The Fact Check: the Delhi Doorstep Scheme

Is it first of this kind ?

The Delhi Doorstep Delivery (DSD)scheme is first of this kind where government representative reaches at the doors of citizens to process and deliver 100 public services. Manipur has claimed they are the first. However the Manipur government on 8th sep 2018 launched a Citizen Facilitation Centre (CFC) for specified categories and announced   'GO TO VILLAGE' scheme on 1st May 2018. 60 villages and 60 constituencies have selected. However, it's implementation was still vague. Kerala has a model called 'Akshaya' launched in 2002. Those are again CFCs at every panchayat and towns. This scheme also required digital skills for citizens to avail at home.

However, many has followed the Delhi's way. Andhra Pradhesh is the typical example. CFCs and Sahayaks at every villages.1 person for 50 people. It is yet to roll out fully. Karnataka has recently started the doorstep scheme in a very extensive way and launched the first phase. They have doorstep scheme and CFCs also. The Govt. of Odisha and Rajasthan as well also planning to implement the scheme and undertook the preliminary study with the Delhi Govt to check the feasibility. 

2. How does the Common Service Center (CSC) initiative of Central govt ? Is it a same model of Delhi's doorstep?

CSCs are the much glorified scheme of central govt in par with doorstep.Sources revealed that there are about 2.6 lakh VLE’s (Village Level Entrepreneurs), which deliver 3,462 services across the country . The total transactions for this year are about 1,975 lakh. This includes services that are both ‘government to citizen’ such as Aadhar, PAN card registration, motor vehicle license and so on, and ‘business to government’ such as train ticket booking, music downloads and so on. Some of these are also ‘information services’, such as checking one's bank balance or information on eligibility of schemes and so on. 

However, this cannot compare with DSD as no government representative is visiting homes of citizens and help them in processing. 

CSCs are also criticized for

• Exorbitant charges to citizens by the VLEs

• VLE are not financially sustainable 

• Multiple visits required 

• No proper SLA Management 

• Inordinate delay in System updates and management 

• No professional expertise 

• Absence of citizens charter 

• Inefficient citizens support mechanism 

• Issues on accessibility and time consuming 

• Lack of digital know-how (citizens points)

The issue of online services is that majority of the ordinary citizens are not equipped to go online and understand procedures. In a way, many are landed at intermediaries or touts.They charge huge amounts as processing fee. When Delhi Govt charges Rs.50 as processing fee under DSD, agents are charging thousand for income certificate and more than 4000 for marriage certificate. Hence the economic  impact of the DSD scheme is worth noticed in comparing to the CSCs of  central govt. 

3. Do MCDs of Delhi also initiated the doorstep scheme ? How the Doorstep delivery scheme stands out in comparison with the MCD public service delivery plans ?

MCDs are often blamed for corruption and mal-governance. People find huge difficulty in getting services. Though BJP opposed DSD Scheme, the SDMC has been saying that we will deliver services at your doorstep for more than a year, but couldn't materialise it. The North Delhi Municipal Corporation on  last month opened the online licensing module developed for household industrial units employing up to 9 workers and having 11 KW meters. would no longer have to go to the MCD office for submitting licence applications. This is an approval of DSD scheme by the BJP led MCDs.Study shows that around 30 per cent residents of the city have to pay bribes to get their work done in municipal corporations," (Pandey) Union minister and BJP leader Vijay Goel earlier sparked a controversy by calling Delhi’s municipal corporations corrupt (" Aap mujhse kahoge MCD kaisi hai. Mein kahoonga chor hai. Mujhe koi inkar nahi hai.)

Earlier in Delhi citizens had to visit an avg. 4 times to office for getting a service. It amounts to job loss and travel cost. Also, more than 50 % were relayed on touts and agents. Now they can get services at the doorstep. The scheme estimated saving of one million man hours in an year. It also axed touts and prevented corruption  in large. 

Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said the scheme was the first of its kind initiative in the world letting citizens avail 100 government services at their doorstep. The scheme was launched in September last year with 40 services and 30 facilities were added in August this year. “Now citizens don’t need to stand in long queues in government offices. They can also avoid multiple visits to government offices, taking leave from office and seeking touts’ help to get public services,” he added.    

Under the scheme, citizens can call on the number — 1076 — to avail government services. After the call, a person will visit the citizen and collect documents required for the service and process the request. Citizens can book an appointment online through www.edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in or www.delhi.gov.in or by visiting any RTO or SDM office.

 “Now, there are three ways to get things done at the government offices in Delhi. First by visiting the government offices, where the success rate is 57% and 43% of applications get rejected. Secondly, by applying online, in which 45% of applications get cleared while 55% get rejected. The third is doorstep delivery, where the success rate is 91%, whereas only 9% of applications get rejected. This is due to mobile Sahayaks’s intervention to ensure that all documents are complete and attached in the right order along with the applications,” he added.    

