Observations and Efforts with District Administration

Efforts & Observations during current visit to Kannauj (Brief Report)

(26^th September to 29^th September 2010)

In wake of urgent requirement of large number of people who needed suggestions and guidance for the ensuing Panchyat elections (to be conducted in October and nomination filing started in September) we paid a brief four day visit to the District Head Quarters and few villages for the period (26^rd September to 29^th September 2010). While reaching Kannauj, we interacted with few colleagues and volunteers in Kannauj and thereafter reached Gursahaiganj town to attend a meet of 10-12 persons who had been actively involved in welfare works and are intending to contest the Panchayat elections. Certain guidelines and preventive measures were discussed / suggested for the transparent election process. Also, they were introduced to a few government officials for keeping smooth coordination in conduct of the process. As usual, we visited nearby villages, Ismailpur, Dundwa Buzurg, Majhpurwa and the Jaisinghpur Farmhouse and discussed about prevailing issues and agriculture scenario. Shri Dubey had been quite optimistic of Khareep crop yield due to supportive monsoon. In a few villages, tension started mounting between warring faction groups over the Panchayat election issue who were pacified to maintain harmony and goodwill. Besides discussing socio-political incidents of the area, we interacted with Samdhan and Gursahaiganj town area municipal officials and public representatives. An exhaustive 2 hour visit to the Gursahaiganj Bidi Workers’ Hospital was undertaken on 29^th September and various issues were discussed with its officials (separate report is annexed in this profile).

As follow up of certain welfare schemes beneficiaries’ matter with district officials, we interacted with District Social Welfare Officer Shri Kuldip Rastogi who assured transparency and efficiency in disbursement of pending matters. As socialization drive, we met more persons mainly amongst the academic and administration wing with whom the development and welfare implementation issues were discussed. We also visited a few Block offices where nomination for Panchayat elections were in process and interacted with concerned officials for maintaining law and order and transparency in the system. During that period there happened a severe flood due to overflowing of Ganga River passing through Kannauj and its nearby villages. In order to assess the flood situation and provide relief measures by district administration and the voluntary organizations, we visited the affected sites (Mehndi Ghat Village) and found that there were inadequate arrangements for food and health contingency arrangements. We approached district administration for gearing up the relief process. Finding the opportunity, we visited few ASI monuments sites where the renovation work was going on. It is heartening to note that after we exerted pressure over the ASI authorities, face lifting and renovation work of some monuments had been taken up, though there is still negligence and loot of public exchequer. At the concluding part, we arranged interaction with over a dozen youths (IT savvy) and invited them to share our mission who had been quite supportive. Since our district is hard hit for power failure, so internet connectivity is poorly maintained and the matter was raised to concerned officials for improving net connectivity mainly amongst district officials and educational and health institutions for better coordination and effective public services.

(Akmal Husain)

CEO (Kannauj Action Plan)

R/O Ismailpur (Gursahaiganj)

Dist. Kannauj (UP) 209 722

Dated: 12^th October 2010 email: kannaujactionplan@gmail.com

Efforts & Observation during recent visit to Kannauj (Brief Report)

(5^th September to 14^th September 2010)

In continuation to earlier visit (23^rd July to 29^th July 2010) another 10 days visit was carried out to continue the ongoing efforts (during the period 5^th to 14^th September 2010). During this period we interacted with few schools and colleges to inspire students and encourage teaching community for attaining quality and competitive education. Besides socializing with peoples in villages, Ismailpur, Majhpurwa, Dundwa Buzurg, we made detailed survey / visit to the remote village Rammakpurwa (on 7^th September 2010) along with Shri Ram Kumar Dubey, the famed National Agriculture Awardee after paying detailed visit to his Jaisinghpur Farmhouse and discussed about other aspects of innovative farming: this time on Pulses – Pigeon pea farming in composition with Moong / Brinjal farmimg during the Zaid and Monsoon season. A detailed separate note / report on this aspect available in this profile. Due to heavy – ongoing rain in the area, we could not interact with larger people, but the good monsoon witnessed promising crop prospects in the belt. Also our detailed report on Rammakpurwa village interaction is mentioned on a separate note in the profile. We interacted with Block Talagram officials including BDO Shri Satish Pandey in connection with implementation of ongoing welfare schemes and promotion of agriculture and rural economy. Next day on 8^th September, we attended whole the day unique national seminar on Scientist-Officers-Industry-Farmers meet at FFDC, Kannauj for farmers empowerment and its detailed report is available separately in this profile.

We interacted to the local smaller town areas: Samdhan & Gursahaiganj offices and assessed the state of affairs and noted apathy of the officials and their public representatives. Various specific suggestions for its working were already given in writing through earlier representations to the district magistrate and concerned officials, but no significant change is being observed. To our observations (on record) due to such negligence (mainly in respect of sanitation and health services) any catastrophic situation may arise in near future. Separate design and suggestions in this regard had been provided in this regard to administration. On 10^th September we visited Chhibramau, Saurikh & Kabirpur while improving our networking and spreading message we returned Gursahaiganj through Indergarg, Talagram and adjoining villages maintaining close vigil on the state of affairs on development works, agriculture, public grievances and environment conservation. Since it was fasting month of Ramzan, so our movement was little restricted still we interacted with district officials like District Agriculture Officer, District Bhoomi Sanrakchhan Adhikari besides over three hours meeting with several BDOs & APOs in the chamber of CDO Shri MS Tripathiji (on 14^th September 2010) who is quite upright, enthusiast and concerned to the oppressed class people. We socialized some people in Kannauj and improved profile / networking of plan and ongoing strategy. During this period we also visited Kannauj nearby villages: Farkapur, Mahmoodpur etc and surveyed in details wherein separate report is enclosed herewith. Since the Panchyat election preparation was going on, the district administration (mainly DM) could not be available for detailed discussions, however we shared meeting for three long hours on farmers empowerment through science, administration and industry interface arranged on 8^th September at FFDC. Thus we resumed our work on 14^th September 2010 with several issues, contents and follow up things to be undertaken.

