Campaigning for the formation of Social Audit Team in each ward of BMC
9 Dec, 2014
We have been campaigning for the formation of SALT (Social Audit Local Team) in each administrative ward of BMC. We are pleased that some wards have formed the group and a few others are in the process of formation.
Mahiti Adhikar Manch's initiated Social Audit Local Team (SALT) - F/S conducted the citizen's social audit of the maintenance contract given by BMC of playground and traffic island and then held the first “Jan Sunwai” at which the Audit findings were made public. We are empowered to do such efforts of “inspection” under the provisions of Right to Information Act 2005. This has brought in some accountability in the system in that particular department as we have noticed some clauses of the contract now being fulfilled and work of maintenance has also started. We feel that such audits by the community will go a long way in bringing accountability and transparency in the governance system.
We would like to share this experience and the learning with all of you, which will help you to plan and strategize local audits in your wards by forming the Social Audit Local Team in each administrative ward which is our continuous project. Initially, we intend targeting following departments:
a) Housekeeping services allotted for schools.
b) Open spaces given for maintenance.
c) Trench work.
d) Public Toilets.
We are holding an interactive session for this on Saturday 13 December 2014 at St. Joseph's High School, Junction of Katrack Rd and David Barretto Road, Near Five Gardens in Meeting Room no 1 from 4 p.m.
To defray expenses, a nominal contribution of Rs. 50/- may be paid on the day of the meeting at the venue which would be a help to us, but this is not compulsory for your participation.
Bhaskar Prabhu & Anand Castelino
Convener