The scheme was launched with 40 services on September 10, 2018, and 30 more services were added in August 2019. A total of 16,31,772 calls were received and of this, many were enquires. The call centre received 2,89,762 service requests and 2,64,927 applications were disposed of till December 2019. The current disposal rate is about 95% and the remaining 5% under process, said the government.    “The top services under this scheme is issuance of caste [OBC] certificate [21%], issuance of caste [SC] certificate [19%], issuance of income certificate [17%], learners license [8%], issuance of domicile certificate [5%], registration of marriage [2.5%], issuance of delayed birth order [1.8%],” an official statement said.

IITF India International Trade Fair New Delhi 14. - 27. November 2019 | India International Trade Fair

IITF India International Trade Fair New Delhi

14. - 27. November 2019 | India International Trade Fair

The IITF India International Trade Fair is an international consumer goods fair. Due to its wide range of different areas this fair is an audience magnet and very popular among exhibitors. Here, visitors will receive information on the latest products and trends in various industries.

Already for the 39th time the IITF India International Trade Fair takes place on 14 days from Thur., 14.11.2019 to Wed., 27.11.2019 in New Delhi.

India - A land of Challenges and Opportunities

India is a land of opportunities despite having challenges. Around half of the population is at the youth stage and this demographic dividend is an excellent opportunity for the country. However, it is a affect that we are not able to properly utilize the dividend and resources. It results large number of unemployment and subsequent ill effects among youth. In the absence of social security measures theses people are either going directionless or become the victims of poverty. There is a huge scope in the utilization of human resource for productive purpose in order to get rid from this vicious cycle. Primary challenge in this regard is developing a skilling ecosystem in the country where people are skilled and industries are hiring the right resources. This industry-skilling disconnect along with demand-supply mismatch shall be addressed in order to effectively utilize the resources. A demand driven approach and industry lead skill development endeavours can bear fruit. Secondly, the fact that sustainable livelihood can be emerged from responsible business enterprises. It is inevitable to have conducive environment for entrepreneurs as job creators are very important for a country like India. Entrepreneurship shall be an aspirational element for the youth in order to address the dual challenge of addressing the needs of youth and availing these human resources.

We cannot simply ignore the fact that the economic inequality in India is a pressing concern. More than eighty percentage of the wealth is accumulated at the hand of twenty percentage of the people in the country. Being one of the most populous countries, this ever-growing concern is looming as threat to the society. When economic resources are scare, condition of people are becoming worst. It is inevitable to reduce this gap by equal sharing of resources, control over resource consumption, and rationale tax measures including green taxes. . For instance, around sixty percentage of the population is engaged in agriculture and their livelihood depends on the earnings from farming. However, their produces are not getting fair price due to the over reach of intermediaries. Price fluctuations and weather phenomenons are moving them to the debt trap and resulted suicides. Poverty, malnourishment, wasting, and stunted growth are still looming as crisis even though we put best efforts to meet Global Millennium Goals and Sustainable Development Goals.  We must understand that solving these challenges are a social goal where an effective public private participation is required. Wide consultations with industries to promote responsible business and sustainable business practices can surely bring changes.

We are not udicious in using resources which are becoming a greed than need. Our environment is in a war fighting situation as it has to meet the needs and greed of the populace. Number of vehicles and density of polluting industries including prevalence of plastic are also in rise. When the effects of environment damage are equally shared the share of wealth is not equally distributed. The transparency measures like voluntary disclosure, reporting, and environmental footprints are still more to go. Country has to adopt sustainable development principles in all walks of life specifically in the industrial development and revenue sharing mechanism.

The paradox of protectors become polluters is biggest challenge in India. Corruption is beyond all threshold levels. When government servants are supposed to be at the service of common public, they become the masters of public. People are forced to avail their rights at the mercy of these officers and at utmost despair destined to offer bribes from their hard-earned money in order to save time and to avail their entitlements. In contrary, a portion of the influential section rules them with muscle and money power. This leads to the unethical practices and resulted irreparable damages to society, economy and environment. Every violation of environmental polices or social norms by this offers at the behest of high hands is against the spirit of equality which are counterproductive. The terrible lag in maintaining transparency measures, accountability standards and vigilance are costing to the citizens of the country. Technology driven elements with very intense sensitization in long run is required to make our government responsible to the public.

Though we are at the clutch of all the aforementioned concerns, the civic sense of people is to be evolved. This lack of ownership and right civic sense always side track the sustainable development initiatives that helps the corrupted elements in one way or another. The voice of public is the single most solution to all the prevailing crisis. Once the citizen is empowered and dared enough to demand their rights, no one can over power them. Also, their consciousness to protect the environment also shall work. We cannot speak against pollution when we pollute our own environment, we surely cannot complain about plastic menace as long as we use and throw plastics. Succumbing to bribe demand rather that complaining is not the sign of civic sense. Making public places dirty and talk about waste management will not be a ideal propaganda. The sense of mine and the feeling ownership (our own) seems the solution to many of the prevailing concerns.     

ICT (Information Communication & Technology) has tremendous scope to improve governance in the country. It can have a pivotal role in the empowerment of nation. As more than half of the population have access to smartphone and internet, a digital revolution can be possible in India. To an extent less human interference and automation are essential to solve many existing challenges in the country. It is an inevitable ingredient to consider ICT as a panacea to corruption and various governance challenges. However, the challenges of achieving digital literacy have huge fathoms. Collective effort under the leadership of government is a need of this time to reach the goal of digital empowerment of citizens.

