The Savda Ghevra Story: How RTI Empowered a Delhi Slum

The story of Savda Ghevra, a resettlement colony in Delhi, India, is a powerful example of how the Right to Information (RTI) Act can be used to improve the lives of citizens. Here's how residents used RTI to overcome challenges:

The Problem:

For years, residents of Savda Ghevra faced a critical issue – inadequate access to clean water. They received only a meager two buckets of water per family every other day. This scarcity made it difficult to meet basic hygiene needs, impacting health and well-being.

Taking Action with RTI:

Empowered by the RTI Act, the women of Savda Ghevra decided to take action. They filed multiple RTI applications:

·         Information Request: The first set of applications sought information on the exact amount of water allocated to the colony compared to the actual amount received.

·         Follow-up Inquiries: Armed with the information from the initial request, they filed follow-up applications to understand the discrepancy between allocated and received water.

Unearthing the Truth:

The RTI responses revealed a shocking truth. The colony was allocated a significantly higher amount of water – 88 tankers per day –  than what they were actually receiving – only 22 tankers delivered sporadically.

Taking it Further:

With clear evidence of the gap, the residents didn't stop there. They filed another RTI to find out where the missing water tankers were going. This additional information put pressure on the authorities to address the issue.

Results and Impact:

·         Increased Water Supply: Due to the persistent efforts and transparency brought about by RTI applications, authorities took action. Each water tanker was fitted with a GPS tracker, ensuring deliveries reached the intended location.

·         Streamlined Water Delivery: Within six months, the water supply situation in Savda Ghevra improved dramatically. Deliveries became regular, and residents received the allocated amount of water, significantly improving their quality of life.

Beyond Water:

 The success of the RTI campaign in Savda Ghevra empowered the residents further. They have continued to use the Act to address other issues in the colony, such as sanitation and infrastructure development.

Significance of the Story:

The Savda Ghevra story exemplifies the power of the RTI Act in achieving positive change. It demonstrates how ordinary citizens, armed with the right to information, can hold authorities accountable and advocate for their basic needs. This story is a beacon of hope, inspiring others to use RTI to improve their own lives and communities.

The Milgram Experiment

 The Milgram experiment, conducted by Stanley Milgram in the 1960s, aimed to investigate obedience to authority figures. It remains a highly influential and controversial study in psychology due to its unexpected findings and ethical concerns.

Procedure:

·         Participants were told they were involved in a learning experiment.

·         In reality, they were the "teachers" administering shocks to a "learner" (an actor) in another room.

·         The shock generator was fake, but the experimenters portrayed it as delivering increasingly powerful shocks (up to 450 volts) with each wrong answer from the learner.

·         The "learner" (actor) would feign discomfort, groans of pain, and eventually complete silence as the shocks supposedly intensified.

Results:

·         A surprisingly high percentage of participants (around 65%) continued administering shocks to the maximum level, despite the learner's apparent suffering and pleas to stop.

·         The experiment highlighted the power of the situation and the influence of authority figures in inducing obedience, even when it conflicted with personal conscience.

Conclusion

Milgram's experiment provides valuable insights into the potential dangers of blind obedience to authority. It demonstrates how social influence and situational pressures can lead individuals to behave in ways that contradict their own moral compass.

Aptitude Test for Civil Service Aspirants

 While there isn't a single, dedicated "aptitude test" for civil service aspirants, several components of the selection process assess various aspects of an individual's potential suitability for the role. These components can be broadly categorized into:

1. Prelims Exam:

General Studies Paper I: This paper tests candidates' knowledge of various static subjects like Indian history, polity, economy, geography, and current affairs. While not directly an aptitude test, it indirectly assesses a candidate's comprehension skills, memory, and ability to retain information.

General Studies Paper II (CSAT): This paper was introduced to assess aptitude for civil service and focuses on skills like:

·         Comprehension: Ability to understand and analyze written information.

·         Reasoning: Skills in logical and analytical thinking to solve problems.

·         Decision-making and problem-solving: Ability to evaluate situations, consider options, and make sound decisions.

·         Basic numeracy: Understanding and working with numerical data.

·         English language comprehension: Ability to understand and interpret written English.

2. Mains Exam:

·         Essay writing: This tests the candidate's ability to organize their thoughts, structure arguments, and communicate effectively in writing.

·         Answer writing: The format of answer writing in Mains tests analytical thinking, critical thinking, and the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner.

·         Case studies: To assess problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, and judgment.

3. Interview:

The interview stage primarily assesses various personal qualities and skills considered essential for a successful civil servant, such as:

·         Communication skills (both verbal and nonverbal): Ability to express oneself clearly, confidently, and persuasively.

·         Interpersonal skills: Ability to build rapport, interact effectively with others, and demonstrate leadership potential.

·         Analytical and problem-solving skills: Demonstrating the ability to analyze situations, think critically, and propose solutions.

·         Integrity and ethical values: Assessing the candidate's commitment to ethical conduct and upholding moral principles.

It's important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and the specific selection process may vary depending on the recruiting commission and the specific civil service position. Additionally, while these measures are used to assess various aptitudes, they may not be a perfect reflection of an individual's full potential.

Aptitude and Civil Service

Becoming a successful civil servant requires a diverse range of aptitudes, encompassing both mental and physical aspects.

Mental Aptitudes:

·         Intellectual ability: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills are essential for comprehending complex issues, formulating policies, and making sound decisions.

·         Communication skills: Effective communication, both written and verbal, is crucial for conveying ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively to diverse audiences.

·         Interpersonal skills: The ability to build rapport, interact effectively with people from various backgrounds, and work collaboratively within teams is indispensable.

·         Problem-solving skills: Identifying and solving complex problems with creativity and innovative thinking is vital for navigating challenging situations and implementing effective solutions.

·         Decision-making skills: The ability to weigh evidence, consider multiple perspectives, and make sound decisions in the face of uncertainty is crucial for responsible leadership.

·         Organizational skills: Strong organizational skills are necessary for managing time effectively, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

·         Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing contexts, learn new things quickly, and adjust to evolving situations is essential for navigating the dynamic nature of public service.

Physical Aptitudes:

 

While not the primary focus, some roles within the civil service may require physical fitness for tasks like fieldwork, disaster management, or public outreach activities.

It's important to remember that these aptitudes are not mutually exclusive and often work together to create a well-rounded civil servant. While some individuals may naturally possess stronger inclinations towards certain aptitudes, all of them can be further developed through dedicated learning, experience, and continuous self-improvement.

Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB)

It is a programme launched by the Indian government in 2015 to promote cultural exchange and understanding between different states and union territories (UTs) in India.

Here are the key aspects of the program:

State/UT Pairing: Each year, every state and UT is paired with another for reciprocal interaction throughout the year.

Activities: States and UTs organize various activities to showcase their unique cultures, traditions, languages, cuisines, and best practices to the paired state/UT. These activities can include:

·         Exchange programs for students, artists, and officials.

·         Cultural festivals and exhibitions.

·         Setting up language learning corners in each other's states.

·         Sharing knowledge and expertise in various fields like agriculture, education, and healthcare.

Objectives:

·         Celebrate India's "Unity in Diversity" by strengthening emotional bonds between the people of different regions.

·         Promote national integration through cultural exchange and understanding.

·         Enhance mutual understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures and traditions present in India.

·         Create an environment for learning and sharing best practices between states and UTs.

Overall, the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat program aims to strengthen India's national unity and integrity by fostering a sense of shared identity and appreciation for the country's rich cultural diversity.