'Bhagidari' celebrates decade with a book

The "Bhagidari" (participation) project, launched a decade ago in the national capital to build an interactive platform between government and citizens, marked its special anniversary with the launch of a book.

"Building a Citizens' Partnership in Democratic Governance", the book launched on the occasion, encapsulates the theory, principles and processes of large-group dynamics. It was co-authored by George Koreth, advisor, Delhi Government, and Kiron Wadhera, consultant, Delhi Government.

The book was launched Friday by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who admitted that at the time of the launch of the Bhagidari project, there was resistance from many political and bureaucratic bodies, who were initially threatened by having to share space with a citizens' group.

"It is you people who vote us, so you people have all the power. Bhagidari process came into being because we wanted the partnership. It took a lot of time to convince local MLAs to accept officers from this project," Dikshit said.

"Then we convinced them if they worked in coherence with them, it would be to their advantage. When there is progress in their area, people will be happy. Getting to be an MLA is not a one-time game, it has to be nurtured," she said.

The Bhagidari process involves participation from people, residents' welfare associations (RWA), market and trade organisations, industry associations, students' eco-clubs, electricity distribution companies, government departments like Municipal Corporations of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and civic agencies.

It is a means by which issues of poor roads, irregular electricity supply, the maintenance of parks and other civic issues can be addressed.

"Changes have come when we were able to interact with people. This accessibility has helped bridge a gap," the chief minister said.

The 327-page book is priced at Rs.595 and published by Sage Publications.