(Akmal Husain)

CEO (Kannauj Action Plan)

R/O Ismailpur (Gursahaiganj)

Dist. Kannauj (UP) 209 722

Dated: 10^th October 2010 email: kannaujactionplan@gmail.com

Efforts & Observations during current visit to Kannauj

(23^rd to 29^th July 2010)

In continuation to our ongoing efforts regarding voluntary services to the area people for all round socio-economic, educational and other welfare measures, a short term tour (for a week) was performed in parts of the district mainly to educational institutions, municipal offices and few village panchayat. The interaction and work started (on 23^rd July 2010) with an hour long discussion with Er Shri Narain Mishra (native of village Palia under Talagram Block) currently settled in Kanpur and working as senior Environmental Consultant with over three decades of experience in the country and abroad. Mr Mishra gave lot of inputs for effective public services and he assured his all possible assistance and cooperation in the mission. He introduced us with few important like-minded persons to get involved in our zeal for making Kannauj a Model District.

Our next interaction (on 24^th July 2010) was with the students of Dr Zakir Husain intermediate college senior secondary students in Gursahaiganj town for providing them motivational talks in framing the career for attainment of quality higher education. Four different sections totaling over 200 students (all Science Group) were addressed and they were suggested for additional study material and tips for competitive entrance exams. This was a very impressive experience interacting the budding professionals and intellectuals. Since most of the colleges were busy in admission related formalities so we would not interact much more institutions. The another institution we interacted was Nehru Post Graduate College Chhibramau and hour long discussion with upright Principal Dr S S Shakya was done suggesting aspects of quality higher education and professionalism in academics. He was apprised of environmental & ecological concerns and involvement of students and teachers in understanding and protecting the local biodiversity. Same day we interacted the Gursahaiganj and Samdhan Nagar Panchayat establishments (detailed report is annexed here as separate document).

Next day (25^th July) we visited the remote village Bahosi (under Umarda Block) and observed the social, educational and environmental fabric of the area. The vast stretch of barren (with very little fertility) surrounded by wild shrubs and trees is environmentally beautiful place which can be developed as eco-tourism centre as being in the vicinity of world fame Lakh Bahosi bird sanctuary. The condition of the sanctuary is quite pitiable as hardly any maintenance work is done by forest officials. The negligence of its maintenance is quite serious matter while we are talking of global biodiversity. In-fact this district has its unique identity with this bird sanctuary which is famed globally. Our policy planners/ecologists/environmentalists can plan a beautiful resort at this place which is quite virgin and rich in the flora and fauna adjacent to a small canal passing through it. The same day we visited Roora village Panchyat which had been worst neglected in infrastructure development (mainly the village not being electrified so far). A detailed and specific report on plight of Roora village Panchayat is annexed herewith through a separate document.

Our next visit (on 26^th July) was at Jaisinghpur farmhouse for interacting with national awardee innovative farmer Shri R K Dubey (a separate report is annexed herewith) and pursued some fresh and pending matters at Talagram BDO office. So many important matters related to environmental aspects, welfare measures and innovative farming were discussed with Block officials in presence of young/upright BDO Shri Satish Pandey. The same day our next visit was at Majhpurwa village Panchayat (like others, it is also very much neglected, no apparent development, roads, drainage/sanitation maintenance is very poor) and assessed the situation. Majority of the masses being victim of mighty local representatives though anguished but feel helpless. To them, local self governance through Panchayat Raj system is eyewash.

In a whirlwind tour to Chhibramau (the same day) we interacted with officials like SDM, Dy. SP, Tehsildar & others besides so many renowned public figures and discussed about our plan and ongoing activities. Special meetings and lengthy discussions were held with Shri Santosh Chaturvedi (veteran advocate and former MLA of the area) and Chairperson of the Chhibramau Municipality. Important suggestions for streamlining the municipal services were suggested and a written document was served with the aim to develop Chhibramau Municipality as a Model Municipality in district and state with ideal public amenity services. Surprisingly, even the well educated youth public representatives like MLA, Chairman Municipality, Block Pramukh etc are not keen to use IT tools thus be part of the governance. Our efforts everywhere had been promoting e-governance (using internet) and bringing transparency and efficiency through use of RTI Act.

Next day (27^th July) we visited District Head Quarters, interacted with District Welfare Office pursuing for welfare grants of few beneficiaries. During the day meetings with some resource persons (of our project) were done and matters of public interest were discussed and we made aware of the fresh situation. The volunteers were suggested to intensify efforts for making Government Welfare schemes success by helping the real beneficiaries through door-to-door contacts and surveillance. An attempt was made to meet District Magistrate, but owing to his extremely busy schedule, it could not be possible. However a few documents (for expediting certain pending matters) were handed over to his camp office assistant. The day ended with halt at the nearby Bachharjapur village Panchayat. Fresh assessment of the status and grievances of the villagers were also recorded for pursuing with concerned officials.

