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COVA Activity Report June 2011 to May 2012

Children’s Department- ICAN (India Children’s Action Network):

Communal Harmony initiative by COVA in the old city of Hyderabad started way back in 1991 with summer camps for children and ever since COVA has been working with children in schools organizing awareness programs on social, ecological, environmental issues, animal welfare and on physical and mental health, hygiene, soft skills, personality development and communal harmony etc. Joint Celebration of Festivals and Celebrations for children are also organized in schools on socially important days relevant to them like children’s day, girls’ child day, child rights day etc. During the year 2011-12, ICAN continued with 100 schools as its members to carry out variety of activities. 167 awareness programs were organized in 80 member schools of COVA during June 2011 to May 2012 reaching out to 10590 children (5000 girls and 5590 boys) belonging to all communities.

The year 2011-12 marked a qualitative and strategic change in the programs undertaken by Children’s Department of COVA. Apart from programs of extracurricular activities, COVA introduced the children of member schools to the concept and practice of social activism and the children enthusiastically participated in Face to Face Program with Policy Makers and Government Officials and successfully participated in a unique program entitled Project Work for Activism and created new paradigms and bench marks for programs and activities for school students. Summer Training on Children’s Activism: In May 2011 COVA introduced a month long Summer Training Program on Social Activism for Little Citizens sensitizing students selected from 25 schools to different social issues. The focus of the training was on 1) Child Labour, 2) Back to School Campaign, 3) Improving the Situation in Government Schools and 4) Identification and advocacy for more and better places of recreation in neighbourhoods,. Further, Session on prevention of riots, situation analysis, identification and prioritization of problems, advocacy on Right to Education, present status of health services in Urban Health Posts, introduction to RTI Act and Domestic Violence Act were taken by the experts from these fields. Screening of films and documentaries on social issues and group discussion were also held. Thus school students were trained on systematic understanding of social issues and problems and formulation of initiatives to address them, to work with community, elected representatives and leaders of different political parties and to represent to government officials and to interact with media.

This training Program on Social Activism for Little Citizens imparted in May 2011 enabled the school students to undertake a number of programs on activism on the issues of education, health, recreation etc all through the year. As part of the Bal Adalat and the Project Work for Activism that followed from this Summer Training, students visited hospitals, play grounds and government schools, interacted with different stake holders and documented cases of neglect, misuse and corruption that were then represented to officials, elected representatives and leaders

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of different political parties to seek improvement in the situation. With the success of this initiative, another program on social activism was given to select school students in May 2012 with the objective of preparing the students for renewed and vigorous activism all through 2012-13. (photos pasted)

Orientation of Little Citizens on Summer Activism by Mr. Umesh Varma of JAW

Achievement of Little Citizens: During the field visits carried out in May- June 2012, apart from many findings, students noticed that dog biting menace was rampant in some areas leading to incidences of rabies. They took up the issue as a challenge, carried out a detailed survey of the affected area and made a representation to the Chief Veterinary Officer, GHMC. As a result, dog squads came into action immediately to catch stray dogs and the incidence of dog bites came down substantially and immediately in the affected areas making the students happy with their first success in Social Activism!! From June 2012 there will be follow up by the students on social activism on the issues of situation in government schools, hospitals and initiatives for more and improved recreation facilities.

Face To Face with Little Citizens: In continuation of the Children’s Activism Program, Face To Face with Little Citizens was organized on 20th December 2011 to provide an introduction to children to different dimensions of responsible citizenship and propel them on to the path of becoming concerned and motivated members of society committed to social transformation. The students were involved in the program for 3 weeks that included research, field visits and interviews to finally culminate in interaction with and interrogation of policy makers and officials on issues and problems affecting children. Students from 25 schools from the old city areas of Hyderabad took active part in this program while over 800 students from 40 schools witnessed the proceedings. The participating students interacted with political leaders and officials on issues of Health, Education and Recreation. The Members of the Panel included Mr. Syed Amin Jafri, MLC, Mr. Ayub Hussain, Academic Monitoring Officer, Rajiv Vidya Mission, Mr. P. Lakshma Reddy, Regional Joint Director, School Education, Mr. B.Madhusudana Rao, Joint Director Department of Medical & Health. The Chief Guest for the program was Dr. Jafer Qureshi, Vice Chairman, Muslim Aid, UK.

The Little Citizens participating in the Face To Face Program passed Resolutions demanding for their rights pertaining to children’s health, education and recreation and later submitted representations to government officials from different departments. The high point of this program was the demand of the students for a Master Plan for play grounds and parks just like there is a Master Plan for road widening where buildings are demolished for creation of roads.

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Their contention was that if building could be demolished for road widening, then why they should not be demolished to create the required areas for parks and play grounds in the densely populated areas where no free space is left for parks and play grounds. The Child activists propose to take up this issue during 2012-13 with the State Government and concerned authorities. This program received extensive media coverage and appreciation from managements, parents and members of the public.

(Left: Mr. Amin Jafferi, MLC awarding gifts and mementos to the Little Citizens – Right:

students of member schools witnessing the proceedings)

Teachers’ Orientation for Students’ Project Work: Two Teachers’ Orientation programs were organized on 20th and 28th January 2012. 70 Teachers of member schools were sensitized on the issues of Environment, Child Labour, Health, Sports and Govt. Schools. These teachers played role of mentors for preparing students for the Project Works on selected topics to enable them to prepare project modules and reports and to participate in the competition.

Dr. Mazher Hussain, Executive Director, COVA taking orientation session for teachers

Project Work Exhibition: As part of the Children’s Activism Program, COVA and ICAN (India Child Action Network) organized a Display cum Exhibition of Project Works on Social Activism by School Students on 16 February 2012 at Hyderabad. This program trained school students to undertake systematic study of different social issues equipped them to work towards

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their solution as socially conscious and responsible citizens. Around 100 Students from 30 schools of the old city areas of Hyderabad displayed Project Works on 5 Topics of Social Relevance, viz. Environment, Child Labour, Issues of Government Schools, Health and Sports and Recreation. Prof. Tirupati Rao, Former Vice-Chancellor, Osmania University was the Chief Guest and Mr. Asad Pasha, Chairman, Pasha Educational Trust, Dr. Mehar Omar, Director, Webster School, Hyderabad and Prof. Hameeda Nayeem, Kashmir University were the Guests of Honour for the valedictory function. Dignitaries and other visitors applauded efforts of children for highlighting the burning issues. It is proposed to continue this program in the coming years to develop temper of social consciousness and responsible citizenship amongst the students.

Left: Students are explaining Exhibits of their Project Work to Prof. Tirupati Rao. Right: view of Valedictory Programs in Schools: 167 awareness programs were organized in 80 member schools of COVA during June 2011 to May 2012 reaching out to 10590 children (5000 girls and 5590 boys) belonging to all communities. Important themes and topics that were covered were: Personality Development, need to promote Peace & Communal Harmony, recreation through Games for Peace, back to school, awareness on child rights, issues of girl child, stress management, Self Motivation & Smart Learning, Road Safety Measures, , animal welfare, nature/Forest &Wild Life, Energy Conservation (Petroleum & Gas Saving), Mobile Science Lab, social activism, Lokpal Bill and Corporate Corruption etc. Resource persons from MAKRO Foundation, Vignan Vahini, PCRA, FACT, CGC, SDA, Traffic Police apart from professionals, lawyers and social activists conducted the sessions.

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Back to School Rally: On 11th and 13th of June 2011 Back to School Rally was organized in two clusters of slums to sensitize parents on value of education to their children and also on RTE Act and punishment to parents who push their children into child labour. Managements and students from five member schools viz. Madina Mission School, and Good Faith High School of Jahanuma,, Brilliant Mission High School, Nawab Saheb Kunta, St. Angels’ High School and Zeal

Grammer High School from H.B. Nagar participated in this rally and reached to 1000 households in 12 slums.

Books Distribution Program for schools: Omprakash Foundation, a US based group is doing good work in many countries. Since 2008 COVA is associated with this Foundation. First project of books distribution in the member schools of COVA was undertaken in 2008. The Foundation came forward for the second project in 2012 and COVA received 25 gaylords containing one lakh books for children on a wide range of subjects. A Books Distribution Program was organized on 5th June 2011. Managements from the member schools were invited to collect these books. 102 schools in Hyderabad received two cartons of books. 120 cartons of books were sent to 10 district networks of COVA in Andhra Pradesh and 8 cartons to INSA-India. Apart from this, 7 gaylords were sent to Hippocampus Reading Foundation, Bangalore , 5 gaylords to Rejuvenate India Movement, Chennai, and 3 gaylords to Seva Mandir, Udaipur (Rajasthan). and 6 cartons to Satya Vidya Niketan, Bore Gaon, Wardha, a mission working on communal harmony since more than 70 years. Approximate cost of the project, including the books distributed would be Rs.20 lakhs that was borne by Omprakash Foundation.

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Ms. Elisabeth Oakham from Omprakash Foundation speaking to the Heads of Schools on books distribution program held on 6th June 2011 at Progress High School, Jahanuma. Officers from COVA are seen with her on the dais.

Mobile Science Labs in Schools: Large number of schools of Hyderabad do not have functional science laboratories and the students are deprived of practical knowledge and experience. COVA collaborated with two organizations viz. ILM and Vignan Vahini. These organizations have well equipped Mobile Science Labs and they provide knowledge of science practical through their Mobile laboratories. This year their mobile science labs were taken to 12 member schools during 2011-12 and the students benefitted by observing and doing practical in these science labs. It is proposed to organise more such programs in 2012-13 and also to approach trusts and philanthropists to donate science lab equipment to poor schools.