Though hard to say, polarisation on the basis of various fringe and fanatic elements are in rise.. An ultra-national approach surpassing the diversity of the nation and humanity will not produce positive results. Political parties widely use caste cards in election which is dividing the social fabric of the nation. It is not rare to see the crony-majoritarian political media. Furthermore, voices against the divided politics are seen suppressed by the ruling parties in some corners which are not the true spirit of democracy.

Amidst challenges and concerns our country is in a great pace to assure faster, inclusive and sustainable growth. Initiatives like Swatch Baharath Mission, Skill India, Start Up India Stand Up India, and Digital India are right in the direction. We require more responsible leaders to drive the change. Governance and management expertise shall be acquired by our bureaucracy to make certain the reach of benefits to the grass root without leakages. Continuous awareness and sensitization exercises are to be implemented to get the required results. Women of the country shall be brought the front to lead many of these thought provoking missions.

The Size and Impact of the Doorstep Delivery of Public Service Programme of Delhi

The doorstep delivery of public services programme by Govt. of NCT of Delhi in India aims at effective delivery of public services at the doors of citizens which is free from office visits, corruption and touts. This innovative service design assures various services of government delivered at their doorsteps. Up on request government representative will reach the home of citizen in the pre-fixed time and offer required services. Delivering various public services at the doors of citizens make the term public services more meaningful. Hence our vision encapsulates the cores of transparency, accountability, and digital innovations which make the government both responsible and accountable to common public. 

Mission

1.         Responsible Governance, Accountable Government and Citizen Friendly Approaches

                We have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to bridge the gap between             government and citizen through multiple ways a) A 24*7 Call centre is functional           where citizen can call to get government services at their homes. B) A facility is   enabled online to book requests C) Special hassle free citizen facilitation centres           are                 established across the state to help public. 

2.          Technology as tool to make governance design strong and public service delivery effective 

                Well sophisticated Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software is in place to manage and monitor citizen requests. Movement and progress of files            are         automatically tracked till the end of the process and updated to the applicant              through voice call/sms/e-mail. In order to assure timely reach of government                 representatives, geo tagging and time stamping is also                 incorporated.    Furthermore, anyone can complaint their grievance at PGMS        (Public Grievance           Monitoring System) for fast resolution.

                E-SLA is an innovative design by our team to ensure timely delivery of public                services. Once the Service Level Agreement             (SLA) is breached, alerts will     automatically pop up at the officers at different levels.  To give better customs                 experience and to improve        transparency, citizen    can file their questions                 through an online RTI portal. This information shall            be provided within 30 days.     Citizen can claim for     penalty for delays in such cases. 

3.         Professional excellence in programme management  

                A well qualified and experienced professional team is deployed to look after each        and        every aspect of the programme. The team will manage, monitor and evaluate        program on a regular basis. Required redesigning, reengineering and           restructuring required any will be taken up by this project management experts           to                 appropriate levels.

Delhi is the Capital of India and it the National Capital Territory (NCT). Hence the scheme catered to the demands of around two crore people of Delhi. Actions of Delhi government are easily getting the national attention.  Following the success of the doorstep delivery of public service scheme of the Delhi governments, many states started replicating the same. The programme is large in size, scale and impact as it covers 12 departments with hundred public services. Around one crore services are delivered every year which signifies the large impact of the system. It was observed that citizen has to visit government offices in an average of four times to get a service. One visit may cause up to four hours including commuting. Similar situations aroused to time and energy cost including absence from work. These repeated harassments tempt them to try their hand with bribes or to avail services of external agents like intermediary or touts. In such cases, a citizen had to spent additional amount of 1000-4000 an average.  This was also a nurtured a tout-driven system with corrupted officials.  Doorstep delivery scheme saved millions of man-hours and crores of amounts to the common people. One can imagine the time, money and energy save by the common public with the introduction of customer friendly service delivery system.

The scheme offers diverse services of revenue, transport, water, social welfare etc. Focus is on government to government services initially which can largely impact the lives of millions. The manpower involved in the programme is also nearly thousand except normal functionaries. The scheme is designed as a Public Private Partnership model where front end operations are being handled by an external agency while sovereign functions are handled by the government staffs. The governance system of the scheme is also an innovative model in government. 

Andhra government adopts Delhi Doorstep model

After the successful implementation of Doorstep Service Delivery (DSD) of Delhi government Andhra Pradesh now comes up with a similar scheme for delivery of public services. The 'Village Secretariat' designed by the newly sworn Y S Jaganmohan Reddy's government envisages setting up centres in every village, under which the volunteers would function to deliver various government services to the citizens at their doors. The government sources said that the concept of village volunteers aimed at ensuring timely and transparent services and to eliminate corruption at all levels of administration in the state. Also, the volunteers will identify various problems faced by people under their jurisdiction and will bring them to the notice of the gram panchayat for resolution. 