Following day (28^th July) we visited the largely populated village Panchayat Dundwabuzurg (extremely backward due to apathy of poor public representation and negligent administration). Several group meetings were done and public had been motivated in carrying out selfless social services of needy and oppressed class. The touting in village is prevalent in government welfare grant system. Educated youths were encouraged to come ahead for meeting the welfare schemes success. This was followed by our visit to Ismailpur (under Samdhan Nagar Panchayat) and subsequently to Block Talagram office and Chhibramau for various interactions with government officials and general public to view and address their grievances. Required literature like application formats, government circulars for welfare grant etc were circulated to volunteers and social activists with the message that no beneficiary of any scheme in their surrounding is left un-attempted for whom state and union government had launched such schemes. Thus our strategy had been to make public awareness, develop self confidence and utilize RTI Act and all possible welfare schemes for social uplift of deprived and oppressed people in our district to meet our goal: Kannauj to Attain Status of Model District.

(Akmal Husain)

CEO (Kannauj Action Plan)

R/O Ismailpur (Gursahaiganj)

Dist. Kannauj (UP) 209 722

site: www.kannaujactionplan.blogspot.com

Dated: 10^th August 2010 email: kannaujactionplan@gmail.com

Efforts & Observation during recent visit to Kannauj (Brief Report)

(30^th May to 5^th June 2010)

In continuation to earlier visit (21^st April to 7^th May 2010) another visit of a week was carried out to continue the ongoing efforts (during the period 30^th May to 5^th June 2010). Started mission with meeting senior teachers and manager of Dr Zakir Husain College at Gursahaiganj town, boosted to establish computer centre and the net connection. The same was done shortly. A closed door meeting with 12 people of Mirgawan Gram Panchayat was arranged for getting involved in proper implementation of centrally sponsored welfare schemes and other routine issues which can de easily taken up with collective voluntary and vigilant approach. The enthusiasm and collectiveness was apparent in the local public representatives, youths and social activists. This was followed by a visit to Talagram Block office at Terajakat and appraised the BDO Shri Pandey about future strategy for forestation and eco-conservation in the ensuing monsoon season. He was advised to celebrate the World Environment Day on 5^th June with a similar written suggestion forwarded to District Magistrate. His attitude was quite affirmative and reportedly he is pursuing the suggestions put forth by us.

Our next important visit was at small village Jaisinghpur (adjacent to GT Road, 3 Km from Gursahaiganj town) in an agriculture farm which has recently become focus of national attention. Its mentor and visionary enterpreneuring farmer Shri Ram Kumar Dubey is innovative farmer for more than two decades who had been recently acknowledged and awarded by the Union Agriculture Minister Shri Sharad Pawar in February 2010 (in a impressive ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi). Shri Dubey had been involved in propagating innovativeness through experimental demonstrations at his farm house not only to the farmers but also to the researchers of CSA, DPR and IIT Kanpur. He has so far developed a vast of chain of scientifically whether suited and eco friendly farming centers at various stretches in the whole district. District and state agriculture authorities owe to his experiences and suggestions in improving the crop yield, safety and protection of agriculture produce. He had demonstrated not only the increase in horticulture, food and agriculture produce but the fodder too by selectively choosing the specific pulse & cereal varieties. He is enjoying the privilege and position what had so far remained the monopoly of farmers of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Punjab. In fact he is a great source of motivation and guidance for the entire state agriculture industry. The state government should utilize his optimum potential in solving the food and fodder demand.

Next morning on 1^st June a meeting with district magistrate was arranged at his official residence. Along with few new requests, some pending matters were reminded to be taken up for which he assured and processed. Special thrust was given on issues concerning eco conservation, increasing forestation, arranging massive district level (including at all village Panchyat and Block levels) celebration of World Environment Day which was reportedly done with larger participation and enthusiasm. A brief meeting with Chief Development Officer Mr Lal was also arranged for reviewing the developmental and welfare works. While interacting with few more district officials, their cooperation and attitude was positive and encouraging.

The same day (1^st June afternoon) a visit was made to Village & Gram Panchayat Syedpur Sakri (in Kannauj Block) to interact with more people especially rural masses and to assess their problems. Village Pradhan was contacted and offered him our skilled assistance in pursuance of public services, utilities and welfare measures. Lanes and roads inside the village are in precarious condition. Drainage is not there and unhygienic conditions on streets and lanes prevail inside the village. A large number of beneficiaries of social schemes are still deprived due to apathy of concerned officials and the negligent / ignorant society. The Kharif crop, though very promising but has been suffering badly due to extremely poor power supply which is a great hurdle to the rural economy.

The same night we returned to Kannauj where rounds of meetings with large number of people of all walks of society (trade, industry, education and agriculture) were made and discussions on public issues such as on development and planning were discussed. A small group of dedicated youth volunteers was prepared to carry out the massive agenda. Despite scathing heat, our movement in the city and to all the monuments was quite hectic and with proportionate response. We also visited some industrial units where distillation of perfumery ingredients is being carried out and some of them had established their own testing laboratories. Government needs to modernize this potential industry (with immense foreign exchange revenue and employment generation) through modern technological tools. A specific visit to assess the working of Kannauj municipality was done on 2^nd June where we came to know that a complete over hall of its establishment and facilities is required in respect of public utility services like conservancy, street lighting, drinking water facility, roads and drainage. Thereafter, we visited the Jal Nigam Executive Engineer office and pursued some drinking water connection and repair matters. Our colleague Dr Syed Kausar Shamim (a leading scientist working in the area of town and country planning in the United Kingdom) while inspecting ASI maintained monuments and visiting local areas suggested that district administration should bring out digital map of district and GIS mapping needs to be highlighting the industry, flora, fauna, agriculture and archive monuments of the district. A separate suggestion in this regard will be placed before the district authorities.

