progress

Describe the activities that have taken place so far, together with their possible impacts. For example, how many individuals attended trainings or meetings and what was their response etc.

Reasons for possible differences from the initial project plan

Positive and negative aspects

Participants

Beneficiaries or target groups to the project activities

Expenditure

Meetings

Supporting Constructive Action

1. Dehradun, April 14-16Presentation on ‘Dalit Perceptions of Wellbeing: Dignity and ……’. There was rich discussion on the issue. Several activists of diverse political shades and from both, the upper and dalit castes, spoke of their experience of the issue as the caste members relate to each other in the Uttarakhand region. Some exchanges were sharp. Some demonstrated both the indignities faced by dalits and the efforts by ordinary (ie. not activist) upper caste persons to ensure their dignity. [Annexure: Transcript of presentation]

The presentation of perceptions of dalit groups from a researcher’s viewpoint, gave a different vantage point and complemented presentations of personal experiences of the social and political workers from the region, both the dalits and members of the upper castes.

Members of the H.S.A. and this thematic agreed to work together to develop this further in the coming months.

Sharing of ideas and perspectives between activists and researchers creates a dialogue that enriches both and moves public discourse forward.

To be developed as a future activity of SADED groups and its larger network.

The Dil Se programme is a government sponsored, NGO organized programme for street children in which SADED is also involved.

Core 2. Discussed the This should help

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Coordination Support

Research

possibility of developing an experiment in a civil society initiative for strengthening quality of health care through a coalition of practitioners of various systems and at all levels, public and private, with community members, especially women.

3. Delhi, May- Participated in deliberations on setting up a medical support system for ‘Dil se’, the street children’s initiative on 7th May, and in the following weeks, assisted in accessing provision of care to children of the initiative who were seriously ill.

4. Support to the Convenor and Coordinator of SADED in relating each of the themes and thematic groups to issues of ecology, health and dignity.

Initiated a literature review to study the ecological and social dimensions of the agrarian crisis through the farmer’s suicides. A young researcher will be encouraged to

This is expected to improve understanding of the links between ecological, economic, social and psychological dimensions of the impact of current developmental policies.

SADED members and partners raise larger issues related to the ecology and dignity destroying elements of the development model being followed.

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examine the issue from the viewpoint of an ecological and social crisis.

Ecology, Dignity and Marginalised Majority –activities led by BABULAL SHARMA

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Activities

List the activities from the original project plan. Please also highlight any new activities that might have not been included in the plan.

Description of Activity

Describe the activities that have taken place so far, together with their possible impacts. For example, how many individuals attended trainings or meetings and what was their response etc.

Participants

Beneficiaries or target groups to the project activities

Expenditure

Actively partcipated in WSF process- India Council Meeting held in Mumbai on 10-11 August, 2007WSF at MumbaiInteracted with 25 people and volunteered in two committees on South Asia and Organising Events.Media Workshop and Core Group meetingsSouth Asia Peace Alliance at Gwalior from 2nd to 8th August 2007Shri Kuldeep Nayar inaugurated this workshop in which 26 journalists from 19 states of India participated including one from Pakistan and six from Nepal. It was decided in this workshop to collect and highlight the 100 success stories of non violence in South Asia. Mrs. Rita Roy has accepted to take up this responsibility.70th Birth Day Celebration of Dalia LamaTibat House Organised a function on this occasion at Gandhi Museum, Rajghat on 6th of July 200770 trees are planted on this occasion by various dignitaries and diplomats. About 200 people attended this function. I was the organiser of this function.Youth Camp

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National Youth Project at Jaipur on April 7 to 14, 2007500 youths from different states attended this camp under the leadership of Shri S.N. Subbarao. I was one of the organisers.

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Preparatory MeetingsSAPA/SADED - January and July 2007. National convention on disarmament to combat poverty.To prepare and mobilise the national convention on this subject which is going to be held on 5th and 6th October at ISI, New Delhi.

Three days Seminar on SEZ IssueSADED and Uttrakhand Chaupal in April 2007Attended this two days Seminar at Mussouri. I also contributed an article published in local newspaper of Delhi.Exposure Visit of Almorah, UttrakhandSADED and Uttrakhand Chaupal in July 2007Joined a group of workers from Delhi to study dalit issues and the experiments of Lok Shala in Almorah District where SADED has started some education activities.