“The government is committed to revamp delivery systems in the state with an aim to improve living standards of the people through the concept of Navrathnalu as the core theme of governance", a department release says. The scheme provides village volunteers with an honorarium of Rs5,000 per month and entrust them with the task of door delivery of the government welfare schemes. There will be one volunteer for 50 households. The government will spend Rs 1,200 crore per annum to employ about four lakh volunteers from villages to take the benefits of government service to the doorstep of beneficiaries in rural areas. Besides the normal rule of reservation, women would be considered for 50 per cent of the posts within each category.

 The emulating model of Delhi government offers diverse services at the doors of citizen without hassles and doing away from brave snaking queues and visits to the offices. In order to avail the services citizens have to call the 24x7 helpline number 1076, and the call centre will take down the relevant details and inform you about the documents required as well as the applicable payment. Once the appointment is confirmed, the government will send a representative (mobile sahayak) to the doors of citizen to help and apply the service. A service charge of Rs.50 will be accounted from the applicant for this service.

Mail Today report revealed that the number of well-entrenched touts in some of the Delhi government offices in Civil Lines, Mall Road, Burari, Janakpuri and Matiyala had reduced sharply within two months of the scheme's launch. The programme launched in in last September 2018 has overwhelming response from the citizens. More than ten lakhs request were handled under the programme. There are 150 mobile sahayaks, 200 call centre executives,  and 50 dealing assistants are working under the programme. The programme envisaged to implement in three phases which comprises of a total of hundred services. Government is planning to make DSD a single window inorder to curb touts and intermediaries. A dedicated professional project management unit is constituted and hired an agency to strengthen the operation of the scheme.

Eyes to the city by Delhi government

After a long wait, Delhi government now started installing CCTVs all over the city. Being a major move towards the safety of women, the project expects reduction of crimes to a larger extent. According to the chief minister of Delhi Aravind Kejrival, a total of 2.80 lakh cameras will be installed across the city.

After the Nirmbhaya incident, Delhi came to the spotlight on women safety. According to the National Crime Records Bureau data, Delhi was reported as the most unsafe among 19 major cities, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of rapes , 33 per cent of crimes against women and the highest crime rate in 2016. As per police records, Delhi sees one murder, six robberies, as many rapes, nine molestations, 19 snatchings, 126 vehicle thefts and 17 fatal road accidents every day, besides the ever present threat of terrorist attacks. A total of 236,476 cases were registered in 2018, with an increase in the number of murders (3.25 per cent) and thefts (7.7 per cent), particularly of vehicles (12.98 per cent), even as street crimes such as robberies and snatching came down from the previous year. Delhi came in just two positions shy of being the worst state when it comes to safety of girls and women (Gender Vulnerability Index by NGO Plan India).

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) has become a mainstream crime prevention strategy around the world. According to some researchers, the camera surveillance systems in the UK discourage criminals and thus preventing crime. London has managed to bring down crime by 80 per cent by the use of CCTVs. Scholars have concluded that increased offender apprehension, increased natural surveillance, publicity, and improved citizen awareness are potential mechanisms of CCTV‐generated crime reduction. CCTV was associated with a 16% reduction in crime, which was a significant effect. This effect was driven by a 51% reduction in crime in the car park schemes, with CCTV in the other settings having small and nonsignificant effects on crime. Estimates from the United Kingdom suggest the presence of over 4.2 million cameras, a ratio of 1 per every 14 citizens. In the United States, 49% of local police departments report using CCTV, with usage increasing to 87% for agencies serving jurisdictions with populations of 250,000 or more. Philadelphia’s CCTV cameras generated a 13% reduction in overall crime, a 16% reduction in disorder, but no change in serious crime.

The findings of each area are shown below: 

City outskirts: Following its installation, recorded crime decreased by 28 per cent. 

Hawkeye

Vehicle crime saw a statistically significant 73 per cent decrease following camera installation. Car parks experienced different levels of crime and those with a high and medium level of risk of crime suffered statistically significant 80 per cent and 62 per cent decreases. The sharp decrease in crime demonstrated a deterrent effect. The police were also provided with evidence allowing them to arrest known offenders, showing that the system also worked by detection. 

City Hospital 

Crime rates were low before the implementation of CCTV, and a non-significant reduction in the overall level of crime after CCTV implementation was primarily caused by a reduction in vehicle crime. Although the cameras may have deterred vehicle crime, this reduction may also be attributed to other crime reduction measures. 

South City 

The number of public order incidents increased and this could be attributed to increased reporting of incidents by the control room. Although fear of crime reduced after CCTV was implemented, the findings suggested that this was not caused by the presence of cameras, but other crime reduction measures operating in the area. 

Shire Town

There was an overall decrease in recorded crime following the installation of CCTV, but these were non-significant and could be attributed to fluctuating crime trends experienced across the division as a whole.  

Market Town 

There was an overall increase in recorded crime following the installation of CCTV, but this could be attributed to random fluctuations experienced across the division as a whole. 

Borough Town

Following their installation, overall crime remained unchanged, and any change in individual offences was attributed to changing local crime trends and other initiatives operating in the area, one of which possibly caused displacement into the target area, thus increasing crime. 