On concluding day (4^th June 2010) a specially arranged visit to the remote village & Gram Panchayat Bachharjapur was arranged to study the village condition, pathetic condition of the villagers, poor local panchayat level governance. A group of ten people discussed about as many problems facing the villagers. They had been assured and advised to interact with us for redress of their grievances. In a specific observation, it has been found that for two village ponds on account of beautification sanctioned fund of nearly five lakhs for each pond which has been grossly misused utilizing hardly fifty thousand each. The work has not been fully accomplished and the funds are swallowed. The major problem of such ponds is that neighbors had encroached the panchayat pond area for personal use and constructed cemented structures. The matter needs to be thoroughly probed. The ponds should be developed and maintained on some standard designed guidelines. Otherwise its objective is never fulfilled. The roads, streets and lanes inside village had not been repaired and maintained in the past fiscal year. The sanitation, drainage and road sweeping is never done. It is a clear case of gross violation of human utility services and injustice in the name of local self governance where the panchayat officials are looting money and the district administration keeps silent spectator. People had shown great enthusiasm but due to lack of effective leadership, community activism and vigilant administration their plights go on multiplying despite generous funding and vast social welfare policies in effect. The whole system can be either checked by honest, vigilant and accountable civil administration or by meticulous public private participation process in implementation of the government sponsored schemes. Then only we can justify the concept of local self governance, effective administration and overall good and responsible governance.

(Akmal Husain)

CEO (Kannauj Action Plan)

R/O Ismailpur (Gursahaiganj)

Dist. Kannauj (UP) 209 722

Dated: 21^st June 2010 email: kannaujactionplan@gmail.com

Efforts & Observation during recent visit to Kannauj (Brief Report)

(21^st April to 7^th May 2010)

In continuation to our ongoing efforts for all-round welfare measures for Kannauj area and its people, an extensive two weeks survey and interaction tour was performed (during 21^st April to 7^th May 2010). On arrival to the area, first visit was made to the Divisional Commissioner (Kanpur Division office at Kanpur) and matters related to our project were discussed with the Divisional Commissioner Shri Amit Kumar Ghosh IAS, the exemplary upright officer including with Shri Sushil Kumar the Additional Commissioner. Their attitude and response had been quite encouraging.

Our next visit was to the district Head Quarters Kannauj and the matters related to Agriculture (like agriculture produce, improving yield, irrigation, seeds, fertilizer and new innovative technology, preservation, transportation and marketing of food & agriculture produce were discussed with agriculture officials in presence of district agriculture chief Mr Rotash Kumar (innovative and scientific mind Deputy Director). Since power crisis (causing acute irrigation problem) and fluctuating market rate of perishable agriculture produce like potato is a great challenge to the vast number of farmers. During our discussion, it was opined that there must be some regulatory mechanism / ceiling for cultivation of potato crop to the large scale farmers including incentives for growing pulses and oilseeds. In this regard, we have already interacted with the officials of Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology IICPT, Thanjavur (TN) to train and provide technical know-how for establishing agro industries like products of perishable items (like potato and some fruits).

Next, we visited the Chief Development Officer Mr K N Lal’s office. As he joined this place very recently, so we got him introduced about our ongoing efforts in carrying out welfare services to the district people, particularly the weaker sections. CDO has appraised our past efforts and the request was revived to get the pending matters cleared in respect of our earlier requisitions. Thereafter, we visited Basic Shikchha Adhikari (BSA) office and he was apprised of irregularities in Mid Day Meal execution in large number of canters as the food quality is quite poor and the basic parameters are not maintained. He was also requested about long pending problem of promotion denial to all the untrained Urdu teachers working for more than 15 years as permanent teacher. A brief discussion with Saurikh BDO Shri Jaiveer Singh Yadav was also performed in Saurikh (on 27^th April 2010) on various issues concerning agriculture and area developmental activities and he expressed his solidarity for his commitments.

A detailed meeting with upright District Magistrate Shri Govindaraju NS (IAS) was arranged on 30^th April, wherein we reminded him of the pending matters under various sections/departments which he had promptly taken note with concerned officials. The District Magistrate gave excellent cooperation and concern towards the plight of weaker sections social/welfare measures. Finally, we interacted with honest and dynamic District Social Welfare Officer Shri Tripathi who has been very optimistic & upright towards resolving the crisis of social welfare beneficiaries. He has expressed his desire and pledged to remove the touting in the system. We appreciate too much towards such zeal.

(Akmal Husain)

CEO (Kannauj Action Plan)

R/O Ismailpur (Gursahaiganj)

Dist. Kannauj (UP) 209 722

Dated: 12^th May 2010 email: kannaujactionplan@gmail.com

Efforts & Observations during current visit to Kannauj

(21^st to 23^rdFebruary 2010)

In continuation to our ongoing efforts regarding socio-economic & educational welfare measures for Kannauj area, a short term 3 days tour was performed in parts of the district including to the office of Joint Development Commissioner, Rural Development (Kanpur) & wide range of matters related to district rural development works, measures were discussed with upright officer Shri Abrar Ahmad (JDC) in his office on 21^st February. He was appraised about our objectives and ongoing efforts on the agenda Kannauj Action Plan 2009. Request was made to him to facilitate our joint efforts for welfare of the majority of poor rural populace. He assured us his fullest cooperation and commitment of the district team in performing good governance and transparency in execution of flagship GOI programs.