Children's ActivitiesSiddharth Welfare Society, Calcutta on 15th August, 2007An orphonage is being run by this society and I was invited to address a children assembly about the democracy and dignity. A tree plantation was also organised on this occasion. 110 children, 10 teachers and 50 prominent citizens attended it in Calcutta.MeetingsCompaign against a small arms organised by CASA on 28th September 2007An initiative is started in Delhi by OXFAM and I am the part of it in the inaugural meeting and about 40 activists attended this meeting and came into my contact.

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Ped Panchayat –activities led by Prabodh Raj

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Activities

List the activities from the original project plan. Please also highlight any new activities that might have not been included in the plan.

Description of Activity

Describe the activities that have taken place so far, together with their possible impacts. For example, how many individuals attended trainings or meetings and what was their response etc.

Participants

Beneficiaries or target groups to the project activities

Expenditure

World Environment Day Event

On 5th June, 2007 World Environment Day celebration ceremony was jointly organized by SADED, Ped Panchayat and Bal Vikas Protsahan Sangh at Uttam Nagar, New Delhi.20 saplings of different varieties of trees were planted in streets of the area. The local residents took the responsibility of looking after the saplings. 100 saplings were distributed among the children present there to plant them in the areas where they live and a decision was made that prizes will be given on 15 August (Independence Day) to those children who took care of their planted saplings. 100 children participated in the ceremony.

Such activities create environmental awareness in the society especially children and the youth

Self-finance

On 21st July 2007 Mango festival was jointly organised at Munirka, New Delhi by Ped Panchayat and SADED. The participants expressed concern over elimination of traditional varieties of fruits replacing it with the imported or hybrid varieties only to extract more profit without caring of its adverse effect on the local ecology. The participants reminisced that in the past some fruit bearing trees were left for public use, however, this feeling of sharing is gradually on the decline due to the influence of marketisation. 21 people participated in the celebration.

Self finance

On 5th August, 2007 a tree plantation and sapling distribution ceremony was organized jointly by Ped Panchayat and SADED at Bindapur New Delhi. Tree saplings of

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traditional indigenous varieties like Kachnaar, Amaltash, Jamun, Neem, Pipal, Bud, Shisham, Harsingar, Shahtoot, Paapri, Gooler, Bahera were distributed among the local residents. They were urged to care for the sapling for some time. The ceremony was videographed and CD is available with SADED office. 100 people attended the ceremony.

A study tour by 9 member team of Ped Panchayat and SADED was undertaken on 12-13th August, 2007. The team visited Yusuf Meherally Organic Farming Centre at Tara village, Raigarh district, Maharashtra. The organic farm with a size of 1/4 of an acre grows organic produce sufficient for a 5-member family. Such experiments are suited for farmers with small holding of agricultural land. It was decided that the team should propose to the SADED steering committee to consider starting such experiments with the help of Yusuf Meherally Centre. The Center expressed its readiness to provide training to SADED and Ped Panchayat activists.

The team had gone to participate in WSF meeting held in Mumbai on 10 – 11 August, 2007. The travel and accommodation expenses were met by SADED, however, accommodation and food was provided by Yusuf Meherally Centre during 12 – 13 August, 2007.

Prize distribution Ceremony

As decided earlier a prize distribution ceremony was organized on15th August, 2007 by Ped Panchayat, Bal Vikas Protsahan Sangh and SADED. Prizes were given to 5 children (out of 100 children) for taking care of the tree saplings planted on 5 June 2007 (World Environment Day) in Uttam Nagar, New Delhi. Other children were also given token prizes to encourage them for protecting the natural surroundings of their area. 100 Children took part in the ceremony.

Self finance

INTER-CONTINENTAL DIALOGUE – SADED thematic

World Social Forum not being an ‘organization’ with definite structure or defined leadership, with open ended inclusive character, providing an open space for the

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voices against the exclusive character of market led globalisation, is a potent platform playing a non partisan role to the social/ political/ ecological/ and economic struggles around the globe. SADED engages with WSF more as a process than event centric. SADED actively participates in the WSF events focusing mainly to take the process to the grass roots/ social/ political activists and intellectuals.

SADED attended all the meetings of India Working Committee to push forward the decisions made at WSF Mumbai, Bhopal and Delhi. SADED convener, Vijay Pratap held discussions with activists and intellectuals in various parts of the country and Nepal, Pakistan, Africa and Europe during this period.

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