Northern Estate 

Following their installation, overall crime showed a non-significant reduction, which could not be attributed to CCTV. However, there was a noticeable reduction in burglary, which was shown to have displaced into areas outside the cameras’ viewshed. Feelings of safety increased in comparison to the control area. 

Westcap Estate

There was a statistically significant reduction in worry about being a victim of crime. Although there was a high level of awareness of the cameras, the presence of cameras did little to reassure residents. A reduction in reported victimisation most likely accounted for the decrease in worry about crime. 

Eastcap Estate

Following their installation, overall crime levels increased in line with the control, although reductions in specific targeted offences, especially vehicle crime, suggest a deterrent effect. Fear of crime levels remained unchanged. 

Dual Estate 

Recorded crime reduced in the small residential area (Area A), which had a high level of camera coverage, and there was a high level of awareness of the cameras. However, small numbers of crimes were involved. Conversely, crime increased in the larger residential area (Area B), which had just six per cent of coverage. Hotspot coverage of the shopping parade saw a 49 per cent decrease in shoplifting in this area. Worry about being a victim of crime reduced in both areas, significantly so in Area B compared to the control area.

Southcap Estate 

Recorded crime saw an increase in the areas covered for the longest period. The overall increase consists of a rise in violence against the person, which can be accounted for by a change in Home Office counting rules. Worry about being a victim of crime reduced in the target area, but at a similar rate as the control area. 

Borough 

Recorded crime increased across the target, buffer and division area following the installation of CCTV. The scheme did not appear to achieve its aim of tackling sporadic crime hot spot areas, as crime increased in the target areas at a higher rate than the division. The presence of the cameras initially reassured local residents, but these positive effects reduced when youths realised the cameras were on auto-pan, thus were no longer deterred by their presence. 

Deploy Estate 

Taken as a whole, crime increased following its installation, accounted for largely by the increase in criminal damage in one part of the area covered. This could be attributed in part to a number of acts of vandalism against the cameras themselves. The proportion of individuals who worried about being a victim of crime was largely unchanged in both surveyed areas before and after CCTV installation. 

(This document is available only in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) through the RDS website http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds)

Vision Pollution......

When public places are obsessed with publicity contents including political posters and banners, time has ripe for this country to go for a blanket ban on this unwelcoming practices.  

Even in many underdeveloped countries, governments restrict derogating public places from obstructing the vision of people. Even when the communication mechanism of our contry is well equipped with print and visual media including FM radios and very versatile social media which assures reach of message even at the grass root level, this is dam unsolicited.

Thanks to democracy. Still our political will lavishly demonstrates their leniency to make our public place ravaged with unpleasant content.

No political persons or laymen allow their personal property to exhibit an iota of promotional content. When ciities and roads restrict our views with corporate, religious and political hoardings, time has exceeded to get rid from vision pollution. 

Let's wait for the day our government act on this matter

India needs a strong opposition

Again in second consecutive time,  India is likely to be a country without having an opposition. BJP is in a no mood to accept the demand of Congress for the position of opposition leader as last time as Congress failed to touch the magic number. BJP must remind that they are decorating the position of opposition in Delhi eventhough just have three seats out of 70 seats assembly.

A strong opposition is inevitable for a constrictive democracy. Being the largest democratic country in the world,  India requires a powerful oppositionsopposition. Democracy is race where loosers are also being considered. It's a paradox that NDA is a dictatorship govt subscribing  to the  Hindutva philosophy owing to the reason that they adopt majoritarian politics  targeting Hinduism being the most common religion in India,accounting for about 80% of the population.

India is a country where unity in diversity existed. India was also known for religious tolerance and communal harmony. Now the trend has changed. We must remember that Constitution of India enshrines equal rights to all citizen of the country.  Islam is the second-largest religion in India at 13% of the population. Other major religious groups in India are Christians (2.3%), Sikhs (1.9%), Buddhists (0.8%) and Jains (0.4%). People who claimed no religion are officially recorded under 'other' by the . In 2011, 0.9% of Indians selected the 'No Religion' category.

Here voice of all has to be heard and rights of all citizens need to be protected. Beyond caste,  creed and colur,  humanity must be emancipated. Hence, diverse political ideologies require sufficient space in governance to protect the diversity of our nation.

Indian National Congress had a pivotal role in the building of our modern India including independence of this country. Contributions of Jawaharlal Nehru,  Indira Gandhi and Rajive Gandi in making India strong in the world cannot be simply ignored. It's not healthy to see BJP belittle and tarnish such visionary leaders. BJP must respect good works of Congress and get rid from using crooked strategics to destabilize elected governments using unconstitutional and unparliamentary methods. It's equally important the revival of secular idea and left ideologies to grow in India.

This is the time for Modi to provide space for opposition and minorities in this nation. If the government is committed to people of this nation and belives in democratic principles, it's also the responsibility of ruling government to develop a conducive environment for a resilient and constrictive opposition. 

Me and Delhi CM Leaders Fellowship

I am a passionate social change agent dare to vision for a big leap in the society.