Next day (on 22^nd February 2010) visit was made to District Head Quarters. The 23 Primary Schools Teachers matter pending with BSA was discussed with Officer Shri Shakya and he was requested to deliver justice without further delay (in respect of awarding senior scale). Thereafter, a meeting with District Inspector of Schools (Shri Kamlesh Baboo) was arranged and Secondary education problems related to quality up-gradation was discussed with him. Measures to introduce e-learning and competitiveness in class room works was suggested to be uniformly adopted to match pace with increasing standard of education in other places as the local rural students often remain deprived and neglected of academic reforms and quality attainment in pursuits for higher professional education.

A visit to the district forest office was made in order to assess the social forestry works and environmental protection related measures being carried out in the district. Forest Ranger Mr Tomar was there along with a Beat Officer who awared us about the current situation. Due to lack of thrust and recent drought (poor monsoon) in district, the situation is apparently grim in respect of forest cover, maintenance and conservation. Most of the ponds and water bodies are being indiscriminately earth filled and encroached illegally. The district administration is keeping silent spectator on such vital aspects despite our repeated suggestions. The situation of nationally famed Lakhbahosi Bird Sanctuary (near Gursahaiganj town) in the district is grim as it is poorly maintained for attracting migratory birds and developing it as attractive tourist place in the historic district, the only place of natural heritage. Forest officials need special thrust to develop it as per guidelines of the Ministry of Environment & Forests (wildlife section). We will make special effort to the forest officials and the Union Government in upgrading its status and developing few more sites in the district.

In addition to Government officials, contacts were also made with some actively working NGOs in the district. Since most of these are not well equipped and structured in proper functioning, message to them was conveyed for providing guidance and technical support for effective functioning mainly in the areas of social welfare, rural development, environment & forestry, literacy & education, medical & health, IT & e-governance etc. Notable amongst them was found namely: Ideal Computer Academy at Gursahaiganj headed by the well qualified & professionally skilled person. There had been overwhelming response from the volunteers, social activists and NGOs including media persons for pursuing our agenda collectively (District Kannauj to Attain the Model District Status under Kannauj Action Plan).

We have also interacted with local school and colleges and shared views with teachers and students to facilitate the quality and compatible education to the local youths in such a highly competitive world at their doorstep. To our observations, the major hindrance is over-workload to the teachers and lack of modern teaching infrastructure and proper amenities in most of the Government run and aided institutions. While the Union Government is consistently raising budgetary allocation for education and technological advancement, it is pity that the historically famed backward rural district like Kannauj is still far lagging behind the set national goals. The problem has to be seriously resolved with active participation of government machinery, local public and the public representatives like MLAs & MP etc. Certain measures are being suggested to these institutions for bringing innovativeness and creativity amongst teachers and students of these schools and colleges through their administrative boss BSA & DIOS.

At the end of hectic schedule on 23^rd February 2010, an important meeting with district rural development officers (CDO, PD & BDOs of Block Saurikh, Chhibramau, Talagram & Jalabad including others) had taken place at Talagram Block premises wherein vital issues were discussed with these officials. The response of BDOS of these blocks was quite encouraging and they had been found to be committed for the good and clean governance. These officials had assured their fullest cooperation in our mission. Since then these young & upright BDOs are in touch with us and we are being enlightened in respect of advancement of rural infrastructure and public amenities. The BDOs are suggested to get involved with college (mainly degree colleges) students for working towards rural uplift through micro projects under outreach programs as per norms of modern higher education under University Grants Commission. This will enhance public participation in governance and rural infrastructure development. Both the teaching community and district rural development authorities should consider it as highly viable project and should give top priority in their action plan.

(Akmal Husain)

CEO (Kannauj Action Plan)

R/O Ismailpur (Gursahaiganj)

Dist. Kannauj (UP) 209 722

Dated: 18^th March 2010 email: kannaujactionplan@gmail.com

Efforts & Observation during the current visit to Kannauj

(12^th to 20^th November, 2009)

In continuation to our ongoing efforts regarding Kannauj area, another nine days tour was performed in parts of the district including nodal office in Kanpur (office of Chief Engineer, Irrigation) to understand and make efforts to solve the problems faced by the people under the agenda Kannauj Action Plan.2009. On 12^th Nov 09, straightaway I reached office of Chief Engineer Irrigation (Shri T.A. Khan) & the discussion was made on improving the irrigation potential of the district (through the canal running at south side of the district) including to explore further avenues of irrigation.

Next day i.e. on 13^th November 09, a visit to the newly constructed Medical College was made discussing wide range matters with its construction Project Manager Shri S. H. Haider. With strategic facts, it appears that such a huge establishment may remain underutilized due to constraints of high skilled specialized manpower. On the same day at 2 PM we attended an excellent program arranged by the district administration at K K Intermediate College, Kannauj where highly inspiring key address was delivered by the dynamic Divisional Commissioner of Kanpur Shri L Venkateshwar Lu IAS. Students appeared to be greatly benefited of his valuable message. Such program is a unique event and it should be further propagated. During such program, brief discussions were made with other key officials like DM, SP, JDC, CDO, DIOS, DPRA etc besides a few principals & teachers. The Kannauj railway station was inspected and a protest in the complaint book was lodged on 13^th Nov 09 for its deplorable condition regarding sanitation & public utility services. Also condition of Gursahaiganj railway station was assessed which is not satisfactory as per guidelines of the railway board. The serious most problem at these stations is that the current ticket booking windows are overburdened and extremely poor in crowd control such that quite a few people are left without purchasing tickets by the time train departs the station. Hence there is need to increase the windows for ticketing.