Vignan Vahin and ILM mobile science Labs, giving Demo on Science practicals to students of member schools of COVA-ICAN Traffic Awareness: On 26 October 2005, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 60/5 on improving global road safety and marked the third Sunday in November to be recognized as an annual day of “Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims”. COVA in collaboration with Makro Foundation and Hyderabad Traffic Police organized awareness programs in 10 member schools reaching to 1045 students from 24th to 30th November on traffic rules and safety on the roads to encourage children to adopt road friendly behavior. Objective of this program was to show solidarity for people affected by Road Traffic Accident, Support the cause of Accident Prevention and to generate awareness that Road Accident is Preventable. Traffic Training Instructors from Hyderabad Traffic Police conducted these sessions. Each session concluded with Open House for questions and answers and summarization with handout distribution. Training of School Traffic Commandos was appreciated by the school managements. These trainings will be imparted in the schools in coming years also.

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Resource Persons from Traffic Training Institute and MAKRO Foundation explaining traffic rules and safety measures to the students at the Royal Co-Educational Academy High School, Doodh Bowli, Hyderabad.

A Workshop on “Discover Memory, Conquer Exams " was organised on 10th December 2011 to enable students to improve Study Skills and Memory Techniques for Excellence in Exams. Mr. Ameen E Muddasar, Counsellor & Director,CIGMA India and Infotech Foundation (Banguluru) was invited to take the session. 500 students attended this workshop. Participation in Rallies and Competitions: COVA- ICAN encourages member schools to participate in rallies and competitions organised by different groups and institutions on different social issues. During 2011-12, 200 students of Members schools of COVA participated in the 10k Run organised on 27th November,2011 on the theme of promoting Health, Fitness and Sports. COVA- ICAN also facilitated the participation of 700 students from 12 schools in the Balakalakar event organised by AIESEC's Child Rights project on 31st December,2011. the objective of the event was to provide opportunity to under privileged children to express themselves through art.

Participation in Lamakaan:-

Lamakaan is an inclusive cultural space that promotes and presents the best of arts, literature, theatre, debate and dialogue with a commitment to being open and accessible.

250 students from 5 different member schools were taken on an Exposure visit to Laamakaan where they witnessed on going activities at this cultural space. Students learnt thread making, cloth weaving , clay modeling and hand embroidery etc.

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Contribution to The Peace Gong Paper:-

The Peace Gong is an international newspaper for the children by the children, published by

Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore Foundation.. The aim of The Peace Gong is to give voice to

children to express themselves and children from different countries are its contributors. In the

issue of April 2012 they published an article: “A reality check in Hyderabad hospitals” by Iqra

Siddiqua and G.Balaraju, the team of students of the Summer Activism of COVA-ICAN.

Feedback/ Impact: Managements of member schools and parents appreciated the activities conducted in schools by COVA-ICAN for the benefit of children. The activities including interaction with knowledgeable persons/expertise from various fields enhanced general knowledge of students on different issues, interest of children increased in acquiring knowledge about teachings of other religions, application of science, mathematics and other subjects in life including benefits of sports and recreation and zeal to take part in different rallies and walks etc. The singular achievement for the Children’s department in the year 2011-12 was the full scale introduction of the concept and practice of Social Activism for Children. Apart from providing personality development and communication skills this program also inculcated sensitivity of children to a variety of social issues and equipped them to negotiate with society and establishment as responsible citizens for redress of different problems plaguing society. COVA has always been a trend setter. It is becoming clear that in the coming years, schools and organisations will start looking beyond science exhibitions and literary competitions to enable their students to undertake project studies on social issues and engage in activism for social transformation. Already organisations in other cities have started approaching COVA for inputs for organising such programs.

Youth TRAC In spite of the importance of Youth as valuable segment of society, due attention is not given to this segment in the family, institutions and in society. Further, our education system also fails to sensitise them to different social issues even if it makes them world class professionals. In order to equip them with a compassionate understanding of different social problems and motivate them to engage as responsible citizens, COVA undertakes a number of activities and programs in colleges, universities and localities through Youth TRAC (Youth Training, Resource and Activity Centre). During 2011-12, Youth TRAC collaborated with 15 colleges, three Universities and IIIT - the institution of higher learning to implement different programs.

Due to the ongoing Telangana Agitation, studies were disturbed and colleges were consciously working for extra hours to compensate for the losses of the students. In these circumstances Youth TRAC could not organise as many programs as were planned with collage youth during

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the year 2011-12. However, some path breaking programs were undertaken and the most notable being the Youth Parliament organised on the issue of Lokpal Bill.

Youth Parliament

The crusade against corruption has caught the imagination of the country in 2011-12. The entire nation is galvanized as much against the blatantly shameful scams of unimaginable magnitude that are tumbling out every day as by the movement launched by Anna Hazare. Youth, from all backgrounds are also getting involved in unprecedented measures. Though youth formed major portions of all the crowds across the country and were in the fore front of waving flags and carrying the banners, most did not get any opportunity to express their ideas and put forth their opinions on this all important issue the has agitated the entire country. COVA, in collaboration with The Siasat Daily and Vanita Maha Vidayala organised a Youth Parliament on 20th November 2011 at ShankarJi Hall, Hyderabad to provide the Youth between 18 to 25 years from 15 colleges and from corporate sector - Thompson Reuters & Infosys; a platform to collectively reflect on and express their considered ideas on the issue of corruption and drafting of a Lok Pal Bill that will be in consonance with the aspirations of the nation and serve as an effective instrument to check corruption and contribute to responsible and transparent governance of international standards. 30 students were screened and selected for participation. The selected students participated in a month long program to critically study all the versions for the Lokpal Bill proposed by the Government, Team Anna and NCPRI apart from opinions of different experts and groups and after in depth deliberations agreed to some of the provisions proposed in different versions and also came up with some original suggestions not contained in any of the proposals. After a month of study and rehearsals, The Youth Parliament on Lokpal Bill was organised on 20th November 2011. Over 600 students from different institutions, parents and members of the general public witnessed the proceedings that received extensive media coverage and were telecasted by HMTV. The audience was spellbound by the performance of the students. The event also mesmerized The chief guest, Mr. Jannat Hussain, IAS., Chief Information Commissioner, Andhra Pradesh. He advised to organize such events every quarter. The Youth Parliament reached at consensus on some of the key provisions to be considered for inclusion in the Lok Pal Bill and adopted as Resolution of the Hyderabad Youth Parliament on the Lokpal Bill.

Youth Parliament at full swing with jam pack auditorium of Vanitha Mahavidyalya

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Five representatives selected from the Youth Parliament visited Delhi from 11th to 15th December 2011 to meet Parliamentarians, leaders of political parties and activists involved with the movement for Lokpal Bill to submit the Resolution of the Youth Parliament with a request to consider the inclusion of some of the suggestions in the Lokpal Bill that is going to be taken up for consideration by the National Parliament soon. mem

Amongst Members of Parliament whom the youth delegation met were Union Ministers Mr. Salman Khurshid, Mr. Mukul Wasnik and Mr. Narayana Sami, Ms. Brinda Karat, Mr. Aziz Pasha and Mr. Keshav Rao, MPs; Mr. Prashant Bhushan, member, Team Anna and Swami Agnivesh,, ………

On 9th December 2011 participants of Youth Parliament were taken to meet Mr. Jaya Prakash Narain, MLA, Lok Satta Party and to interact with him freely.

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Participants of Youth Parliament interacting with Mr. Jaya Prakash Narain, MLA.

Mock Debate on Presidential Election: In view of the forthcoming Presidential Election in the country COVA and Public Affairs Section, US Consulate General Hyderabad organized a Mock Presidential Elections Debate on 18th May 2012 at Hyderabad. Two students who had excelled in the Youth Parliament viz. Ms. Sabreen Baig of St. Ann’s College and Ms. Khushboo Upadhyay of Vanita College participated in the debate as prospective candidates that followed a question hour. The motions taken up for the debate were on Telangana Movement and Demilitarizing Siachen Glacier. Both the contestants impressed the participants. Prof. Allan, moderator, could not stop himself praising talents of the contestants. Gifts from the US Consulate were presented to both the contestants.

On Left podium Ms. Khushboo Upadhyaya and on the right podium Ms. Sabreen Baig in debate. Prof. Allan is busy moderating the debate. Annual Events On 6th August 2011 in commemoration of Hiroshima & Nagasaki Holocaust competitions in Essay, Elocution and painting were organized under the caption “Sambandh” to sensitize the youth on the negative impacts of atomic and nuclear energy.

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Children and youth putting their talents in variety of competitions at Exhibition Grounds

Mr. Mahesh M. Bhagwat, IPS, Joint Commissioner Police addressing the participants at the Valedictory of Sambandh 2011

Awareness Programs

Mr. Aleem Khan Falaki speaking to the students at Sharada Mahavidyalaya on “Why Dowry is Illigitimate?” On 30th July 2011 two Awareness Programs were organized on Dowry Menace one Govt. Girls Degree and P.G. College, Hussaini Alam and one in Sharda Mahavidyalaya. Mr Aleem Khan Falaki, an NRI who has dedicated himself for this cause was invited to speak. He is also author; he distributed his books to the students.

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Aparna Adhikari from MAKRO Foundation conducted awareness sessions for the students of Govt. Girls’ Junior College, Hussaini Alam, Hyderabad, Princess Esin Jr. College, Sharada Maha Vidyalaya and Visionary College. Mentoring Initiatives A key issue for the youth of old city is the absence of proper role models whom they can emulate. In order to fill this gap, COVA is collaborating with people from the corporate sector who engage in regular interactions with youth to motivate and guide them in shaping their careers and crafting good life styles. During 2011-12, Ms. Ruksana from TCS and Ms. Aparna Nadkarni of MACRO Foundation undertook mentoring of 3000 girl students from seven colleges of the old city. They engaged in conducting regular sessions in these institutions on the themes of self motivation and confidence building, personality development, way to success and stress management.