I had been working with the department of higher education government of kerala as the senior project manager in the state skill development mission, Before, I worked in the capacity of State Team Leader Responsible Tourism initiatives of Kerala Tourism and Chief Project Officer of Green City projects at the Local Self Government. I have a decade experience in project management and monitoring especially in the government sector.

I did postgraduate and Ph.D in management from the Cochin University of Science and Technology. 

Currently, I am aligned to the ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS DEPARTMENT of government of Delhi to handle the doorstep delivery of public service delivery programme. This one of the ambitious, unique and kind of first in the world projects envisages providing different pubic services at the door steps of citizen. Citizen doesn't want to be in the brave snaking queue, run from pillar to post get things done, get rid from corruption and touts and beyond doesnt want to take leave from office to get a service from government office. Just for 50 rupees, they will get around 100 services at their doors. Mainly, I am focusing on strengthening the stakeholder role of the programme. 

Government is the largest business in the world. There are products, services, customers, market and employees. However, issues like policy paralysis, corruption, red tapism and snail pace are cause of concern for the consumers and this has been a hue and cry from the time immemorial. Delhi government in a short span of time emerged as a corruption free government giving emphasis on governance and public participation. Here citizen is the king. It's quiet exciting to work with such a government and part of a change in the democratic set of the country. Being a Chief Minsters Urban Leaders Fellow, I really want to understand how it is possible and love to bring this model to the whole world being a practitioner. 

Furthermore this is an ideal platform for me to build networks, meet young leaders of the county and share our thoughts and ideas together for the betterment of my country. I firmly believe that this would be an ever cherishing experience for me.

Delhi government now reaches the doorsteps of citizen to deliver public services

A kind of first time in the world, Delhi government offers diverse public services at the doorsteps of people with subsidized rates. Now the citizens do not want to be in the brave snaking queues and bribe to for getting services from the government offices. The flagship programme was launched aiming at curbing touts and to make citizen empowered by getting hassle free government services. It is being considered as a pioneer programme to make governance effective and citizen friendly.

The ambitious scheme 'doorstep delivery of public services' was kicked-off in last September with 40 services. 30 more are to be added soon. Government plans roll out a total of hundred services in coming months. 

This enables the Delhiites apply for income certificate, caste certificate, vehicle registration, seasonal bus pass, pay motor vehicle tax, water connections etc right from their homes with just 50 rupees. In Order to avail the service, citizen just wants to call 1076, the 24x7 call centre dedicated for the doorstep delivery purpose and make an appointment on their convenient slots. A mobile sahayak (government facilitator) will reach the location of the applicant to collect documents and to apply for the services. Certificates will be delivered in 15 days at their doorstep. Citizen will be offered with timely updates of the progress of application processing. They can also reach the call centre to track the progress of their application and raise complaints any.

So far, 1012326 calls were received at the call centre. There are 120 mobile sahayaks and 180 call centre executives work with the programme.

The Modi Effect

2019 is only Modi Effect

After the general election, there see a lot of frustration and self righteous rage among intellectual hubris and liberals who predicted doom of BJP. The Modi effect was suffice to score over all other agenda.

At the outset, many myths are to be set apart. Clamours over voting machine were proved futile as no variations happened with the count of VVPATs. Second, communal politics was not the sole reason for BJP resurgence as around 10% increase of muslim vote share of BJP has observed. Thirdly, BJP votes increased in the categories like overall 6%, rural 10%, SC/ST 17 % and farmers 5 %. By and large all caste equations went wrong especially in UP - the gateway to Delhi.

The big reason behind the BJP sweep is that this election was purely a 'Presidential style electoral campaign' where people could see only MODI as a their leader. The scattered opposition terribly failed to project a national leader as an alternative to MODI.

The Hindu Lokniti survey revealed that one of every three of those who voted for BJP would have voted differently if Modi not been the PM candidate.  In the case of supporters of other NDA alliance, a fourth said that if not for the PM they would not have voted for the party.

BJP is an ethno national party,  infact with the exception of UP and Chhatisgarh entire central and north India is now firmly in the thrall of BJP leaving no space for any opposition. It's is a fact that having a cadre structure,  BJP and RSS wrere strategically worked at grassroots to assure that developmental schemes are reached at people. Many takers of gas, toilet, bank account, farm benefit scheme etc. were seen cheering for Modi that turned to votes.

Though Balakot attack was not directly influenced voters, the emerged nationalists thoughts certainty boosted the persona and leadership capability of Modi to a large extent. BJP cleverly handled media to get rid from negative spread of the party and Modi. Also, when opposition deralied in uniting against BJP, Amit Sha the Chanakyan of BJP succeed to tie key alliances. But, the weak opposition certainly triggered the surge of NDA. Being the ruling party, there was no dearth for fund in NDA.

The 'chowkidar' campagin was seen not accepted by the mass as people perceived Modi as a honest man with no lucrative personal ambitions. Still he managed to win the populace with his charisma.

Modi during second term see more as a minority focused. Yet, RSS is at the top gear and Modi supposed to yield to the Hindutwa agenda. Let's wait and watch whether Modi and Amit Shah duo continue with destabilizing constitutional establishments by saffronizing the country. At last we need an inclusive, equitable and sustainable India where secularism prevails.

