Mission Mumbai - part 2 : No one in charge

What does it take to make a city function? And what does it take for it to function effectively, efficiently and beautifully? What is the REAL difference?

Buckle your seatbelts as we journey together in a series of articles looking at problems and solutions for Mumbai. Mumbai has now become a seriously dysfunctional city and has lost its capacity to deliver efficient and effective public services. Something needs to be done and soon. 

So, let us start by asking a few key questions.

How much is Mumbai legally empowered to have the ability to think about, let alone take control, of its own future?

We saw in the last blog( http://mayankgandhi05.blogspot.in/2015/09/mission-mumbai-part-1-unworkable.html ) that in the tussle for power, the State has created so many parastatal bodies that eventually, Mumbai city is now saddled with a structure that is scandalous and unworkable, to say the least. And that is just the administrative structure. The political structure is worse, which I will take up later.

Generally, the relation between State and Municipal Corporations is India very exploitive. It could probably be due to the legacy of the British that centralized all decision making to control the provinces, or, the greed of the political class to retain all powers.

And what is true of Mumbai is true of all cities in India. But let us see what other major cities around the world are doing?

Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe says “True local autonomy can only be achieved when local governments are able to manage their finances and provide administrative services using their own powers and resources. Tokyo is a fine example of the same. To this end, I believe it essential for authority and revenue sources to be devolved to local governments”

The present governing coalition of Germany intends to increase its planned investment programs in Municipalities by 15 billion Euros in the next three years to strengthen municipal local bodies to build and manage roads, schools and public spaces.

Some of China’s cities have similar density and comparable population to Mumbai, and therefore India needs to learn more from China. An erstwhile Maharashtra CM had dreamt of converting Mumbai into a Shanghai, which was a flawed vision for many reasons. But, what we can surely learn from Chinese cities is about decentralization of its local bodies and capacity building of its institutions. Strangely, China has more democracy at the grass root level than India, as local units have more power! China realized that empowered local units would power economy, and therefore it worked consciously for strengthening local governments more also because it has such large areas.

Therefore, we need to relook at the State – Municipal relationship and encourage local governments, in the spirit of decentralization and grass root empowerment, to manage their own affairs and build capacity.

London Metro

The Greater London Authority has responsibility for transportation in London – largely through an organization called “Transport for London”, whose board is completely appointed by the Mayor. And transportation is very widely defined: it includes the buses and the Metro underground, highways and car traffic, cabs and mini-cabs, walking and cycling. The Mayor and Transport for London have the statutory obligation to make sense of how cars and mass-transit, along with cabs and bicycles, create a city-wide transportation system. All it needs is a key fully empowered person to manage and bring in the changes.

All major cities have a position for a key person who can give decisive management, inclusivity, long-term global vision and forward planning and someone whose strong leadership during calamity and disaster could be the difference.  Like Mayor Naheed Nenshi of Calgary, Canada or Mayor Daniel Termont of Ghent city in Belgium or Mayor Tri Rismaharini of Surbaya city in Indonesia or the mayor of Houston, USA -Annise Parker.

So, who is this key person in Mumbai?

    The lame-duck, powerless Mayor?

Does even 1% of Mumbaikars know his/her name ? The mayor is chosen by the ruling party or ruling combine and is just a ceremonial position having a nice bungalow at Shivaji Park, dancing at the finger tips of its Corporators and beholden to their Remote Control sitting in Bandra. The Mayor has so little powers that none of the serious and effective corporators are made Mayor.  By the way, the present Mayor of World Class Mumbai is Ms Snehal Ambekar of Shiv Sena. The highlight of her term is her insistence on using a red beacon on her car, in spite of govt rules denying her the privilege. So much for Mumbai Citizens !!

OR

    The unelected remote controls of all parties?

Mumbai is the financial capital of the country and Municipal Corporation corruption is the biggest source of fund collection for all parties. Party bosses do not expect too much amount from MLAs and MPs, but there is huge pressure on corporators to give money to the party. No wonder, every corporators, in a few weeks of winning becomes rich, buys at least one SUV and start wearing golden rings, golden chains and in some case golden teeth J. The party bosses, be it the Thackereys or the BJP and Cong top leaders control the workings of Mumbai, its major contracts and its biggest source of money, the builders. There is no vision, save for “Big-Ticket” Engineering solutions – like roads, highways, bridges and fancy schemes. Solutions that have major cut-backs.

OR 

               The Municipal Commissioner?

Present and previous MC
Ajay Mehta and S Kunte

The Municipal Commissioner is chosen and managed by a CM who has been elected by MLAs of the State to run the entire state. Most of the time, the CM hails from some far away district of Maharashtra, with little understanding of Mumbai? Most probably, the Municipal Commissioner is an IAS officer from some city, town or village of Maharashtra and not familiar with Mumbai and its issues. He is given so much responsibility and so little power. I was talking to an earlier Municipal commissioner and he was telling me that at least 60% of his working time was spent in the corridors of Mantralaya, attending meetings. Out of the balance time, a major part was spent entertaining demands of the elected corporators. The MC is not an elected person and not accountable to the citizens of Mumbai, but to the State CM.

OR

       None of the above? 

       OR

      All of the above?

Let me give a few examples to demonstrate how the lack of a “face” or “key Person” of Mumbai is not just hampering the growth and development of Mumbai, but has created major crisis during times of disaster and emergency.

Rudy Giuliani

When New York was attacked on Sept 11, 2001, their elected Mayor Rudy Giuliani was highly proactive. After the attacks, Giuliani coordinated the response of various city departments while organizing the support of state and federal authorities for the World Trade Center site, for city-wide anti-terrorist measures, and for restoration of destroyed infrastructure. In his public statements, Giuliani mirrored the emotions of New Yorkers after the September 11 attacks: shock, sadness, anger, resolution to rebuild, and the desire for justice to be done to those responsible. Giuliani’s close involvement with the rescue and recovery efforts and for uniting America in these trying times is worth emulating.

Johny Joseph, ex-MC

But when a similar attack took place in Mumbai on 26^th November 2008 or even when there was torrential rains on 26^th July 2005, what was the response of Mumbai governance? Who was that “key” person who responded? Frankly, no one. The mayor was not heard, the Remote controls were silent and the Municipal Commissioner, Johny Joseph, was largely ineffective and puerile. 

When there is a state calamity – the Chief Minister takes charge. When there is National Calamity – the Prime Minister takes charge. But when there is calamity in Mumbai – who is in charge? No one. And that is our real man-made tragedy.

So, what is needed is a Mayor (or CEO or whatever you may call it), who is accountable not to any party leaders or to any remote controls, but to the people of Mumbai. And this person needs to be empowered by law to take strong, firm administrative decisions and to create a vision for Mumbai to convert it into a World Class city.

We need a directly elected and fully empowered Mayor.

Please keep your inputs and feedback coming through. Let this be a joint effort to rejuvenate our beloved city.

Mission Mumbai : Part 1 (Marathi)

Mission Mumbai : Part 1 (HINDI)

Mission Mumbai - part 1: unworkable structures

Mumbai at crossroads - a World Class city or a disaster?

When your car crawls on the Western Express Highway, know that the Highway Road is constructed by MSRDC, but not the bridges. The bridges are constructed by MMRDA. As you curse the potholes, know that the maintenance of these roads and bridges is the work of PWD and not of those agencies that constructed them.

Then as you turn right on the JVLR or SCLR road, you might like to know that these roads are made by MUTP consisting of the Govt of Maharashtra, Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation, Indian Railways, MMRDA, BMC, BEST and World Bank.

Going further, one turns left into a BMC road and still further into roads that might be constructed and maintained by Central Govt bodies like the Railways or the Airport Authority. So many agencies constructing and maintaining roads! Whew!!

Add corruption and poor monitoring to the multiplicity of authorities and one can easily understand the reasons for abysmal roads, traffic jams, pollutions and potholes every season.

This is just a small example of how Mumbai is managed! Even a fourth standard student will tell you that it is virtually impossible to manage anything with this multiple structure, let alone a global city of 16 million people. Reminds me of a joke about how a foreigner leaving Bihar said that he started believing in God because, who except God, could be running the state. Well, replace Bihar with Mumbai and the joke could have the same impact.

But it is not just God that is responsible for the reasonably smooth functioning of Mumbai, but its wonderful, compassionate, disciplined and resilient citizens, a well managed police force and an excellent bus and local train services. Mumbai continues to function till now, not because of its political system and politicians, but in spite of them.

This begs the question about why the state created parastatal bodies like MMRDA, MSRDC, PWD, SRA etc to take up major infrastructure projects in Mumbai when it should be BMC’s role to run the city? Why is BMC not maintaining all the roads?

Well, except for the last few months, historically, the State and Mumbai have had different parties running the government. Before the last Assembly elections, Cong-NCP used to run the State Govt and SS-BJP the Municipal Corporation. And as we all know, Mumbai is the cash cow where all the “BIG” projects and money is. So, the State politicians too want its hand in the pie!

In a series of weekly articles in English, Marathi and Hindi, I shall try and bring your focus on the structural flaws in government, quality of governance, flawed urban planning, Mumbai public transportation, how contracts are awarded, corruption by political and administrative class and other aspects of Mumbai and its mismanagement.

In 1985, Rajiv Gandhi had said that “Calcutta is dying”. It might be too premature to say the same for Mumbai, but we are heading for some serious trouble. In my articles, I shall try and offer solutions - political and administrative that can regain Mumbai to its rightful place as a world class city.

Now, let us take the map of Mumbai and with black, blue and red pens draw the boundaries of the MP, MLA and Corporator constituencies. Then take a green pen and draw the boundaries of the 23 Municipal  Administrative wards beginning from 'A' Ward in Colaba to the ‘T’ Ward in Mulund. Now with another color draw the boundaries of each police station and with another color draw the boundaries of each Post office. You will be surprised to see that none of the boundaries coincide!

How can one possibly plan in this manner? How can there be inter- department coordination? What happens in emergencies?

A city of 16 million has just 23 Municipal administrative wards, some of them having over 50 sq km area and more than 7 lakh population. How can one office be able to handle the innumerable services that municipality delivers for such large areas and such a huge population? Even assuming that we had a 24x7 running, fully trained and manned staff with excellent systems (which is far from reality).No wonder, common Mumbaikars feel let down by the municipal services! 

Lots need to change. Incremental changes will not be adequate. If Mumbai has to become a World Class city, some major decisions need to be taken and fast! A holistic and integrated approach is much needed.

I seek your support and inputs. A visionary approach is needed and it will come by various engagements with the people. Let us convert this into a dialogue that has the potential to draw a blueprint that will enhance the quality of life of Mumbaikars.

Mumbai can wait no more!!!

2nd Note to Volunteers - again from the heart

Dear Volunteers, Supporters and donors,

Since the NE meeting, thousands of you have been asking about the difference between AAP and other parties. I want to tell the country that there is a huge difference and in the next few weeks, we volunteers shall demonstrate the same. As a disciplined worker, I am generally non-confrontational and have never spoken a word against the movement nor party since the past four years outside the appropriate forum. But now is the time to take a stand. This is not to weaken the party nor our leadership, but to strengthen AAP and the principles that we have espoused.

It always has to be nation first, party next and individuals last. Party is only a vehicle to serve the nation and individuals, merely tools. The blogs are an exhortation to our volunteers, supporters and donors, not to disengage nor become negative, but to engage more with the party and force the leaders to truly build AAP into a party of our dreams. A model party based on principles of participation, accountability, transparency, decentralization and integrity. A party that will force other political parties to follow our example and improve governance and political activity in the nation. AAP volunteers need to demonstrate how we are the real owners of the party and bring back the founding principles in the party.

If you had read my earlier blog carefully, it was my personal challenge to the gag order on informing the volunteers about this most important NE meeting. Thousands from all over the world were waiting – some crying, some sleepless and most worried. A gag order was completely wrong. And hence I challenged the same. Having heard AK speak hundreds of times on transparency, participation, accountability and the need to stay away from arrogance, it has built a strong conscience in me. We must follow this higher consciousness, as a party. My blogs are not against any individual nor a challenge to the leadership. That is not how I function.

A volunteer identifies and considers AAP as part of their existence, but the walls built between them, the Committees and their non-transparent decisions have alienated them. Volunteers must propose that all NE meetings be video recorded and volunteers allowed to view the same. All committee members are finally just representatives of volunteers, nothing more. Remember, video recording was one of our demands during the joint draft committee meetings on Janlokpal in 2011. All minutes of the meeting signed by all members in all committees in the country should be released on the next day of the meeting to volunteers and supporters.

I am hoping that the minutes of the 4^th March NE is published soon. In my blog, I have given some glimpses of the happenings in the NE, but the complete minutes should be in the public domain. My description could have some shortcomings and may contain some probable bias, but the minutes will be authentic records. The volunteers should request for the same. This will strengthen the party and volunteers will become privy to the decisions taken.

After the 4^th March meeting, it was my well thought out and conscious decision to write the blogs to uphold the higher principle of transparency. A price may have to be paid. A small group of party decision makers in Delhi have already removed me from the informal BBM group. Attacks have begun against me from Ashish Khetan and others. Some dissatisfied members from Maharashtra have started giving interviews against me, some old cases are being re-opened. A concerted attempt is being made in social media to call me anti-party and anti-AK. The party may decide not to fight BMC elections or delay the decision for the same, leadership of Maharashtra will be challenged and discredited by some individuals, media leaks will be made. More will come and I will be finally humiliated so much that I will quit.  That was what was planned for YY and PB, but they overturned that plan by staying inside the party. Let me see if I can withstand the muck that will be thrown. But, my being in the party or not is immaterial, if by then, I am able to bring in some changes in the functioning of the party and empowered the volunteers.

In 2013, Iceland became the first country to crowd source its constitution by allowing citizen to create its constitution. Similarly, volunteers need to propose to the NE about processes and systems on subjects of inner party democracy, volunteer management and communication, reconstitution of PAC and NE, code of conduct for volunteers and leaders, gender justice, conflict resolution mechanisms, policy stands on various subjects etc.In my next blog, I shall propose some concrete ideas on the principle of participation of volunteers in the working of the party and seek your ideas and suggestions.

Friends, it is time to participate in the party functioning in the best tradition of Swaraj. It should be non-confrontational, graceful, respectful to the leadership and constructive. We are all learning. 

Let me reiterate, this is not any rebellion, nor against our leadership, nor to seek personal attention. I truly believe that AK is the hope for the country and I have learnt almost everything from him.  I will continue to avoid going to the press.

Jai Hind!

Love

Mayank Gandhi

Note to volunteers-NE on 4th March

Dear Volunteers,

I am extremely sorry that I am breaking the diktat of not speaking to anyone outside on what transpired in the National Executive meeting, yesterday. Generally, I am a disciplined soldier of the party.

Arvind used to say that when they were coming out of the joint draft committee meeting of the Lokpal in 2011, Kapil Sibal used to ask them not to reveal anything to the outside world. Arvind used to answer that it was his primary duty to inform the nation about the proceedings, as he was not a leader but a representative of the people. Truth and transparency was all that he had.

My presence in the National Executive is only as a representative of the volunteers. And I would be dishonest to accept the gag order. The volunteers cannot be removed from the equation; they are the source of the party. Rather than get information from selective leaks and stray statements, I have decided to give some factual details of the meeting in the public domain.

Last night I was told that disciplinary action would be taken against me, if I revealed anything. So be it – my first allegiance is to the higher truth. Here is an essence of the meeting with regards to removal of YY and PB, based on my understanding. I would request NE to release the minutes of the meeting.

Short background

During the Delhi campaign, Prashant Bhushan had threatened multiple times that he will hold press conference against the party, because of his concerns on candidate selection. Some of us were successful in somehow or other to stave off the threat till the elections. It was alleged that Yogendra Yadav was conspiring against Arvind and some evidences were produced. There were also operational irreconcilable differences and trust deficit between AK, PB and YY 

On 26^th Feb night when members of the NE went to meet him, Arvind conveyed that he will not be able to work as Convenor, if these two members were part of the PAC. That was the background of the NE on 4^th March.

NE meeting

Yogendra said that he understood that Arvind did not want them in PAC, as it was difficult to him to work together. He and Prashant would be happy to stay out of PAC, but they should not be singled out. Two formulas were put forward by him.

·         That the PAC be reconstituted and new PAC members be elected through voting. PB and YY will not put their candidature.

·         That PAC continue to function in the present form and YY and PB would not attend any of the meetings.

The meeting broke for some time and Manish and others conferred with the Delhi team of Ashish Khetan, Asutosh, Dilip Pandey and others. After reassembling, Manish proposed a resolution that YY and PB be removed from the PAC and it was seconded by Sanjay Singh.

I abstained to vote, because of two contrary reasons

1. Arvind needs a smooth working in the PAC. So, I agreed that PB and YY may be out of PAC and take some alternate important roles. 

2. I was taken aback by the resolution of removing them publicly, especially as they themselves were willing to leave.Also, this decision to sack them was against the overwhelming sentiments of volunteers from all over the world.

So, while I agreed that they can step down from the PAC, the manner and intention behind the resolution was not acceptable. Hence, the decision to abstain.

The other details may come when the minutes of meeting is released.

This is not a revolt, nor is this some publicity ploy. I will not go to the press. There may be some repercussions overt and covert against me. So be it. 

Jai Hind

Love

Mayank Gandhi

Fact behind the false allegations

During the election campaign Mayank Gandhi was approached by a young female volunteer from his constituency with a complaint of harassment by a male colleague. Without going into any details of the case, based on his strong support to women and belief in ensuring a good work place environment for them, Mayank Gandhi without hesitation suspended the male volunteer immediately. He then connected the young lady to Preeti Sharma Menon, member of the national committee on sexual harassment. Preeti had a brief conversation with the lady and asked her to file a police complaint. The girl was reticent so Preeti promised her an internally inquiry. Many local volunteers too told the girl to file a police complaint but she was not willing. Preeti mentioned the case to the National Committee on Sexual harassment and then asked the Maharashtra State Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC) to conduct an inquiry under the Vishakha guidelines. The inquiry in under progress.



It is shocking that the same lady has today turned the harassment case into a molestation case and has chosen to file a complaint in which she has falsely alleged that Mayank Gandhi threatened her to refrain from filing a complaint at the police. It is to be noted that she HAS NOT ALLEGED ANY HARASSMENT OR MOLESTATION against Mayank Gandhi or any member of AAP.



AAP has advised the police to do a thorough investigation against the accused and punish him thoroughly if found guilty. But we are shocked and dismayed that the police could so easily include the name of national political leaders in a case without a shred of evidence. The police has admitted that the case against Mayank Gandhi is limited to the allegation that he prevented the victim from lodging a complaint (which is anyway false). They have also promised a fair investigation and strict action if the case if proven as false.



AAP is a party that has encouraged women participation, especially in Maharashtra where Mayank Gandhi and Praful Vora created an atmosphere that encourage Anjali Daminia, Medha Patkar, Meera Sanyal and many other women to take centre stage. It is a shame that political motives of some MLA aspirants are trying to destroy the only party that truly stands for gender justice