The resource persons were able to develop good rapport with the students and provide them guidance by setting their own lives as examples. It is hoped to expand this program from 2012-13 to included young boys also from different colleges. Corporate based organisations like SDA and others have also agreed to collaborate in taking forward this program.

Ms. Ruksana Parveen IT Professional from TCS taking the session. Faculties also attended.

COVA- Youth TRAC is also partnering with CII and Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST), an offshoot of CII – to motivate underprivileged students to opt for technical education at ITI and polytechnic level. The main focus of this program is to promote entrepreneurship among the students pursuing vocational and professional studies and also mentor entrepreneurs to upgrade and streamline their businesses.

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An awareness session being conducted for the students of HEH the Nizam & Alladin ITI

On 25th Nov a program on Prevention of Violence Against Women and Communal Harmony Day was organized at Government Girls’ Degree and P.G. College, Hussaini Alam. Dr. Rehana Sultana, Director, Women Studies, MANUU, Ms. Noor Jahan, Coordinator, COVA and Mr. Mohammed Turab from COVA delivered lectures and interacted with the students. The girls requested to conduct debate programs on important issues like these.

Livelihoods: Information on livelihood opportunities, trainings etc. is gathered from time to time and disseminated to the needy at grass root. Hotel Taj Deccan had selected 12 youth for providing training in hospitality management with stipend.

Resource Person from Hotel Taj Deccan orienting the aspiring youth on Hopitality jobs

12 matriculate boys were sent to GMR Varalakshmi Centre for Empowerment and Livelihood, Airport Campus, Shamshabad for three months free residential livelihood training in AC & Refrigeration, Welding & Fabrication and Mobile Phone Technician. This training concluded by January 31st, 2012.After the training the institute sent them to different companies for placement.

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Case Study Youth TRAC grooms potential talents and gives them direction in their career. One such girl, Farha, who was associated with the Youth TRAC since her post matric studies finally, got a seat in MBA on merit. We raised support of Rs.8,500/- from some well wishers and now she is the MBA student of a prestigious college Villa Marie. Her father is a private bookbinder having 11 children and working hard to meet both ends. In spite of this all the children are geting education.

Koshish Theatre Group

A theatre group enrolling children and youth from grass root of the old city of Hyderabad was formed in year 2000. So far this group has given more than 1000 performances on the streets and staged about 200 performances in prestigious auditoriums of the country. Their performances were widely acclaimed for their success in sensitizing people on different social issues. This group bagged many prizes in state and national competitions. The Troupe performed number of plays on National Integration at Ganesh Pandals during Ganesh Festival during 1st to 9th September 2011 and received applause and appreciation from the audience.

The present group comprises of 25 youth students from school to P.G. level. The group meets every Saturday and Sunday to undergo training in Theatre Arts under the guidance of experts and performs regularly in schools, colleges and also in localities and on street corners.

Laurels at Theatre Movement, Odisha Koshish Theater Group Won 3 Prizes in All India Multilingual Children, Youth and Women’s Play, Dance and Mime Competitions 2012 organised by The Theatre Movement, Odisha at Cuttack from 20th to 31st January 2012. Over 200 groups from all over the country participated in this 11 Day program.

Koshish Theater Group bagged the First Prize for Mime, Second Prize for the original Play Rajhans - conceived and enacted by Koshish depicting the efficiency and compassion of governance if a common man becomes a ruler. The Third Prize was bagged by Ali Ahmad of Koshish for Folk Dance.

Ms. Mandakini, staff of COVA interviewing Farha on her achievements. Her father is also seen.

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The winning Troupe comprised of Dr. Gopi Krishna, Mentor (Story, Script Writer and Director), Basharat Hussain, K. Rahul, Ali Ahmed, K. Srikanth, K.Niklesh, Lokesh karwa, Arif and Ram. Back stage support was provided by Shiva and Rajesh. All these (except Dr. Gopi Krishna) are youth from the old city of Hyderabad studying from 10th Standard to MBA.

Impact

Despite disturbances due to the Telagana Agitations, COVA – Youth TRAC were still able to carry out some programs in different colleges, Universities and other academic institutions enhancing general awareness and sensitivity of students to a variety of social issues and concerns. Semi-literate youth from the localities who could undergo vocational trainings successfully gained good employment and some others played key roles in maintaining harmony in their respective areas during times of tensions and riots because of the orientation on communal harmony they had received. The most significant impact of the programs during the year was that the youth were exposed to policy process at the very highest national levels through the Youth Parliament program.

Women’s Empowerment

Since its inception, the prime focus of COVA has been on women from underprivileged and deprived sections of society. Past initiatives of COVA with women from these sections has shown encouraging results in areas of awareness on health & hygiene, education, gender equity, training in livelihood skills and on establishment of good relations with people of other faiths and participation in decision making at home. Over the years, COVA has succeeded in bringing about perceptible transformation amongst women and empowered them socially and economically. They have gained trust and have come to play important roles not only in their families but also in society and polity.

In 2011-12, COVA along with CKGPC (COVA Kasturba Gandhi Peace Center) took the initiative of the formation of a separate group of Change Activists who are actively engaged in addressing civic problems and other social issues – especially the ones with gender impact.

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Women Change Activists meet on the last Saturday of every month to undergo training in effective advocacy and to formulate action plans for the coming month. This is not only resulting in greater political empowerment of the women members but also enabling more influence in social spheres from which they were mostly excluded.

Starting with the Summer Camps for children, adolescent girls and also for women during summer holidays and skill development programs to enable them to supplement family incomes, the activities stretched to orientation and activism for girls’ rights, girls’ education, gender justice, maintaining peace during times of tensions and disturbances and Citizens Assertion Campaign- in collaboration with PUCAAR to take governance to the grassroots.

Participation as Change Activists On 12th November 2011 a planning meeting was convened with women activists to form a separate women wing of PUCAAR and to chalk out a work- plan. 22 women activists from different basti’s attended the meeting. Women also expressed their inability to participate in the training program on Sundays along with men. Since then training program for women change activists is being conducted separately on last Saturday of every month.

The members discussed and identified the following civic and social issues on which they would focus their activities:

1. Inefficient sewerage system 2. Supply of Potable Water by the department 3. Bad condition of Roads 4. Health 5. Family counseling 6. Education 7. Skill training 8. Employment 9. Identification of Community halls for social and training programs 10. Social evils like dowry, child labour and early marriages 11. To work for decreasing cost of marriages and help the poor get married with the

money saved by the rich by avoiding extravagance. 12. Dealing with drunkards and other anti social elements that create problems.

After this, they started active participation in local area development joining change activists from PUCAAR and now feel confident of taking up civic issues and problems to the concerned departments. The women Change Activists say that now they have a name in the localities and an identity. People started recognizing them and there is increase in the response and accountability from the officials. This is helping them to solve civic problems like drainage, water, electricity in their localities and in turn enhancing their position in the family and society at large.

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Outreach of COVA CKGPC The Women’s Department of COVA extended its outreach from 30 localities in 2010-11 to over 55 localities in the old city areas of Hyderabad in 2011-12 and carried out awareness programs and other activities in Hafez Baba Nagar, Kattalguda, Nawab Saheb Kunta, Shaheen Nagar, Noorie Nagar, Sikh Chawni, Indira Nagar, Kishen Bagh, Bahadurpura, Kali Khaber, Patel Nagar, Lalitha Bagh, Bhawani Nagar, Sultan Shai, Nasheman Nagar, Riyasat Nagar, Rajanarasimha Colony, Engine Bowli, F.M. Dewdhi, Jangammpet, Nayak Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Vinayak Nagar, Kanchan Bagh, Nandi Muslaiguda, Mamidi Muth, Gowlipura, Laxmi Nagar, Shivganga Nagar, Jagdish Huts, Chirag Ali Nagar, Kondareddy Nagar, Doodh Bowli, Erra Kunta, Saraswati Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Gandhi Nagar, Krishnareddy Nagar, Bharat Nagar, Kumharwadi, Chandrayangutta, Owaisi Nagar, Keshavgiri Hills, Gyanodaya Sangham, Bhanodaya Sangham, Chanchalguda, Guddi Bowli, Ambedkar Nagar, Parvati Nagar, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Achhi Reddy Nagar, Teegalkunta, Hanuman Nagar, Kamla Nagar, Madannapet, Aman Nagar, Noor Khan Bazar.

Programs of Significance: Summer Camps: 10 summer camps were organized in 10 localities viz. Hafez Baba Nagar, Kattalguda, Kali Khaber, Nawab Saheb Kunta, Shaheen Nagar, Noori Nagar, Sikh Chawni, Indira Nagar, Bahadur pura and Kishen Bagh. 270 children, adolescent girls and women attended these summer camps. The summer camps activities included sports, games, drawing & painting, Menhdi desiging, tailoring and embroidery. Experts from different fields were invited to conduct awareness sessions for the participants of the summer camps on the themes of importance of goal setting in education, girls’ education, opportunities of education through distance learning for housewives, role of women in mitigation of domestic violence, value of acquiring proficiency in domestic affairs, respect to other faiths for peaceful living in the society etc..