Setback for AAP in Delhi

After a huge setback in Delhi , Aravind Kejriwal is now willing to work together with Narendra Modi accepting the mandate of people. In Delhi the real losers are AAP.  When BJP increased its vote share 10% ( 46.63 to 56.60) in terms of 2014 vote share and congress bounced back with 15.22 % to 22.43 %  registering an increase of 7.21%,  AAP dropped 14.93%,  having a dip from 33.08 % to 18.15 %. As per report, three AAP candidates are likely to lose deposit.

Even though the pre-poll arithmetic suggested AAP-Congress alliance would defeat BJP, post poll data proved other wise. Its atleast less than five percentage of the BJP in each seat. The alliance in west together got only 37.38% while BJP got 60.06. How ever, the impact of real alliance would have different.

After the sweep, BJP eyes Delhi assembly by utilizing the momentum. Party workers had been instructed to focus on AAP vote bank (slums and unauthorized colonies) cementing booth level activities and sensitizing people about the huge benefits of same government both at centre and state to counter AAP statehood plank and unfulfilled promises of AAP.

At the same time, some independent observers foresee the possibility of of imminent clashes between governments and aubsequent suspension of Delhi Govt to expedite the transition. The impact of Modi, revival of congress and challenges to deliver key promises, AAP awaits struggling times ahead.
(Inputs : The Hindu)

Half Baked Exit Polls

Why online Exit polls fail?
The Exit Poll Results sound hyperbolic to many as it looks too far from realities even to the expectations of  the winning parties. It's a fact that exit polls were proved wrong in all cases where no apprent anti ncumbency  prevailed. Irrespective of accuracy, here are the reasons:

1. Hoax Barging :- Pro party workers are likely to massively poll for a particular party or have done reboot polls. This is very probable in a party having cadre structure. If urban capture and youth dominance aswell happened (due to online acces) in the polls, results were certainty affected and favored Modi.

2. Non-response bias: - Sample may consists of more from the supporters of failing candidate than from from winning candidate.

3. Social -desirability bias :- People would have lied pollsters as they went with a populist trend eventhough not voted. Being Modi was projected as the single alternative for India and BJP successfully managed to market the theme with lots of emotional and nationalistic contents surpassing development in the absence of a unified opposition, there is no wonder to see Modi as the next PM. All credits to Amit Shah.

This time exit polls are likely to go wrong as all the three reasons potentially would have affected the polls.

Election Pulse from Half of Indians

Half of India  -
Whether we LIKE or NOT the BJP and Modi, Surveys apparently predict the chance of NDA to come again.
Though, I am deeply pained by the 'divisive caste polarised hate politics',  I cannot simply challenge the mandate by people of India.(surely ignore the fear factor of people and ephemeral mindsets).

Let's see the pulse of India (not an exact reflection of south India) (The Hindu, CSDS). This is one of the most reliable and scientifically trusted survey I have seen so far. It predicts half of Indians with BJP (as per the snippets hereunder )


1. 59% are satisfied with the Central govt.

2. 46 % wants to give this government a second chance.

3. Voters are more likely to vote on the basis of the party and the PM candidate

4.Voters will vote looking at Central government’s performance while voting than the State

5. Satisfaction with Modi government continues to be highest in cities

6. Young voters are more satisfied with the government

7.Half the respondents Acche Din seem to have arrived again

8. Close to half the Hindu felt that the BJP should get another chance

9. Muslims were the least enthusiastic to vote (four of every 10 not sure of voting) and the upper castes were the most enthusiastic (seven of every 10 saying that they would surely vote). In other words, NDA voters are more likely to turn out and vote and non-NDA voters are less likely to turnout to vote.

10. Modi still perceives as a leader of India and PM

Unity in Diversity is no more in India.

Unity in Diversity is no more in India.

"Lamentation  from a concerned citizen giving up the hope of United India"

It was a tagline to celebrate India for a long time. While progressing, it becomes apparent India is moving away from this globally acclaimed mention. Indians may never imagined it would grow to a country where caste enjoys a paramount decisive position while independence  was acquired with a united effort and subsequent constitution enshrined a secular community. Now Indians are being largely devoluted and influenced  by majority appeasement and the resulted minority suppression.

When India is at the pinnacle of its democratic process, it's neither development nor humanity the point  of discussion. It's hate, caste and fear determines who should rule them.

In south, a group polarized in the name of God, in north and centre,  communal voices prevail. In West Bengal and North East, lakhs are quarantined questioning their citizenship. Thousands are pulped up on what to eat and not to eat, what to say and not say, what to and not do. When Dalits are the real dwellers of this land from time immemorial, they are being thrown in to dumps. Many institutions  are coloured with religious vedanta including even the content of education propaganda which has to decide the destiny of the nation. Its is a hard truth that education alone will not help us to get rid from the craze of religious sentiments which is stark in Kerala where many caste colurs patronise politically as all caste groups subscribe to some political ideologues  just to retain their stake. India seems not safe for minorities to stay. 