Our concern for the environmental conservation was made aware to the Principals & teachers present in the program and accordingly, I was invited to deliver an awareness talk at the Jagran Public School Kannauj. Such talk was delivered to over 200 senior students of the school on Children’s day. A brief visit to the office of Executive Engineer Jal Nigam, Kannauj was made and the response of the officials was highly encouraging & praiseworthy. Further visits were made to some key persons in Kannauj and its surrounding with the appeal to move ahead to strengthen our hands for improving the conditions of the underprivileged in various localities of the backward district. On 15^th, 16^th & 17^th intensive visits were made in various parts of Chhibramau Sub Division & problems and issues were studied and identified including strengthening of the network for the project: Kannauj Action Plan.2009. On 15^th Nov 09 a press briefing was made in Gursahaiganj town about environmental concerns like global warming, weather changes and its abatement efforts like intense social forestry. Dainik Jagran (Hindi daily) published such coverage in its issue of 16^th Nov 09. Through such interactions, it had been made aware to the common people for our commitment to help redress their problems, grievances and miseries. Also new scopes and issues are being explored during such survey & public interactions.

Further we visited the Kannauj District Head Quarters and its subordinate offices like Block Development Office of Jalalabad, DIOS office, the Collectorate (mainly the CDO office) on 18^th & 19^th Nov 09. At Jalalabad seed centre (under agriculture dept) it was recorded that substandard quality wheat seed was being sold to the farmers. Important and highly meaningful discussions were made with the upright CDO Shri C P Upadhyay. On 20^th Nov 09, a hectic tour was performed to Chhibramau, Saurikh and Talagram Block areas for studies and observations. During course of such interactions and wide ranging public meets, following important points had come to our notice which needs urgent sincere attention of the dedicated elite district & its subordinate officials for better public services as the prime motto of good governance in the technological era.

During the crop sowing period, there is always crisis of quality seeds and fertilizers like DAP. It had come to our notice that the manure like DAP is being sold rampantly in the open black market at high cost which the poor and marginal farmers can hardly afford,

In the event of transformer breakdown (in the rural areas, mainly for irrigation purposes), the consumers have to bribe Rs 10,000/ -12,000/ (to electricity officials) for repair/replacement which takes sufficient time (affecting crop). Again the poor farmers are worst victims of such rampant corruption in the important department. Corruption has to be routed out collectively with the joint efforts of the public and Govt. officials,

It is quite regularly noticed that there are touts who manage to get sanctioned welfare funds like OAP, Widow and Handicapped Pension etc. This practice causes unhealthy trend where the real beneficiaries remain ever deprived of their due privilege,

The situation of the PDS (Rationing through MR dealers) is quite pitiable. In absence of transparent system & the committed and honest officials, the deprived poor persons remain the worst victim particularly in the drought and high price rise like situation. The District officials need to perform such duty in a more challenging manner to earn the reputation and morality and for sake of good governance,

Also it is being noticed that for the installation of new drinking water connections, repair & maintenance of hand pumps, the contractors and the middlemen make undue money by taking the bribes and commission. The authorities therefore need to take surveillance & honest approach to curb the menace,

There should be transparency and efficiency in the disposal of matters related to land measurement / demarcation and acquisition for various purposes. The rural poor masses are always victim of group rivalry and corruption in such matters,

Above all, there is utmost need of computer application and data tabulation & periodical updating in all important departments and offices for better and prompt public services and fulfilling the objective of good governance. We had been repeatedly requesting to get the district covered under fully e-governance. The concerned district authorities need to take urgent appropriate action.

With above facts and observations, I want to reaffirm my faith and commitment to make Kannauj District as Model District by utilizing the hi-tech tools & modern innovations where cooperation of district administrative machinery is highly desired.

(Akmal Husain)

CEO: (Kannauj Action Plan)

V&P: Ismailpur (Gursahaiganj)

Dist: Kannauj (UP) 209 722

Dated 10^th Dec 2009 email: kannaujactionplan@gmail.com

Efforts & Observation during the current visit to Kannauj

(1^st to 6^th August, 2009)

In continuation to our efforts to understand and make efforts to solve the problems faced by people of Kannauj District (mainly the weaker sections of society) a 6 day visit to the area was performed, wherein we first greeted the newly appointed District Magistrate Shri Govidaraju N.S. (IAS) on 1^st August 09 & discussed with him about our ongoing efforts under the self designed agenda: Kannauj Action Plan.2009. Request was made to the young / upright IAS officer for bringing transparency and efficiency in the district level governance. We assured him of our full cooperation in the redress of public grievances from the Government machinery.

Further, we met Shri Mohd Shamim Siddiqui (Executive Engineer, U.P Tube wells) & discussed about the problems related to irrigation potential & exploring further avenues to enhance irrigation network especially in drought like situation. As per his version, maintenance of large number of tube wells is a great problem due to theft & greed by the public itself. Besides technical constraints, financial reasons are also there in providing optimum irrigation facility. Hence the district needs canals & more tube wells with additional establishment cost (conveniently from the Union Govt.). For better services & maintenance of over two hundred tube wells in the district, public cooperation at Panchayat & Block level need to be intensified. Incidentally, very little area of the district is under canal irrigation that too is not properly fed. The concerned agencies need to pay serious attention to this serious problem as over 80% of the district population depends on agriculture in revenue and employment generation.

