Elections

Searching For A City In CyberSpace

Harshad Oak

Herald Column - Using Interent For City ManagementAn article about how and why city administration should use new age mediums like the internet to communicate with citizens and manage the city.

Also a quick look at the recent PMC scheme about including citizen suggested projects in the city budget for 2007-08.

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The PMC recently invited development project proposals from the public. These projects were to be considered for inclusion in the PMC budget for the year 07-08. I checked the PMC website egovpmc.com for the necessary form, but the site was a disappointment. I later attended a meet on the topic organized by the Grahak Panchayat. The team of enthusiastic oldies volunteering work for the Panchayat provided more information and the requisite form.

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Congress NCP reject electoral verdict – Do a policy volte-face

Harshad Oak

The Congress led by Suresh Kalmadi and the NCP led by Ajit Pawar had both promised the electorate that they would not join hands with each other post elections, as they thought the other party was responsible for the ruin of Pune.

The electorate voted under the impression that they won’t come together post election. However like the stereotypical politicians in Hindi movies, both the Congress and NCP now seem keen on coming together in an attempt to grab power. The same leaders who had indulged in extensive name-calling are now on the verge of forming a coalition. You should soon see statements saying that they have come together “For the development of Pune” or “To keep communal forces at bay” or “Our high-command said so” or some such corny line.

While poiliticians continue to behave in this fashion, one can’t really blame the masses for losing faith in Indian democracy.

Deccan Gymkhana (Ward No 67) and Law College (Ward No 56) Candidates – Open Debate and Discussion

Harshad Oak

Wards 56 & 67 mohalla committee has set up a platform for candidates contesting the pune corporation elections. Each candidate will be given 5 minutes to outline his/her development plans for his/her ward.

  • place: kamala nehru park
  • date: january 24, 2007
  • time: 5:30 p.m

The mohalla committee has a google group at http://groups.google.com/group/5667mc

I wasn’t aware of the existence of such a mohalla committee, but this attempt at providing a common platform for candidates is surely a commendable undertaking.

I hope there’s a good turnout and no fist fights at the meet.

Pune City Municipal Corporation Elections 2007 – Deccan Gymkhana

Harshad Oak

Pune Municipal Corporation elections last happened 5 years back, i.e in 2002. I have hardly any memory of that election, because I didn’t quite care back then.

Things have changed a lot in 5 years. I not only intend to vote but I also plan to first study the candidates contesting the election in 2007. I have repeatedly written about how Pune city is crumbling, primarily because of incompetent administration. So I guess now’s the chance for Pune citizens to have an impact on the future of Pune.

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