Quoting  Karl Marx,  religion is the opium of people and sigh of the oppressed, Indians now move to the fear by Vivekananda's 'lunatic asylum' with all its extremes. Indians have to walk to the past glory of its renowned thinkers to learn that a nation must develop on brotherhood and not on any fringe  elements whatever it may be. 

World Youth Skill Day

Youth at the Crossroads: A Generation with Untapped PotentialThere are more youth on the planet than ever before. These young people are poised with all of the potential and energy to be our next generation of leaders, workers and parents. 

That's why the United Nations has decided to celebrate youth through the first ever World Youth Skills Day on July 15, 2015. Fostering the acquisition of skills by youth will enhance their ability to make informed choices with regard to life and work and empower them to gain access to changing labour markets and viable employment opportunities.
While many of today’s youth inhabit a world of unlimited opportunity and possibility, millions more are being left out.

Youth represent 25 per cent of the total working age population but make up 40 per cent of the unemployed (ILO, FAO, 2015).
An estimated 400 million youth worldwide – or about one third of all youth aged 15 to 24 – suffer from a deficit of decent work opportunities (ILO, FAO, 2015).
Almost 74 million young people (aged 15 to 24) were looking for work in 2015 (MDG Report, 2015).
Youth, especially young women, continue to be disproportionately affected by limited employment opportunities and unemployment (MDG Report, 2015).
Globally, the youth unemployment rate is almost three times higher than the rate for adults (MDG Report, 2015).
Sixty-three million youth were out of school in 2012 (EFA, 2015).These youth are stuck – left at crossroads with little opportunity to reach their full potential due to a lack of employment opportunities and a lack of education and basic skills. Unfortunately, with few choices, many youth are vulnerable to a life of poverty or violence.
To solve this crisis, we must first acknowledge we have a problem. It starts with awareness. Join us – learn more and share.

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Back to your Alma mater; to witness Surprises

He was not reluctant to walk to the memories in oblivion. While taking a trip down the memory lane, he reached at the alma mater where his dreams and aspirations nurtured and fostered. It was impossible to simply pass his friends ! The jubilant days spent with his comrades and the exuberant lush and dusty mud trials in the hinterlands ashore the backwater indulged him to make it repeat once again.


He is not a student; but an Indian Administrative Service officer. After emerging out from the Civil Service Examination with flying colors, he was decided to organize a get together with his old folk of thirteen at the higher secondary school in Alappuzha district. Being a first batch student of Kerala Higher Secondary department, widely known as Plus Two, he was the only passed-out from that school.


"It was difficult to trace my friends. After strenuous efforts, I manged to contact eleven of my of friends, only nine of them agreed to meet. However, every one had certain excuses, being have multiple engagements. To a surprise, one of my friends informed his inability to come, as he cannot think about moving out of his office, where a quiet good number of people work. Another friend was apprehended that if I spend one hour for this program, I may lose five thousand rupees. A good majority were in the same page; and at last, when the day came, only four turned-up". Said Dr. Reju IAS, CEO, Additional Skill Acquisition Program (ASAP), Government of Kerala. 

Success is relative. It's all about realizing the potential within and unleash it in the right direction. While heading ASAP and facing numerous challenges, he has this to say to those who seek achievement. ASAP paves way to success and those who are dare to dream can step in to this. Though things are not favorable to us, SUCCESS IS OURS, if we can utilize the available opportunities efficiently. ASAP has a bouquet offers around hundred skill courses in different sectors.

When people show aversion to skilled labours and love to embrace white collar jobs, ignoring their potential by blindly following the glamorous career, realities are different. Mr. Tom Jose, a business executive turned entrepreneur says "people look after white collar jobs and show dislike to job roles require specialized skills, considering their status in the society. Industries are forced to depend on females and labour from other states to fill this lacuna. Being people search for jobs offers leisure; they land in a dreamy world despite worries. It is a kind of egoistic attitude. He observed.

We cannot expect favorable whether always, and never wait for calm tides to kick off your journey. Only a rough sea can make good sailor and a smooth water never makes a good rower. This is the time to burn your boats ! Forget the past and aim for a bright future. Tomorrow is yours !

Enticed by ASAP; Philanthropist donated 1 acre land

Ms. Veronica hailing from Mala is enticed by the mission of ASAP. She is a philanthropist involved in admirable number of humanitarian missions, who has spent her early span of life in Germany doing research in medicine. She runs a charitable trust which is involved in the rehabilitation of a commendable number of orphans and hosts a day care centre for senior citizens, where they gather and spend an entire day together once in a week.

She was enlightened by the ASAP mission and decided to be a part of the same by whole heartedly donating an acre of her land free of cost, from the 2 acre plot where lot of other similar activities are also being planned by her with the support for setting up a community skill park. She commented that ASAP is the only mission which is likely to impact a positive socio economic change in the state ultimately contributing to the prosperity and well being of the nation.

"Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala is home to an umpteen number of philanthropists, patrons and humanitarians. An orientation of our mission to these people would prove to be very much beneficial to the programme. This would improve awareness among the people about our mission and would uphold the goodwill and reputation of the programme" says Mr. Nasser, ASAP Head - Thrissur.