Our next meeting was with Prof R.N. Misra (PSM Degree College, Kannauj) who is socially quite active at district level public programs like proper implementation of Flagship programs like NREGS, IAY etc. extensive discussion was made for strengthening coordination and cooperation to the district administration such that the benefits of these vital schemes should reach the real needy people and the system may be operationally transparent and poor people oriented as is the objective of the Union Govt. A seminar in this regard will be soon organized at PSM Degree College, Kannauj for people’s effective participation in development & governance.

We were invited by Captain (Retd) Satish Yadav at Chhibramau & discussed on various public related matters including implementation of govt. welfare schemes. He had two strong suggestions on following aspects:

The renewal of PDS quota at village panchayat & town level should be renewed every five year through fresh public mandate. The persons of proven integrity & charitable identity should be encouraged for such task otherwise it is a source of heavy corruption & misuse of public money. The problem is more relevant when a new Bill on National Food Security is in offing. Without credible PDS execution, hunger of the poor masses can not be contained,

Flagship Programs funded by Union Govt. (like NREGS, IAY, PMGSY etc) at district level should be monitored by centrally deputed responsible authority (having no local control) only then central funds can be better safeguarded. No leniency in the implementation of such programs should be allowed. Public complaints of such matters should directly reach Central Govt. through video recording via NIC. Regular discussions and seminar at Block level should be organized for effective public participation & inclusiveness.

Captain Yadav has taken us to demonstrate the plight of a cluster of 35 families (about 400 population) living in far below dingy condition having no shelter, drinking water, no BPL / Antyodaya ration cards. Although everybody is quite malnourished, dependent on few days of labor job under NREGS etc, even quite a few of them are beggars. Though this settlement is at about 5 Km from Chhibramau town (closer to national highway), but it has ever been neglected by the crazy & greedy politicians. Though this entire hutment belongs to Muslim community, no any NGO or social activist has reached to their rescue & relief. Now Captain Yadav has pledged to fight for their cause. The problem area has been thoroughly studied by our team and the matter will be presented from Ministry of Minority Affairs up to PMO for their basic rights. A separate appeal to the concerned ministries & district officials is being made in this regard.

Further we met Dr V.P. Sharma (Economics Lecturer & social activist) at an intermediate college & reviewed the works being carried out in public interest where so far public participation is quite decimal but a handful of people are hand-in-glove with negligent officials. There is need for mass awareness, cooperation and healthy coordination in the development & program implementation process. It was revealed that CDO Mr Upadhyay is quite upright & keenly solves public problems whenever any grievance reaches him. Such officers should be role model as the messiah of public.

Our next important meeting was with Mr Rohtash Kumar (Dy Director, Agriculture, Kannauj). Since agriculture is the primary source of revenue generation, employment and hunger fighting, optimization of agriculture resources through innovative techniques is utmost required. The upright young officer took keen interest in our suggestions for coordinating agro-activities with neighboring R& D institutions like FFDC, DPR (ICAR), CSA etc. the constraint of expert field officers & assistants is major constraint in the execution of extension programs as opined by Mr. Kumar. Intensive farmer / agriculture scientists meet is required. New crops & high yielding varieties need to be encouraged in place of traditional potato crop as well as post harvest care and food processing & preservation training centers should be opened at the district level. We observed a voluminous District report prepared by Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) for the year 2006-07, its soft copy could not be made available from the district office & was suggested to collect from Agriculture Directorate, Lucknow. Such reports need to be updated annually & be made available to researchers & NGOs for effective interaction on the subject.

Another important discussion was held with the District Statistical Officer who could not furnish elaborate information & categorical data on development & programs implementation. However, reference about annual statistical magazine of the district was suggested by him that is available on the district website. We observed & enquired about pensions being disbursed from the office of District Welfare Officer & District Probation Officer (for release of old age, handicapped & widow pensions respectively). It was revealed that a total No. of 14,473 widow pensions in the entire district are being executed & non is pending so far. The response of the officials of district Probation office was very humble & cooperative. Although reports of apathy is there but public is advised to interact personally with reasonable documents for execution of such pensions, instead of middlemen meddling.

Similarly we discussed the similar matter with Project Director Shri P. K. Verma (responsible for proper implementation of centrally sponsored schemes attracting huge funds under NREGS, IAY etc). We shared views on effective implementation with healthy public participation such that corruption & leakage can be minimized. We assured our full cooperation. During Tahsil Diwas at Kannauj meeting with several officials, formal discussions with Executive Engineer UPSEDCL & Asst Er Jal Nigam Mr VP Singh besides others were made on related public matters. The overall visit was quite informative & meaningful despite scathing weather. We will maintain dig with public grievances and explore means & avenues to redress the miseries.