Adolescent girls learning Karchobe and Mehndi Designing at the summer camp

Information on the livelihood skill training opportunities under the government schemes and by other resource institutions was also shared with the participants. In the summer camp organized by Ms. Rani Kaur at Sikh chawni large numbers of girl participants were from Muslim

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community. These camps concluded with valedictory functions. Prizes were given to best performers and certificates were awarded to all the participants. Awareness Programs During the year from June 2011 to end of May 2012, 400 meetings were conducted covering 75 localities reaching 6000 women. 60 awareness meetings were conducted for adolescent girls. 950 girls attended these meetings. During this process 30 proactive women were identified and were enrolled as Change Activists connecting with the activities of PUCAAR for attainment of civic rights. Women and adolescent girls are motivated to form groups for effective work. During the need assessment meetings, women gave emphasis on livelihood skill training opportunities to make good use of their leisure and in turn become capable to generate income.. Keeping in view of their dire need, COVA provided them access to the institutions where trainings are provided either free of charge or on nominal fees. SETWIN, Jana Sikshan Sansthan, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, Dr. Reddy’s Foundation are some of the resource institutions where women are getting vocational/technical training that is enabling them to add income to their families. Apart from representatives from ICDS, MPJ, Help Hyderabad and COVA personnel, the other Resource Persons were Ms. Radhika Modur, an IT Professional from Bangalore, Dr. Rehana Sultana, Director, Women Studies, Prof. Farida Siddiqui and Ms. Mumtaz Begum, Asst. Professor, Moulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad, Ms. Aparna Adhikari from MAKRO Foundation, Ms. Sandhya, a Women’s Activist from POW, and judges from District Legal Service Authority, Hyderabad need special mention who rendered their dedicated time and energy to the cause of women.

Training of Women as Family Counselors: Thirty women activists from 25 different localities were selected and given extensive trainings in gender rights, DV Act, family counseling and counseling techniques over a four month period. Now a number of these women are active in addressing issues of domestic discords in their localities and trying to prevent them from taking serious dimensions with some success.

Awareness Program on Legal Services: On 28th January 2012 an awareness program for the Women Change Activists was organized on the services provided by the A.P. District Legal Service Authority and the services provided by Mandal leval Legal Service authorities. 30 change activists participated in this meeting. Ms. Padmavathi, Ms. Srilekha, Ms. K. Jaya Lakshmi, all judges were the resource persons who at length explained the free legal services provided to the needy people.

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Ms. Padmavati, Ms. Srilekha and Ms. K. Jaya Lakshmi, Judges from City Small Causes Court, Hyderabad addressing Change Activists at Legal Awareness Program at COVA

International Women’s Day Celebration COVA-Kasturba Gandhi Peace Centre organized celebration on the eve of International Women’s day on 7th March 2012 for women of grass root at Urdu Ghar, Moghalpura, Hyderabad. Ms. Ayesha Rubina Co-Option Member, GHMC was the Chief Guest. Ms. Hemalatha, Corporator of Himayatnagar Ward and Ms. Roli Srivastava from Times of India were guests of Honor. Nahid Bano, Treasurer of COVA presided over the event.

Chief Guest, Ms Ayesha Rubina, Co-Option Member, GHMC addressing the gathering

The Change Activists and their group members from different localities performed four Role Plays on the theme of women empowerment, namely:

1. Zindagi Hamari Faisle Tumare?- depicting man’s control on women 2. Asha Me Nirasha- on the Theme of working women 3. Stree Satta- on the Theme of women’s participation in local governance 4. Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin- on the Theme of girls education

Invited guests and participants greatly appreciated this technique of using Role Plays to bring out the core issues and contradictions in different complex social problems. The Role Plays were followed by intense discussions with active participation of all present and formulation of resolutions for action.

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Deputation to Other Programs: COVA shared invitations of programs of other NGOs with these Change Activists from the community and provided an opportunity to them to attend trainings and to participate in meeting on various issues not only in Hyderabad but also in other cities. Now they have learnt how to raise issues in public forums and talk with government officers with confidence.

South India Muslim Women’s Network: COVA promoted South India Muslim Women’s Network to provide a platform to the Muslim women of the region to draw attention of the governments to their problems and issues. A meeting of the Network held on 2nd August 2011 at Hyderabad on the problem of girls married to old age Sheiks from Arab Countries. 15 participants from MANUU, Jamat-e-Ismali, MPJ, Irtiqa Women Welfare, Help Hyderabad and COVA participated in this meeting. Decision was taken in this meeting to speak to officials of Wakf Board, Qazaat (marriage institution) and other religious leaders having stake in the matter and to take up a research study on the subject giving a way to resolve the problems.

2nd State Level Planning Meeting held on 20th August 2011 at Bangalore. 25 members from different States of South India participated in this meeting. It was decided to make Bangalore a central point for holding meetings for the convenience of all participants and to prepare an action plan covering women issues.

Impact: Introduction of the Women Change Activists Program brought a new dimension to the approach, attitude and activities of the women members. While earlier they used to think of vocational trainings and thrift groups as the only possible activities they could take up, now their vision is much broadened and they are actively engaged in community activism, confronting social evils, negotiations with the establishment and taking democracy to the grassroots. This is giving them a new image in the family and society and an assertiveness that could eventually usher in gender equality and social justice.

Women Change Activists - Success Stories:

Ms. Renuka from Patel Nagar is working from the past 20 years on social issues in association with COVA. She is now a Ward Committee Member of GHMC. With great danger to her life she spearheaded a movement in her locality against the illicit liquor mafia and until it was stopped. She also routinely addresses civic problems in her area along with issues of health and local disputes. Her achievements have received good media coverage.

Ms. Maleka from Hafeez Baba Nagar has also been associated with COVA for the past 20 years. She has SHG groups, manages a tailoring centre and also does family counseling in her area. Recognising her services in the community GHMC sanctioned her water testing kit for testing the quality of water supplied by the department. She is getting an honorarium of Rs.500/- per month for her services. From her SHG group one member Ms. Parveen is assigned old age pension distribution work from the government. Every month she receives the old age pension

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amount from the government and distributes to the old age pensioners of the neighboring areas. This is a great relief to the old age people who are the pensioners. Government gives her an honorarium of Rs.1500/- per month towards these services.

Ms.Taj Sultana from Kali khabar has been working from the past 18 years. She took initiative in solving various problems pertaining to inadequate water supply, choked sewerage lines, interruption electricity supply and low voltage etc. in the basti. Her tailoring and family counseling centers are helping people of the locality. TV9 interviewed them and highlighted the basti problems through media that helped in solving the issues immediately. She says that now they have realized power of media. She submitted a memorandum to the government on the pathetic condition of the community hall. Government has sanctioned budget for renovation. Once it is repaired it will be put to use for the people’s welfare activities. She was also interviewed by the BBC for a documentary on economic empowerment of women..

Ms. Sahnaaz from Noori Nagar is running a madarsa in her area. She started working when she was 16 years old. She runs school for girls with the support from Sarva Siksha Abhiyan. She does family counseling. The issues of drainage, road, and light are solved in her basti due to her efforts as a Change Activist. Drinking water problem is still persisting. Water tanker comes in the basti as there is no tap water connection. She helps in distribution of old age pensions and also works on mobilizing street children and sends them to rainbow homes.

Ms. Akthar Sultana, an entrepreneur and change activist from Kattalguda has been working for the past 15 years. She has SHG groups. She runs tailoring centre in her locality. She even gives skill training to the girls and women.

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Ms. Akhtar Sultana with other Artisans giving live demo of her skill craft at a workshop

Issues taken up: There were complaints from many parts of Hyderabad that HMWS&SB is supplying contaminated water. Ms. Noor Jahan, Coordinator, Women’s Empowerment Program led a team of women activists from different slums and submitted a representation to the Managing Director, HMWS&SB. He immediately issued instructions to the concerned officers to initiate action on the issue and the problem was redressed. Senior Coordinator, Women’s Empowerment Program of COVA convened meetings with other Muslim organizations like Jamat-e-Islami, Movement for Peace & Justice, IRTEQA Women Welfare Society, Help Hyderabad, MAANU and discussed the issue of contract marriages of Muslim girls being arranged with Arab Shaiks by some middlemen. They resolved to initiate research on the issue and will talk to various organizations like Wakf Board, Qazis and Muslim religious leaders known as Ulema to seek a proper and permanent solution to this long standing social menace.

She established a tailoring shop with her own investments and provided job to four girls in her shop. She is the member of Lepakshi handicrafts. On 18th Aug TV9 interviewed her on issues and livelihood skills and published.

Apart from her entrepreneurship she takes interest in civic issues, represents to the government officials to redress problems of people in the neighbourhood related to ration, water, electricity etc. Recently she did successful lobbying and solved drainage problem in her basti

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Women discussing the issues of women to bring in the ambit of research

In May 2012 CKGPC in collaborating with children’s department of COVA conducted RTE Campaigns 30 slums of the old city of Hyderabad. Awareness given to the people in communities and 42 poor out of school children were identified and their issue is being taken up for free admission in private schools as part of the 25% quota under RTE. 10 schools were approached but they asked for the government orders. Since government has not issued any orders so far, they denied admission to these children. Efforts are underway to lobby with the government to issue appropriate orders at the earliest.

PUCAAR (People’s Union for Civic Action and Rights)

COVA launched PUCAAR (People’s Union for Civil Action and Rights) in the year 2004 after massive awareness campaigns to prepare people to have correct and justified choice in electing and sending their leaders to Assembly and to the Parliament in the general elections of 2004 and 2009. Since then, PUCAAR has been active in generating mass awareness, identifying, selecting and grooming community leaders of promise as Change Activists, promoting participation of people in governance and strengthening grassroots democracy with the objective of achieving social justice and communal harmony by challenging the prevailing trend of centralized, exploitative and divisive politics that pits different sections of the population against one and other and leads to injustice, conflicts and communal violence.

For PUCAAR, 2011-12 has proved to be a year of consolidation of the past efforts with a number of Change Activists taking substantive initiatives for addressing a variety of issues and problems of their areas. More importantly, it has also witnessed the launch of a Movement for Activation of Area Sabhas and Ward Committees (Urban counterparts for Gram Sabhas and Panchayats) that could set new trends for grassroots governance not only in Hyderabad and other

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cities of the country but could also provide a paradigm for strengthening grassroots democracy all over rural India also and usher in a new era of governance emanating from the will and participation of the people.

