News from the world of NGOs

How much do NGOs earn?
IndianNGOs.com is doing a national-level NGO salary survey. It is talking to NGOs in both metros and some districts to find out their salary levels and also analyse the difference in salary levels between the metros and districts.

They are simultaneously talking to 50 corporates to find out their information on salary levels in NGOs. This will help NGOs know the perception of corporate India on NGO salaries.

Tata Steel's turtle tale
Tata Steel, which is setting up a port in Orissa at Dhamra in a joint venture with L&T, is in conflict with the NGO Greenpeace. Greenpeace says the project would be harmful to the turtles at Dhamra.

To substantiate their claims, they are quoting a report prepared by North Orissa University. However, in a twist to the tale, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, S Nanda, has said that the report has been doctored.

The original report did not mention the setting up of the port at Dhamra. Greenpeace added a chapter in which it says that the port would harm these turtles. Nanda says the university is okay with the findings on rare species but has no role in the recommendations.

As for the harm to turtles from the project, the key author of the report, SK Datta, says the governement has evidence on turtles there based on a satellite study by the Wildlife Institute of India, and it is for the environment ministry to take a call on the matter.

Carlson Hotels to work for kids
Carlson Hotels Worldwide has joined hands with the NGO Plan India to work for the rights of underprivileged children. There are two film artistes involved in the project.

Film-maker Govind Nihalani is chairman of the NGO while actor Anil Kapoor is the NGO's goodwill ambassador. According to the agreement, Rs 40 for every checkout would be contributed to the Plan India mission.

The initiatives include targeting children living on platforms in Hazrat Nizamuddin, Faridabad, Agra and Mathura; a literacy initiative for children in Mumbai port; a night shelter for Varanasi street children and a vocational training project for children in 217 villages in Andhra Pradesh.

Another fight awaits NBA
The Narmada Bachao Andolan, led by Medha Patkar, celebrated the dismissal of a case against it in the Supreme Court this week alleging foreign funding to the movement.

It is still in the thick of another agitation in Madhya Pradesh, where oustees of the Omkareshwar and Indira Sagar Dams have been protesting inadequate rehabilitation.