At the fag end of our hectic tour to the district, I was taken to a remote village under Saunsarapur G.P (Block, Gugrapur) & the attention by the public was drawn towards the administration’s apathy for its majras namely: Murra (predominantly Harijan settlement), Rasoolpur (mostly inhabited by Muslims) and Faizullahpur (inhabited by Yadavs) total comprising of nearly 1000 votes & the population of approx 2500. All these small villages under Saunsarapur G.P. had been grossly neglected such that there is no electrification, inside link-roads are not cemented / bricked & the primary school is also quite far away from the poor inhabitants’ villages. Reportedly the development had been neglected due to inner politics and the selective electoral tendency. In this regard, Village Pradhan & the BDC members had already approached to district administration and the state & Union Govt. Some cases of extreme poverty had been noticed which are not privileged of BPL / Antyodaya & welfare pensions. Few patients of tuberculosis, cancer & HIV + had been noticed in Rasoolpur majra, which needs serious attention of the district administration’s attention The district administration is requested to look into the grievance of such kind of collective discriminatory approach. During the intercourse with the poor Harijan people of Murra, they were with voice vote that their NREGS wages are cut by the concerned. Such matter may kindly be probed & immediate remedy to public apathy be solved.

Similar survey & reporting work will continue through our team & will be brought to the notice of district administration & higher government machinery for bringing near transparency in governance & remedial measures to the weaker sections of the populace under the historically famed district. With the ongoing various poor-people oriented schemes under the young & upright district magistrate we hope to move far ahead in the development & governance process.

Efforts & Observation during current visit to Kannauj

(June 24-26, 2009)

The ambitious agenda (Kannauj Action Plan 2009: Vision 2014) was ceremonially launched on 24^th June 2009 (from Gursahaiganj under the district) wherein full length of discussion with colleagues, friends, family members and well wishers was done with a pledge to serve the nationally famed and historically significant district rather entire Kannauj Parliamentary constituency (comprising of Chhibramau, Kannauj, Tirwa, Bidhuna and Rasoolabad Assembly segments). In order to make aware about our aims, objectives and strategy, a brief interaction with local media persons was done on 25^th June 2009 which was widely covered by Hindi dailies namely: Dainik Jagran, Amar Ujala, Hindustan and Rashtriya Sahara on 26^th June 2009.

Our main thrust is to co-ordinate / interact with district administration/ enforcement agencies to get various developmental and welfare schemes properly implemented such that benefits of social justice and empowerment should reach the real beneficiaries irrespective of caste, creed, religion etc. Through our close surveillance and systematic approach, initially problems like power crisis, irrigation, health care and pensionery benefits have been taken up. On 25^th June 09, detailed meetings with D M Mr. S.V.S. Rangarao IAS, Chief Development Officer (CDO) Mr. C. P. Upadhyay and District Panchayat Engineer Mr. Sanjay Sharma were made and discussions on ongoing works / projects were held to understand the status. CDO Mr. Upadhyay was well convinced and pleased of our commitments made through such agenda. He suggested that during next visit of CEO of KAP (myself) a full range of meeting with all the district nodal officers will be arranged to get appraisal of KAP & its objective / strategy. Although, every section & dept in collector ate is understaffed, but officers are generally quite helpful and cooperative.

Next day (26^th June 09) visit was made to FFDC (the only R&D institution in District). Despite over ten years of its establishment, huge financial liability and ambitious objective to serve the quality control of fragrance industry & to benefit the local farmers, trainees and entrepreneurs, the Centre has done very little and is functioning in non - friendly manner. Its contribution to the enhancement of fragrance and perfumery production technology is insignificant. There is urgent need of its re-defined goal and user-oriented approach in fulfilling the objective of prestigious R&D centre.

Similarly, District Industries Centre is almost non-functional (though acutely understaffed). I had an opportunity to discuss in length with its General Manager (Mr. Surendra Chandra) on 26^th June 09. The current data on existing industrial infrastructure and establishment could not be instantly managed. Although Computers are provided to all the district officials, but most of them are reluctant to adopt such modern system of office upkeep and governance. This causes lack of proper record maintenance, poor transparency and loss of efficiency in data output.

Further, we visited the office of Executive Engineer, Tube well (irrigation) & discussions revealed that out of 273 existing Govt. tube wells, only 210 are functional (most of them not working to optimum level due to technical reasons) and the rest are defunct due to low water level and other factors. The farmers are of the view that irrigation is critical problem, besides the power crisis. Very little part of the district / constituency is having canal irrigation facility. Thus the agriculture potential is badly hampered (mainly this year as due to near drought like situation) both due to power crisis and poor irrigation facilities. Our next visit was to the office of District Inspector of Schools (DIOS) who administers the odd 200 secondary & senior secondary schools in the district. There is no concept of value based and quality education in the entire district due to obvious reasons like corruption at each level (mainly in recruitment of teachers & non teaching staff), politicization of school / colleges, lack of interest & devotion in teaching, unfair means in examination etc. Reform in education out put can not be achieved unless, Govt. & politicians stops interference in its functioning. Teachers need to be role model of the society for quality and value based education as is prevalent in a few developed states of India.

Our next visit was to the office of Executive Engineer Mr. S. B. Verma of UPSEDCL (State Electricity Distribution Corporation Ltd), who was quite reluctant to talk. Somehow, we could succeed in discussing the problem of acute power supply in entire district. We suggested him timely servicing of the electrical equipments and gadgets and replacement of overloaded transfers to the optimum capacity. His simple excuse is that State Electricity Head quarters (Shakti Bhawan) decides about the quantum of power supply in a particular area / zone. The lethargic and inept attitude of most of the working staff causes agony of farmers, industrialists and common people. Govt. through NGOs should coordinate in effective and honest working of such vital department & also raise quantum of power supply to this important place where agriculture potential is badly affected.