Launch of Movement for Activation of Area Sabhas and Ward Committees The elections of Corporators in 150 Wards of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation were held on 23rd November 2009. The revolutionary and landmark Government Order (G.O.) Ms. No.57 was issued on 10th February 2010 by the Municipal Administration & Urban Development (MA&UD) Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, giving directions to constitute Ward Committees and Area Sabhas inducting citizens with specific roles and responsibilities. For the first time in the country, the provision for Area Sabhas and Ward Committees provided real opportunity for self governance to the urban citizens. PUCAAR made the G.O. known to public through different means viz. awareness programs and group meetings and motivated eligible men and women to send their nominations for the membership of Ward Committees and Area Sabhas. Some of the activists associated with PUCAAR are now on the Ward Committees and Area Sabhas of GHMC (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation). The advantages of active and functioning Area Sabhas and Ward Committees are as follows:

Will enable common people to actively participate in governance processes at the grass roots to determine, decide and monitor provision of all civic services and development programs in their localities like electricity and water supply, garbage cleaning, laying of roads, functioning of government hospitals and schools, preparation of lists of beneficiaries for all government welfare schemes for the poor like gas connections, old age and widow pensions, allotment of houses etc.

Take them beyond the feeling of being mere subjects living on the mercy of the system and strengthen their sense of empowered citizenship.

Ensure that the programs and schemes undertaken are as per the requirements of the people.

Promote transparency and eliminate corruption. Bring in social harmony across society by creating common platforms for people from

diverse religions, castes and linguistic groups etc residing in every locality to come together as citizens to collectively plan and address issues facing them all.

Despite this path breaking and landmark GO, and the subsequent constitution of the Ward Committees and Area Sabhas in all the 150 Wards of GHMC, members of the general public were not aware about the constitution, composition and powers of the Area Sabhas and the Ward Committees and the benefits the common citizens can gain just by participating in the meetings of the Area Sabhas and Ward Committees. Unfortunately, GHMC has also not taken any efforts to give adequate publicity about the salient features and benefits to the people of Ward Committees and Area Sabhas and has also failed in getting the Ward Committee and Area Sabha meetings organised as per stipulations.

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In order to make the people of Hyderabad aware of the Area Sabhas and Ward Committees and to pressurize the government and the GHMC to organise Area Sabha and Ward committee meetings as per stipulations COVA undertook a detailed study on the Composition, Powers and Functioning of Area Sabhas and ward Committees that educated people and civil society organisation to the Importance of Area Sabhas and Ward Committees, consequences of their non functioning and the need for their activation.

The Study clearly showed that despite awareness programs for the people and representations to the concerned officials and elected representatives from many quarters, meetings of Area Sabhas and Ward Committees were not taking place as stipulated. Development funds were being released and work carried out without people’s participation in the meetings in preparing proposals as per their requirements; thus depriving citizens of their rights to participate in development planning and governance. Consultations were held with many Civil Society Organisations and NGOs on this grave situation.

All agreed to the need to start a campaign for the activation of area Sabhas and Ward Committees. 50 NGOs and 120 Residents Welfare Associations, Religious Groups, Student and Trade Unions, employees associations and others joined hands with COVA and PUCAAR in this endeavor and finally Movement for Activation of Area Sabhas and Ward Committees of GHMC was launched on 31st January 2012. Mr. J.M. Lyngdoh, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India, Justice Lakshmana Rao, Former Chief Justice of A.P. and Allahabad High Courts launched this campaign. Ms. Rekha Abel, Sardar Nanak Singh Nishtar, Dr. Mazher Hussain and other prominent citizens, representatives of Civil Society organisations and some Ward Committee Members and Area Sabha Representatives and common citizen attended this Launch at Press Club, Hyderabad. COVA is facilitating and providing secretarial assistance to this Movement for Activation of Area Sabhas and Ward Committees.

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Mr. J.M. Lyngdoh, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India, Justice Lakshmana Rao, Former Chief Justice of A.P. and Allahabad High Court and others at the launch of Movement for Activation of Ward Committees and Area Sabhas of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation.

Mr. J.M. Lyngdoh, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India addressing the gathering

Signature Campaign Launch: Taking forward the Movement for Activation of Area Sabhas and Ward Committees of GHMC, a Signature Campaign was flagged off on 2nd February 2012 from Peoples Plaza, Necklace Road. 30 Partner Organisation and Networks are actively conducting this campaign in twin cities of Hyderabad. Hundreds of people, especially youth

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participated with enthusiasm, signed the petition and the banner. The Signature Campaign will continue in different localities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad with the objective of making people aware and also to put pressure on GHMC to conduct the meetings of Area Sabhas and Ward Committees regularly and as per stipulation. The event received good Print and TV coverage.

Press Conferences: A Pre launch Press Conference was addressed by NGOs and social activists on 29th January 2011 to announce the Launch of the Movement for Activation of Area Sabhas and Ward Committees. This Press Conference received extensive media coverage and provided a good introduction to the members of the public about the issue. On 9th February 2012 Religious Leaders from different religions and members of Interfaith Forum-COVA addressed a press conference and announced that they would spread awareness about Area Sabhas and Ward Committees of GHMC at weekly religious meetings and from other platforms. Importance of active Area Sabhas and ward Committees are being included in Friday discourses in Masjids, Sunday Sermons in Churches and religious gatherings of other faiths in their Satsangs.

On 17th February 2012 Area Sabha Representatives and Ward Committee Members addresses a Press Conference highlighting the dangers of non functioning of Area Sabhas and Ward Committees and explained their plan of action to pressurise the government and GHMC to insure their proper and regular functioning.

Orientations for Area Sabha and Ward Committee Members: It is unfortunate that most of the members who were nominated to the Area Sabhas and Ward Committees were not aware of the roles, functioning and powers of the Area Sabhas and Ward Committees of which they are supposed to be members. Even GHMC has not organised any training or orientation programs for them even one and a half years after their induction to these committees. Hence COVA and some other civil society organisations organised three special training programs for them and now over a 150 Area Sabha and Ward Committee Members are actively involved in the Campaign.

Roundtable Consultations Two Roundtable Consultations on non Functioning of Area Sabhas and Ward Committees were organised. One was for prominent citizens, social activists and civil society organisations and the other for members of Area Sabha and Ward Committee. These Consultations deliberated on the issues from different perspectives and came out with the following suggestions to be included in representations to be submitted to different authorities:

1. Meetings of AS / WC to be conducted regularly as per stipulations 2. News paper and audio publicity for all meetings 3. Adequate budget to be provide for the meetings 4. Fixed venues to be assigned to all Ward Committees and Area Sabhas to conducting their

meetings 5. One officer should be assigned the responsibility of conducting meetings and follow up in one

ward only

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6. Dedicated department should be created for coordinating and supervising Area Sabha and Ward Committee meetings.

7. Officers responsible should be punished for not conducting meetings 8. No work should be sanctioned unless the proposal is processed by the Area Sabha and Ward

Committee 9. Trainings for AS /WC and Officers 10. Circle wise Monitoring Committee for AS / WC meetings- with members from civil Society 11. Display of names and contact numbers of all AS / WC members at the meeting venue and all

Government offices of the Ward- Name and contact of the Secretary / Convening officers 12. Also, Awareness Campaign for the Public about AS / WC by GHMC

Submission of Representations: Members of Civil Society organisations, activists, academicians, professional and members of Area Sabhas and Ward Committees submitted representations to the concerned minister, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Commissioner, Additional Commissioner, Secretary, Zonal Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners of GHMC. NGOs, Ward Committee and Area Sabha Members and representatives of grass root groups also submitted representations to the concerned Ward Secretaries and Corporators of the respective areas. Activities in Different Localities: Activities and programs being undertaken as part of this Campaign by collaborating organisations in different parts of twin cities at the locality and Ward levels are Group Meetings, Rallies, Door to door Campaigns, Public Meetings (involving prominent citizens), Leaflets, Posters and Banners, Mobile Audio Publicity, Ward Wise Local Press Conferences, Announcement by Religious Leaders in Places of Worship, signature campaign, representations to GHMC Officials at Circle and Zonal Levels and Ward levels. Publicity Pamphlets and brochures in large numbers have been printed by COVA and many other collaborating organisations in different languages and are being distributed to members of the public for information. This Campaign has also received unprecedented media coverage in Hyderabad in both print and electronic media with special articles and television discussions organised by different channels on the issue.

Achievements of the Campaign: 1. The sustained Campaign carried out by over a hundred organisations and RWAs along

with the extensive media coverage enabled a large number of people to know about Ward Committees and Area Sabhas and their importance for their wellbeing.

2. It is estimated that at least1,00,000 people were reached directly through the Campaign and another 6 to 8 lakhs through media coverage.

3. Memos /circulars Issued by GHMC

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As a result of the sustained campaign, media publicity, numerous and repeated representations and RTI applications by COVA- PUCAAR in collaboration with other civil society organisation, GHMC authorities issued the following Circulars and Memos for activation and proper conduct of Area Sabhas and Ward Committees:

a) The Secretary, GHMC issued a Circular on 03 February 2011, directing Zonal Commissioners and Dy. Municipal Commissioners to Communicate Date, Venue and Time of the meetings of Ward Committees and Area Sabhas to General public through News paper Advertisements and Mobile Audio publicity.

b) The Commissioner, GHMC issued another Circular on 17 September 2011 instructing mandatory attendance of officials of all concerned government departments in the meetings.

c) The Commissioner also laid down a suggestive Zone wise schedule of the meetings in the above Circular.

d) Dy. Commissioner of Circle IV, GHMC Convened meetings of 24 Ward Secretaries on 17 Jan’11, 17 May’11, 6 Nov’11, 10 Nov’11 and 13 May’12 as well as issued circulars to them on 9 Nov’11, 18 Nov’11, 24 April’12 and 8 May’12 to conduct regular meetings of the Area Sabhas and Ward Committees as per stipulations.

e) The Zonal Commissioner (South) on 17 May 2012 directed Dy. Commissioners of Circles IV & V to issue Disciplinary Memos to all Ward Secretaries for Non Conduct of the Meetings of area Sabhas and Ward Committees in their jurisdictions. The Dy. Commissioner, Circle V issued the memos to the all the 14 Ward Secretaries on 24 May and the Dy. Commissioner, Circle IV issued these memos to 24 Ward Secretaries on 25 May 2012.

Conclusion and Future Course of Action: Despite all these efforts, the unprecedented Campaign, and the positive response from the senior officials of GHMC, only two Area Sabha meetings could be convened as per the stipulated procedures -one in Hyderguda on 26th February 2012 and another on 3rd March 2012 at Mehmood Nagar in Kishan Bagh Ward. The main reason for this is the unwillingness of the Corporators to accept the new system of working through Area Sabhas and Ward Committees as this would substantially dilute the vast and arbitrary powers they enjoy in the older dispensation that enables them scope for nepotism, malpractices and corruption. Apart from continuing the Campaign for mass awareness and pressure on officials it was resolved by the partner organisations of the campaign to file a PIL in the High Court of Andhra Pradesh seeking directions to GHMC to ensure that all Area Sabha and Ward Committee meetings are conducted regularly and as per stipulations and in case of non compliance, funds should not be released to the erring Wards. With the mass awareness campaign, continued pressure on officials and a positive directive from the court, it is expected that Area Sabhas and ward Committees of GHMC would start functioning properly within the next 6 to 8 months. Once Area Sabhas and Ward Committees of GHMC start functioning properly, they can be used as role models for initiating similar processes in other metros and cities of India and can also be used to launch campaigns to ensure proper functioning of Gram Sabhas and Panchayats that are

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far from satisfactory now. Hence, success of the Movement for Activation of Area Sabhas and Ward Committees could possibly initiate and create new paradigms for participatory governance and grassroots democracy in India.

Monthly Program for Change Activists COVA- PUCAAR have identified and enlisted about 60 committed and active social workers of long standing from different localities as Change Activists. Since 2010, they are being given monthly trainings and have emerged as a coherent and effective group for grassroots activism and advocacy. Review and Training Programs are organised for the Change Activists on Second Sunday of every month on different themes and issues to equip them appropriately. Change Activists played a key role in the Movement for Activation of Area Sabhas and Ward Committees that was launched by COVA- PUCAAR from 31st January 2011 to take governance to the grassroots. Details of Monthly Programs for the Change Activists organised during 2011-12 are as follows:.

1. 11th June, 2011 - A training program on Understanding Different Departments of GHMC & their Functioning was organized. In the beginning participants gave their introduction and the work they are doing in their areas. They also shared report on Situation Analysis and Follow up Action done in Different Wards. Mr.M.A.Quadeer, Retired Deputy Project Officer, U.C.D., GHMC disseminated detailed information on the subject and entertained questions raised by the participants.

2. 10th July, 2011 - Training on Social Audit, Concept, Process and Objective was organized after the review of Issues and activities by the change activists in communities Session on Social Audit was conducted by Mr. Srikanth from Society for Social Audit, Accountability and Transparency, . He explained the concept and methodology of social audit, its merits and risks. The participants and change activists expressed their desire to see social audit in progress practically. COVA requested Mr. Srikanth to invite the participants to the field where social audit takes place.

August & September - During the months of August and September these trainings could not be conducted due to Ramazan month and thereafter the team members and activists were engaged in the follow up activities for the disturbing incidences by some miscreants in Ganesh Pandaals and keeping peace vigil from 1st to 11th September 2011. On the day of Ganesh Nimajjanam (Imersion) Ceremony on 11th September 2011 100 peace volunteers were on patrol throughout the procession route at sensitive points to ensure that no untoward incident takes place and the procession passed off peacefully.

3. 9th October 2011 – Training program on PIL and the process of filing public interest

litigation was organized. Two renowned personalities of Hyderabad viz. Justice A. Lakshmana Rao, former Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court and leading lawyer of Andhra Pradesh High Court, Mr. L.Ravi Chander were invited as resource persons. Justice Lakshmana Rao delivered Key Note Address on Role of Judiciary for Social Transformation and Mr. Ravi Chander gave presentation on Public Interest litigation: Understanding and Usage. This program was appreciated by the participants and also the media

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L to R: Dr. Mazher Hussain, Justice A Lakshmana Rao and Mr. L. Ravi Chander, Advocate on the dias to address to Change Activists.

4. 13th November 2011 – Conducted a training program on understanding Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005 and its use. Mr. P, Umesh Varma, from United Forum for RTI, Andhra Pradesh gave presentation at length on the subject and shared many success stories. Participants expressed their feelings that gaining this knowledge they feel more empowered to work.

5. December 2011 - As a follow up to the Session on social audit, a field visit was organized on 11th December 2011. 35 Change Activists and members from CSOs were taken to Pudur Mandal in Ranga Reddy District. The participants gained firsthand knowledge of the ongoing Social Audit in the village and participated in verification visits to the households.

Change Activists at Poddur on a study of Social Audit. Social Audit Officer explaining the methods.

6. January 8, 2012 - PUCAAR organized an awareness program on RTI: Principles and

Applications. Mr. C.J. Karira, a businessman and RTI Activist shared his experiences he gained in his business that motivated him to dedicate his time to advocate for RTI Act and to make people aware of their right.

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Mr. C.J. Krira addressing the Change Activists

7. 12th February 2012 – In the series of Training Program for Change Activists a

Workshop on RTE Act 2005 was conducted at Urdu Ghar, Moghalpura. Mr. Rajendra Prasad, Resource Person from MV Foundation conducted the session. 51 Change Activists and concerned citizens participated in this Workshop.

8. 11th March 2012 - A Documentary: ‘After the Storm’ screened in the Training

Program for Change Activists. This documentary narrates stories of seven former terror accused set free by various law courts across India giving their ordeal and miseries and shedding light on their current fight for survival. The film highlighted illegal detentions and ’picking up’ by the police, torture for Confessions, etc in the seven stories, including Mecca Masjid blast case at Hyderabad and the sufferings of their families for years!It was followed by a Panel Discussion wherein, Mr. Shubhradeep Chakravorty, the Film Maker & Ms. Rehana Sultana, Director, Women’s Studies Maulana Azad National Urdu University and Dr. Mazher Hussain, Director, COVA were panelists.

9. 22nd April 2012 – A workshop on ‘Accessing Free and Subsidised Medical Healthcare in Hyderabad’, was organized as part of the Change Activists’ Monthly Training Programme at Urdu Ghar, Moghalpura , Hyd. Keynote Address was given by the Chief Guest Dr. A. P. Ranga rao, Chairman, Durgabai Deshmukh Hospital. Mr. Manzoor Ghori from IMRC, USA- Indian Muslim Relief and Charity shared his experiences in providing Community Health Care.

Dr. Rama Krishna, District Manager, and Dr. P. Chandrasekhar, Divisional Incharge Arogyasree explained Overview of Arogyasree Program. Dr. Sara Banu, Medical officer, Darulshifa UHP enlightened on how to make optimal use of facilities offered by Urban Health Posts (UHP).

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Orientation Program for Change Activists on Arogyashree in Progress

Contributions of Change Activist: Mr. M. Raju: Many Change Activists have filled RTI Applications and Representations on their own level. Mr. M. Raju is note worthy example. He is Representative of Area Sabha in Ziaguda Ward. After regularly attending trainings of change activists of PUCAAR Mr. Raju became dedicated RTI Activist. He filed around 60 RTI Applications and Representations to following departments: Education, Revenue, Pollution Control Board, Health, etc on issues of Ration Cards, Pollution, Sweeping units, Health Benefits, Roads, etc. On 15th June 2011, he made representation to the Deputy Commissioner, Circle VII eliciting information on allotment of sweeping lots in Ziaguda to check performance; The Assistant Medical Officer of Health, Circle No.VII furnished the requested information vide his letter dated 27.6.2011. Similarly he successfully retrieved information on the legal status of factories and a school working in his area vide letters dated 2.6.2011 and 6.6.2011 from the respective departments.

His further achievements are: 1. A Pollution causing factory- R. K Adhesives has been closed down by the AP State Pollution Control Board 2. Two New Roads have been constructed in Ziaguda 3. Non-Functional Lights have been replaced in Zia guda 4. Education Department provided him List of Recognised and Non-Recognised Schools 5. New Dust bins have been provided in Ziaguda 6. A boy Named, Ram Darshan Singh, has been provided with welfare Check under Apath Bandhu scheme.

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Change Activist Mr. Mohd. Habeebuddin: Mr. Mohd. Habeebuddin is President of Public Welfare Society, Amjad Daula Bagh and a dedicated social activist. He gives time to people and helps them in filing RTI Applications and Representations. He now Conducts Weekly Awareness Camps every Monday at COVA Office and has facilitated Filing of 22 Representations, 18 RTI Applications excluding First and Second Appeals, on following topics: Property, Water, Post Office, Drainage, Street Light, Bus Facility, Law and Order, Death Certificate, Aadhar Card, etc.

Locality Programs During the year under review, 300 awareness meetings were organized in 60 localities. Themes of the meetings and subjects for discussion were: Civic Amenities, strengthening Resident Welfare Associations, Communal Harmony, RTI Act, GHMC Structure and its Functioning, Constitution and importance of Ward Committees and Area Sabhas. Voters’ right to participate in Ward Committee and Area Sabha Meetings, Employable Education, Skill Development&Training to unemployed youth, government welfare schemes for deserving and opportunities and facilities in Hospitals.

COVA Team meeting with community members. Change Activists at a consultation on RTE Act

Dr. Mazher Hussain speaking on Voters’ right to participate in Ward Committee and Area Sabha Meetings.

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Grass root workers were given Guidance to unite and strengthen themselves and to register as Societies and mahila mandalis with the Registrar of Societies. In this process 25 new societies were registered. During the basti meetings people discussed the unsatisfactory Sweeping and cleaning of streets and roads, uneven patches applied for road repairs, choked sewerage lines, low voltage and inadequate water pressure, open manholes, unsatisfactory Ration supply, rush on ration shops, Defunct borewells and non-responsive behavior of some of the Corporators with local residents etc and submitted representations to the concerned authorities. Team members of PUCAAR carried with them Situation Analysis Format. Surveyed the localities accompanying local residents and identified the real civic issues of the areas. Total 23 situation analysis meetings involving local people were conducted in 15 localities and discussed the issues with the groups and local residents of the area. Action plans were prepared for resolution of the issues. These exercises enabled the preparation and submission of informed and well documented representations to concerned authorities that in many cases helped in speedy redress.

Case Study: Mansoor Awalgi- Corporator Barkas Mr. Mansoor Bin Mohammed Awalgi, Corporator and Chairman Barkas Ward No.24 paid a visit to Indira Nagar, Chandrayangutta on invitation by the residents for flag hoisting on 15th August 2011. He initiated action for new street lights and Garbage cleaning in the area to prepare for the Ganesh festival. He was happy that the people of the slum invited him for first time and gave him an opportunity to listen to the problems of the area with respect to Water, Electricity, Sanitation, Damaged Road, lack of amenities in Government Schools etc. He expressed his desire to redress the problems brought before him as early as possible. The Corporator informed the people that he is in the process of developing Barkas Ward as a Model Ward and showed the ward development plan he has prepared with the support of ASCI, which is first of its kind in the country.

He displayed to the people a master plan for ward development he prepared with the help of ASCI and said that this is first of its kind.

Important Representations Filed with Authorities

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After the Monthly trainings and awareness programs in localities, Change activists and members from the localities filed a number of representations to different authorities to redress civic problems relating to drinking water, sanitation, garbage cleaning, roads, street lights, electricity open drains and manholes etc. as well as representations relating to personal grievances like sanction of old age pension, ration cards, scholarships etc. Apart from these locality / individual specific representations, Change Activists also filed a number of representations relating to larger issues and problems. Some of the important representations filed in such matters are:

Representation was given to Commissioner AYUSH for renovation of Hospital Building of Charminar Tibbi Hospital which is in dilapidated condition.

Representation was submitted to the District Collector, Hyderabad for abolishing shift system in Government schools

Representation to the Commissioner, Director of School Education, the Collector and the DEO of Hyderabad for relocation of defunct government schools to provide education to children of deprived and marginalized sections;

Representation was made to the Deputy Commissioner, Cirlce VII for eliciting information on allotment of sweeping lots in Ziaguda to check performance; The Assistant Medical Officer of Health, Circle No.VII furnished the requested information vide his letter dated 27.6.2011.

Representation seeking information on the legal status of factories and a school working in Jiyaguda area vide letters dated 2.6.2011 and 6.6.2011 from the respective departments.

In response to the representations submitted by COVA- PUCAAR to GHMC Mayor, Commissioner, Secretaries, Zonal Commissioners as well as Dy. Commissioners, The Dy. Commissioner, Circle-IV, Convened meetings of 24 Ward Secretaries on different dates ie. 17 Jan’11, 17 May’11, 6 Nov’11, 10 Nov’11 and 13 May’12. She issued circulars to them on 9 Nov’11, 18 Nov’11, 24 April’12 and 8 May’12 as well as a Memo on 25 May 2012 for non-compliance in convening Ward Committee Meetings and disciplinary action.

Similar Meetings were convened by Ms. Vijaya Lakshmi, the Dy. Commissioner Circle-V with 14 ward Secretaries, under jurisdiction, and issued Circulars to convene Ward Committee Meetings as per norms. She also issued Memo on 24 May 2012 for disciplinary action for non-compliance in convening the Ward Committee Meetings.

RTI: Actions Initiated by PUCAAR Apart from training and encouraging Change Activists to file RTIs in public interest, PUCAAR filed 21 Right to Information Applications and about 35 representations for Activation of Ward Committee and Area Sabha Meetings. In reply, we received information regarding number of meetings in the south zone, Names and Contact numbers of Area Sabha representatives, Ward Secretaries and assistant secretaries, vacancies of Area Sabha Representatives and transfers of Ward Secretaries. Further, on non-receipt of comprehensive replies, four First Appeals to the Appellate Authority and two second Appeals have been submitted to The State Information Commission. Replies are awaited.

COVA in United Forum for RTI, Andhra Pradesh COVA, in association with about 70 started United Forum for RTI Campaign AP in 2006. Other prominent civil society organisations in the Forum are APVVU, APSA, Forum For Better Hyderabad, Lok Satta, MV Foundation. Mr. Naseer Siddiqui, Senior State Coordinator, COVA is the Secretary of this Forum. The founding members have contributed immensely in taking the

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agenda of the Forum to the people at grass root. The Forum is actively involved in conducting workshops, training volunteers and organizing RTI awareness campaigns. UF-RTI trained around 300 volunteers under TOT programme with the help of Dr. MCRHRD and APARD. Forum lobbied with the government for a lesson on RTI Act in the school syllabus and the then Special Chief Secretary, Sri JP Murthy, IAS, played important role and now students of 5th Std. are reading a lesson in their syllabus. The United Forum for RTI in association with National Campaign For People's Right to Information (NCPRI) and Hyderabad Central University organised a 3 day National RTI convention. Around 400 delegates from across the country participated in the convention. This Forum has presence through its committees in all the 23 districts of Andhra Pradesh and has representatives in about 300 Mandals. The RTI awareness campaigns motivated and helped common folk to file RTI applications in large number.

UF-RTI recently constituted 'EDUCATORS IN RTI SERVICE" Forum to educate people in the communities and to spread awareness among students. Many Vice Chancellors of the univer-sities have extended supported to this initiative. They are now members on its advisory council. The mission of this initiative is to make Andhra Pradesh a Vibrant State in utilization of the RTI Act.

Secret Ballot against Selection of Information Commissioners: Since long posts of Information Commissioners were lying vacant. On mounting pressure by the Civil Society Organisations and other agencies the Chief Minister had announced appointments of the 8 Information Commissioners. The Civil Society being vigilant on the processes adopted by government in making appointments raised voice against unfair decision of the government. On 15th February 2012 COVA change activists Team joined hands with other RTI Activists and organizations in conducting opinion poll through secret Peoples’ Ballot against Selection of Information Commissioners by government of A.P. Out Come: The Governor of A.P. rejected four out of eight names and returned the file to the government. Media highlighted the news as under: a. b.

AP Guv no to 'political nominees' as Information Commissioners PTI | 06:02 PM,Feb 21,2012 The government announced that the eight candidates were chosen "unanimously" for the posts, but RTI activists, general public besides other political parties, cried foul as the RTI Act clearly bars appointment of politicians to these posts. After taking into consideration, the "dissent note" written by the Opposition leader as well as the widespread opposition to the "political appointments", Mr. E S L Narasimhan, the Governor of A.P., rejected four out of eight names chosen by a high-level selection committee and returned the relevant file to the government on 20th February 2012 (PTI reported in newspapers of 21st Feb 2012)

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Peace Initiatives Communal Disturbances, Violence Mitigation

And Communal Harmony Initiatives

Situation in the old city of Hyderabad considerably improved after the communal harmony initiatives were taken up by COVA since 1994 and the mindset of people has changed gradually. Though some elements now and then have constantly been trying to torn the secular and harmonious social fabric, people in general were very wisely dealing with the situations. Even then, there are some who are still under the influence of communal elements.

Besides, it is a well documented and accepted fact that communal violence is linked to political machinations and is usually instigated at the time of elections for polarization of votes or to divert attention from some political issues that are uncomfortable or need to be side tracked.

Though there were no elections scheduled in Hyderabad in 2011-12, but concerted attempts were made right through this period to instigate communal violence in the city to ostensibly divert attention from the Telangana agitation and also to prepare grounds for polarization of votes for the General Elections scheduled in 2014.

Apart from well planned and concerted attempts, even minor altercations and personal conflicts were sought to be used to spread tension and create communal disturbances in Hyderabad on at least 5 occasions between June 2011 and May 2012.

1. During the months of June and July 2011 there were instances of personal fights between some Hindu and Muslim youth in Sultan Shahi and Nasheman Nagar. These areas are communally very sensitive and have suffered form worst forms of communal riots many times in the past. Some vested interests tried to communalise the situation to start a riot in the area. Looking into the seriousness of the situation, teams of peace volunteers of COVA made several field visits in the affected area, people to people contact were established and two meetings of sincere and respected persons of both the communities were organized who brought tempers under control and calmed down the situation.

2. The first ten days in the month of September 2011 were for celebration of Ganesh Festival. Unfortunately on 6th September news spread that in Kurmaguda, Madannapet area some elements have thrown eggs on the Ganesh Idol and torn clothes on the deity. This news spread like wild fire in sensitive areas very fast and there was likelihood of tension spreading to other parts. The fact finding team of COVA immediately rushed to the spot, met with local people and were surprised to note that the idol was installed in a safe and protected pandal in a Hindu dominated area with strict police bandobust. When people were counseled about the facts, they understood the nefarious designs of anti social elements and brought the situation under control and prevented any untoward incidences from occurring.

