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 and Foundational Values

                                           Aptitude

In the world around us, we can observe that some people perform certain tasks with ease. For instance:

• Some people naturally learn to play musical instruments or easily memorize songs.
• Some people solve mathematical problems quickly and effortlessly or grasp complex mathematical concepts rapidly.
• Some people learn and start speaking new languages in a short span of time.
• Some people are naturally gifted athletes, achieving high levels of performance in sports with minimal training.

These same tasks can be extremely challenging for many others. Why is this?

One possible explanation for this difference is aptitude. So, what is aptitude? What is the importance of aptitude? Is there a connection between aptitude and the effectiveness of civil service? Let's delve into these questions and gain a deeper understanding.

Aptitude

Aptitude refers to the natural ability to learn and excel in a specific task or activity. It's the capacity to acquire and master a particular task or activity quickly. Aptitude can be a combination of innate and developed traits.

                        Examples of Aptitudes in different fields

Types of Aptitude

·         Academic Aptitude: This refers to the ability to excel in academic subjects like math, science, language, and social studies.

·         Verbal Aptitude: This involves the ability to understand, use, and manipulate language effectively. It encompasses skills like reading comprehension, vocabulary, and communication.

·         Numerical Aptitude: This aptitude relates to the ability to work with numbers, solve mathematical problems, and understand numerical concepts.

·         Spatial Aptitude: This involves the ability to perceive, visualize, and manipulate objects in space. It's crucial for tasks like drawing, engineering, and navigation.

·         Psychomotor Aptitude: This aptitude encompasses physical coordination, dexterity, and reaction time. It's essential for activities like sports, dancing, and manual labor.

The Importance of Aptitude

Aptitude plays a significant role in various aspects of our lives, including:

Education

·         Aptitude can influence an individual's ability to learn and excel in different subjects. Students with an aptitude for mathematics may find it easier to grasp mathematical concepts, while those with a linguistic aptitude may excel in language learning.

Career Choices

·         Aptitude can guide individuals towards suitable career paths. Identifying one's aptitudes can help in choosing a profession that aligns with one's natural strengths and interests, leading to greater job satisfaction and success.

Personal Development

·         Understanding one's aptitudes can aid in personal growth and development. By focusing on areas where one has an aptitude, individuals can enhance their skills, pursue hobbies, and engage in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment.

 

                                         Developing Aptitude

 

 

Some Key Aptitudes/Skills Required to Succeed in Civil Service

Civil servants play a crucial role in the functioning of a society, and their effectiveness hinges on a range of essential aptitudes. Some of the key aptitudes required for success in civil services include:

Problem-Solving skills

The ability to analyze complex problems and find effective solutions

·         For example, a rural area is facing a shortage of clean water. Civil servants can use their problem-solving skills to identify the root cause of the problem, analyze potential solutions, and implement the most effective solution.

Communication skills

The ability to speak and write clearly, concisely, and effectively

·         Civil servants should be able to communicate clearly and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. They should be able to explain complex topics in a simple way and educate people.

Analytical thinking

The ability to evaluate information and make sound decisions

·         For example, traffic congestion is increasing in a city. Civil servants can use their analytical thinking skills to analyze data, identify the root cause of the problem, and develop solutions to improve traffic flow.

Time management skills

The ability to allocate time appropriately for necessary tasks

·         Civil servants should be able to manage their time effectively, prioritize tasks, complete tasks on time, and manage multiple tasks effectively.

Leadership qualities

The ability to motivate and guide teams

·         Leadership qualities are essential for civil servants to make sound decisions in complex situations, lead their teams, and motivate people to cooperate.

By developing and honing these essential aptitudes, civil servants can enhance their ability to serve the public effectively, contribute to the betterment of society, and achieve success in their chosen careers.

                                               Foundation Values in Civil Services

 

Civil servants are the backbone of government, tasked with implementing policies and serving the public. In this demanding role, strong ethical values are crucial. The ethical values are not just ideals, but guiding principles that shape their conduct and effectiveness. These values foster public trust, ensure fair treatment, and promote efficient governance.

Integrity:

Integrity means being honest, upright, and adhering to strong moral and ethical principles. Civil servants with integrity build trust with the public and fellow officials. This trust is crucial for effective governance and upholding the rule of law.

• Example: A civil servant responsible for awarding contracts resists the temptation of accepting bribes and ensures that the contract goes to the most deserving bidder, even if it means facing pressure or inconvenience.

Impartiality:

Impartiality is treating all individuals and groups equally, without bias or favoritism. Civil servants must make decisions based on merit and evidence, not personal preferences or affiliations. This ensures fair treatment and equal access to services for all citizens.

·         Example: A civil servant involved in a public hearing listens to all viewpoints with an open mind, weighs the evidence carefully, and makes a decision that is in the best interest of the public, regardless of their personal beliefs or the influence of powerful individuals.

Non-partisanship

Non-partisanship means remaining politically neutral and not favoring any political party or ideology. Civil servants must serve the government of the day, regardless of their political affiliation, and implement policies impartially. This upholds the principles of democracy and ensures that government services are delivered to all citizens.

• Example: A civil servant working in a government department continues to perform their duties diligently and professionally even when a new government with a different political ideology comes into power.

Objectivity

Objectivity is making decisions based on facts, evidence, and rational analysis, rather than emotions or personal biases. Civil servants must be able to gather and assess information objectively to ensure that their decisions are sound and in the public interest.

• Example: A civil servant responsible for investigating a complaint gathers all relevant information from all parties involved, analyzes the evidence carefully, and reaches a conclusion based on facts and the law, not personal feelings or opinions.

 Dedication

Dedication is a strong commitment to one's duties and responsibilities, and a willingness to go above and beyond to serve the public interest. Dedicated civil servants are motivated by a sense of service and are willing to work long hours, overcome challenges, and make sacrifices for the greater good.

• Example: A civil servant involved in disaster relief efforts works tirelessly, coordinating resources, providing assistance to affected communities, and ensuring that aid reaches those in need, even if it means sacrificing personal time and comfort.

Sympathy, Empathy, and Compassion

Sympathy is feeling sorry for someone else's misfortune, empathy is understanding and sharing another person's feelings, and compassion is taking action to alleviate suffering. These qualities are important for civil servants as they interact with people from all walks of life, including those who are vulnerable or marginalized. By demonstrating sympathy, empathy, and compassion, civil servants can build trust, foster positive relationships, and ensure that their decisions and actions are sensitive to the needs of all citizens.

• Example: A civil servant working in a social welfare department listens patiently to a person facing financial hardship, acknowledges their difficulties, and guides them through the process of applying for assistance programs.

Tolerance:

Tolerance is respecting the beliefs, values, and practices of others, even if they differ from one's own. Civil servants must be able to work with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

• Example: A civil servant working in a multicultural community organizes events that celebrate the diversity of the community, promoting understanding and appreciation of different cultures.

These guide civil servants through complex challenges and ensure their actions are just and equitable. By upholding these values, civil servants not only fulfill their duties but also contribute to a compassionate and progressive society. The civil service demands a high degree of integrity and commitment to the public good. As civil servants embrace these values, they elevate their profession and inspire others to serve with excellence and dedication, leaving a lasting legacy of trust and progress.

 

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.