Note from Harsh Jaitli, CEO, VANI

Changing size of Circles

Greetings from VANI!

Many years back when my teacher explained me the structure of society by drawing three overlapping circles on the black board. These circles of equal size were that of namely, government, civil society and market. He further explained that over lapping side indicates the collaboration between each other and other areas indicate the independence of functioning. Along with the wave of liberalization the sizes of these circles also started changing. The first phase was when government started shrinking and started offloading its public sector role by selling them to market. The size of market circle increased and government circle became smaller. In one decade India saw many changing in the Companies Act, FERA became FEMA, institutions like CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, etc. became stronger. Many economic functions which were dumped by government were grabbed by private sector. But even there it was only profitable ventures which were captured by the private sector. The service to rural sector or small towns remained with government as they were considered “non-viable”, by the market. Consequently, today we have double digit industrial growth, with star performance of Satyam and Enron. However, today if we see the private sector has become important partner and advisor in the policy making functions of the government. It is not only they decide of industrial policy but many social policy issues are influenced by market. The thin line got further blurred by top industrialists entering parliament.

We have now entered into the new phase of redesigning of these circles. After successfully conquering the government arena, the market has started its crusade in civil society circle. First we saw the germination of large hospitals and educational institutions registered and charitable entities. Today, not only we have big foundations and CSR projects taking shape of voluntary orgnaisations, but also adopting language of voluntary sector. Repeating the history of opting only for profitable ventures while taking over the role of government, market is focusing on soft issues, like education, health, green plantations. These issues are selected keeping in mind the supply chain and market of its product as also not to make its old partner (government) unhappy by avoiding contested issues. The government is willfully surrendering its hospitals and schools to such large foundations. The situation is further facilitating for the market as voluntary sector is facing restrictions to operate, fund crunch, and outdated laws. The voluntary sector is forced to abandon its turf for already powerful market and reluctant government.

I wonder after few years teachers will make only one circle that of market and two dots mentioning voluntary sector and government. It is high time for all of us to tight our shoes and rethinks on the strategies we have adopted till date to safe guards our space. We need to not only be aggressive in highlighting our achievements to rest of the society but also pro-actively define our relationship with market and government. We also needs to rethink our operational strategies as market sponsored foundations are well organized, better equipped and well supported.

VANI INITIATIVES @ April, 2010

Consultation on “Direct Taxes Code” with Planning Commission

On April 19, 2010, VANI supported the Planning Commission to organize a consultation on Direct Taxes Code. VANI had been spearheading campaign by voluntary agencies against some of the provisions proposed under direct taxes code framed by Ministry of Finance. The taxation experts along with leaders of voluntary sector participated in this meeting. This meeting was chaired by Dr. Saiyeda Hamid, member, Planning Commission. Dr. Rajesh Tandon of PRIA highlighted the concerns of voluntary sector in this regard. It was agreed that VANI has already submitted the best possible technical critique as well as suggestions to the Finance Ministry, but there is need to build political and development argument on behalf of Planning Commission. It was agreed that through tax exception the government expresses its partnership in developmental agenda of voluntary agencies. This entire amount which would be significant, if calculated, is the indirect contribution in the overall the developmental budget of Indian government. The house also agreed that since 1992, after the liberalization of trade, industry and investment sector, there have been many facilitating modifications in Companies Act, Foreign Exchange Regulation Act and facilitating fiscal policies of government industry. As a result of all these today not only this sector has developed but has become major partner of government. Whereas, development sector has not been liberated from the “red tapesim” and restricting laws. The registration laws are more confusing, FCRA has become more restrictive and fiscal policies neglect development sector. The voluntary sector which works hand-in-hand with Indian government in its flagship programmes for “aam admi” needs to be liberated to achieve the optimum results. As a next step it was decided that VANI along with its advisors will help planning commission to frame its reply.

Changed VISA Procedures and Its Impact on Voluntary Agencies: Some suggestions to Ministry

Background:
In the current global situation India is playing a significant role in official and non- official diplomatic areas. On one hand India is positioning itself as the major global player in the field of international economic growth and on the other strives to open its gates for sharing of global learnings. The Voluntary Organizations in India have been playing important role as the non-official diplomacy power of the country. This cross learning takes place by Indian non-official experts participating in global educational events and also foreigners visiting India as experts, students, delegates, etc. Many voluntary organizations organize international conferences; study cum exposure visits to show case Indian development projects, engage interns for field learnings and also visits of support providers.

During the last few months the requirements for soliciting visa has been changed by Indian Government. We do appreciate the security concern of the government, but these procedures need to be simplified to facilitate the process and reduce the hindrance. Now clearance from three ministries is required before proceeding for VISA. There is no clarity on who to submit this information, what information is to be submitted and how much time it will take for approval, etc. In order to get more specific feedback VANI organized a consultation in its office on April 15 where major voluntary organizations of Delhi participated. We would like to suggest following facilitating steps:

Suggestions:

1. If government of India can identify nodal ministry and nodal officer responsible for this procedures.
   
   
2. If the identified ministry can upload clear guidelines on its website to guide the organizations seeking VISA for its visitors.
   
   
3. If on-line submission of application and uploading of required information is made. This will also help organizations which are not in Delhi to follow this procedure without delay and harassment.
   
   
4. If government can prepare list of major organization which organize international events, this will reduce the time taken while entertaining each application.
5. Many of Voluntary Organizations are already registered with Ministry of Home Affairs under FCRA; this can also be a facilitating factor.
   
   
6. And finally we believe that it has to be an open and transparent procedure. VANI, being the largest apex body of voluntary organizations in India would like to extend all possible support to Government of India in simplifying the procedure which helps its members to continue playing important role in international development.

VANI, being the largest apex body of voluntary organizations in India would like to extend all possible support to Government of India in simplifying the procedure which helps its members to continue playing important role in international development.

Coming up…..

Announcements :

1. Call for Pre-Proposals: Gender and Citizenship in the Information Society: An Asia-wide Research Program
   
   IT for Change, a nonprofit organization located in India has announced a call for pre-proposals under its Gender and Citizenship in the Information Society, an Asia-wide research program organized with the support of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Individual researchers or research teams affiliated to a recognized and reputable institution can apply under this program. Selected grantees can receive funding support of $25,000 for a one-year proposal involving primary research. The program is more relevant to “feminist centres of learning and research, including women’s studies departments, non-profit centres undertaking research for policy action, action research and global policy networks engaged in globalization and women’s rights lobbying from a Southern feminist perspective, and activist-scholars.” The program encourages developing country researchers in Asia to apply for the grant support. Research scholars from other regions can also apply provided that they have previous experience of working in Asia.
   The interested candidates can go to the link : http://www.awid.org/
   

Resources :

Member of the Month: