March against Corruption and Terrorism

They say together you can and you will change the world. I could not forget the March 1, 2009 at parliament street road. There was a doubt in my mind will this march be a successful event? Each one of the volunteers put their best foot forward .We looked out for all the possible options and venues where we can meet people and inform them about this event, from Markets ,Malls ,Corporate Office ,Housing Society and Parks etc. Different people different ideologies.Some was appreciating our efforts some were wondering if we have some benefit involved in this task. However for AOL team the campaign was a real fun .On march 1, to my Surprise People started pouring in and that to the “Youngisthan” (mostly the age group of 20-30) had gathered to raise a collective voice against terrorism and corruption. The enthusiasm was mind blowing, everyone was eager to show their love for their country, some were painting their face, some were wearing white T shirt with the slogans like “I love my India” , I India is my Valentine and some were sing patriotic song. Wow! That was a view in itself. Two of our prominent speakers present at that moment had some points to make and share with each one present at that time .Madam Kiran Bedi and Mr. Arvind Kejriwal  requested each of us to pass on to as many people as we could. So here goes…

Madam Bedi’s Message

1) 49 ‘O’ – your right to NO VOTE – Elections are round the corner. This is important and serious info for us all. There is something called article 49 ‘O’, which is a part of the People’s Representation Act, whereby, if a citizen decides that he/she does not find any candidate worth voting for, he has the right to register a “NO VOTE’. For this, you need to go to the presiding officer at your polling booth and ask for the ‘O’ form (as in the alphabet ‘O’). In that, tick ‘none of the above’. What this does is, it registers your vote, so that nobody else can misuse it. It is your duty as a Citizen to put all other plans aside and register your Vote.

2) Tips for lodging a police complaint –

 a) Call 100 and lodge your complaint first. And do not forget to ask for your call entry number, for future reference. If you don’t ask, they will not give it and therefore cannot be held accountable.

b) Lodge your complaint in writing at the relevant police station. Never go to do this alone. Take at least 3-4 people with you, so that there are witnesses in case a police officer tries to deny your visit later.

c) It is your right and their duty to lodge an FIR. Demand it. They will try their best not to do it. Having lodged it, it is mandatory for them to give you an endorsed copy. You must take this.

3) If, try as you may, they do not lodge the FIR, then insist that they enter your complaint in the ‘Roz Namcha’ or Daily Diary. Every police station has one. This again, fixes accountability.

4) It is a must to get your complaint recorded and have proof of it.

Mr. Arvind Kejriwal’s Message

1) The Right To Information Act – This for the first time, puts a real weapon , one that actually works, into the hands of citizens against the crimes of corruption, inaction, delays, apathy etc. at the hands of Govt. officers. Firstly let’s remember that they serve us, and get paid from our tax paid money, not the other way around.

2) Visit www.rti.gov.in to find out how you can file an app demanding clarification through this act, for any grievance related to any Govt. dept/officer. It is mandatory by law, for them, to respond to you within 30 days. If they do not, then the officer responsible has to take a salary cut @ Rs. 250/- a day! And it really works – he gave us examples. They will come begging to you to withdraw your application and your problem will be resolved within 30 days. It works better than bribery.