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3. Third attempt to instigate communal tensions and violence were attempted on 17th October 2011 in Tallagadda, Karwan area by stone pelting at the Aasaar-e-Rehmania Masjid. There was every possibility of conflict spreading to neighbouring areas. On hearing the news COVA Team immediately visited the area and spoke to people of both the communities and as a follow up next day on 18th October visited the affected area to meet with key persons viz. Mr. Mohd. Shafiuddin, Secretary of the Mosque Committee and Mr. Gyan Prakash, representative from the other party and found that there is a dispute between the committee of the mosque and people of Hindu community on a piece of land adjacent to the mosque. The trouble had started when one of the parties had dumped some construction material for a private house on the disputed site. The case is pending in the court and orders are that neither party should use the open land till judgment of the court. The situation was brought under control when services of Change Activists and other influential persons of the area were used to explain facts of the matter to the people of both communities.

4. On 24th Oct 2011 one youth was again attacked in Nasheman Nagar in Sultan Shahi area. People from the latter’s community had gathered in large number to retaliate. Sensing trouble people on the other side also assembled making the situation tense. On hearing this news COVA Team visited the affected area, met with people from both the communities to sense pulse of the situation and appealed to maintain peace. The Team also visited home of the boy who was injured and assured them of all possible help.

5. A more serious challenge started when Muslims celebrated Festival of Sacrifice – Eid ul

Azha, popularly known as Bakrid on 7th November 2011. From 10th November onwards, there were targeted attacks on Muslim youth returning from work late at night for nearly a month in which 16 youth were injured and one succumbed to the injuries. These incidents took place in areas which have no history of communal violence. In many areas motor bikes of minority community parked outside the houses were burnt down during the nights and the culprits could not be identified. It was clear that these organised attacks were carried out to spread disaffection amongst Muslims towards Hindu community to instigate them to violence. COVA organised one consultation with CSOs/NGOs on targeted attacks on 15th November 2011.

Mr. Harsh Mander interacting with the social leaders at CSOs/NGOs Consultation

COVA, along with other civil society organisations, conducted meetings in different localities to sensitize people on this issue. One such meeting was addressed by Sardar Nank Singh Nishter, President COVA, at Umda Bazar on 24th November 2011.

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While counseling people in different areas about the apparent conspiracy, COVA and other civil society organisations made representations to the Commissioner of Police to form special teams to catch the real culprits and bring the situation under control. Police identified and arrested some members of Hindu Vahini and with these arrests, the attacks stopped and the situation became normal.

Instigation of Riots in April 2012 The vested political interests finally succeeded in instigating riots in Hyderabad in April 2012. On 8th April 2012, Madannapet, Saidabad and Kurmaguda areas of Hyderabad were rocked by communal clashes following desecration of a temple in the area. Trouble spread to other surrounding areas of Pusalbasti, Zakir Hussain Colony Ameen Jung Colony, Madannapet Mandi and Jaihind hotel including stone pelting on houses, attacks on pedestrians walking by, burning of 2 / 3motorcycles, damage to 6 houses and stone pelting on buses on the Saidabad main road. Assaults on women traveling in buses and stabbing of two persons and an attack on one person using boulders were also reported. In all 8 persons were injured, two of them seriously. Police imposed indefinite curfew in the area to contain the spread of violence. Even as the situation in Saidabad- Kurmaguda- Madannapet areas was brought under control on 8th April 2012, reports started coming of desecration of 6 more places of worship in different areas of Hyderabad- 4 Masjids and 2 temples between 9th and 12th of April pointing to a clear and obvious conspiracy to foment communal violence by instigating the religious sentiments of both Hindu and Muslim communities. Fortunately, interactions with and bringing together of religious leaders and elders of both communities by COVA in all these areas, along with timely action by the police, diffused tensions in these localities and prevented any untoward incidences from taking place.

Religious Leaders from Interfaith Forum-COVA on a visit to affected places of worship

COVA reached the trouble spot within an hour of the start of the incidence and started mobilizing activists, peace volunteers, religious leaders and elders of the area to calm down tensions and bring back peace. Simultaneously, COVA members and volunteers spread to 15 other sensitive localities of the city to ensure the trouble does not spread to more areas. These efforts of Peace Volunteers of COVA in ensuring peace in different sensitive areas was acknowledged and appreciated by all and media carried stories about the contribution and impact of these initiatives in maintaining peace in times of trouble.

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The following item published in the Hindu illustrates the importance and impact of community based peace initiatives promoted by COVA over the years.

13 April 2012

Community elders play ‘peace-makers' J.S. IFTHEKHAR SHARE · PRINT · T+

Peace reigns supreme in communally-sensitive Sultan Shahi and Nasheman Nagar

in harmony:Hindu and Muslim community elders going round Sultan Shahi and Nasheman Nagar areas on Thursday.- PHOTO: G. RAMAKRISHNA

April 8, Sultan Shahi: An irate mob barges into the house of one Sriramulu Patel and in the melee an elderly woman suffers a stone hit. Tension goes up several notches. As everyone expects the worst, tempers cool down and things return to normal.

Two days later an inebriated youth walks into a Muslim household in the adjacent Nasheman Nagar causing alarm among the women inmates. As word spreads, residents gather in large number and pounce upon the youth but curiously they let him go unharmed.

In both these incidents if the angry crowd restrained itself it was on account of timely intervention by responsible persons from both the communities.

Sultan Shahi and Nasheman Nagar are areas always perched on a tinderbox, ready to explode at slightest provocation. But in the current bout of unrest they remain calm and unaffected. The credit for this refreshing change goes to the area elders who have decided to give peace a chance.

The real heroes are Shamlal Taank, Dharmveer Singh Bidlan Jilesingh Kagada of Sultan Shahi belonging to A.P. Valmiki Samaj and Mohd Bin Naser, mouzen of Masjide Ujaleshah, Mohd Jahangir Baig, Ashfaq Husain and Abdul Kareem of Nasheman Nagar. They are in regular touch with each other and patrol the area together in the night.

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“When trouble breaks out we try to restrain the people from our respective communities. We make them see reason and ensure that the erring ones apologise,” says Jahangir Baig and Shamlal.

There are ten temples and seven mosques here and the locals ensure that everyone respects the place of worship of others. The hoary Masjide Ujaleshah belonging to Qutb Shahi period is situated plonk in the midst of Hindu locality. “There is no problem whatever for people coming here to pray,” says its mouzen, Naser.

Peace endeavours began here few years ago largely due to the initiative of the Inter Faith Forum, an affiliate of COVA. And they are now paying off. Of course there are police pickets and concertina coils barricading the Sultan Shahi – Nasheman Nagar localities. But as far as possible residents try to nip the problem in the bud itself.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/article3309589.ece

With continued attempts at desecration of more places of worship between 9-12 April 2012, COVA arranged for visits by members of Interfaith Forum representing different faiths to not just the places of worship that were desecrated but also to other sensitive areas to interact with people and appeal to them to see through the nefarious designs of vested interests, desist from falling prey to their machinations and prevent any untoward incidences from taking place in their areas. COVA in association with some civil society organisation undertook a fact finding mission to expose the conspiracy that was widely shared through a press conference and interactions with people in the localities and senior police officials.

Initiative on Milad Un Nabi Milad Un Nabi, Prophet Mohammad’s Birth Anniversary is celebrated by Muslims the world over with religious fervor by offering prayers and other such pious / religious acts. However, for the past three years, Milad un Nabi celebrations are taking a new turn in Hyderabad where thousands of youth are zipping around the city on motor bikes waving flags and shouting slogans. This is also being set up as a competition to the celebrations of Ram Navmi and Hanuman Jayanti(s) where Hindu youth are engaging in similar behavior. Apart from generating immense public inconvenience, this is also leading to tensions and could result in conflicts if not checked in time. Sensing the potential dangers in such activities, COVA approached a number of Muslim religious leaders and was able to get some of them to issue press statements and also fatwas against such manner of celebrations. (Press Clip of Fatwa attached in annexures) After this, many people have started looking at this issue critically and it is hoped that such celebrations would tone down and stop in the years to come. Communal Incidents in other Districts of Andhra Pradesh Since that last two years, a number of communal incidents are being instigated in different cities and towns of Andhra Pradesh, especially in the Telangana Region. Some of the places that have witnessed recent communal disturbances like Karimnagar and Sangareddy never had any history of communal violence or conflicts. COVA’s assessment is that all this is being done to divert attention from the Telangana agitation and also to communalise the electorate for polarization of votes for the 2014 elections. COVA, in association with its member organisations in Hyderabad

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and the districts did a survey, identified and listed 45 sensitive localities in Hyderabad and another 120 communally sensitive cities /towns and villages in Andhra Pradesh where one could expect the vested interests to create trouble any time. These lists were shared with civil society organisations of the area and also with senior police officials of the state to take preventive measures. Both Lists attached as Support Material.

COVA, on its part, is going to focus on all these sensitive areas through its member organisations to promote amity and prevent vested interests from creating any trouble in these vulnerable areas to reap political benefits in 2014. Peace Vigils by COVA Peace Volunteers

On the day of Bonalu Procession on 25th July 2011 100 Peace Volunteers and Change Activists of COVA monitored the procession throughout to ensure no untoward incident takes place. Prior to their positioning in the procession they were oriented on their role in the procession.

Peace Vigil during Ganesh Festival: As usual on 11th September 2011 again the Peace Volunteers and Change Activists numbering 150 assembled to dedicate the day to ensure that the Ganesh procession passes off peacefully. They rendered their service hand in hand with Bandobust Team of the police department. The Police Department desired to put their services on record and to present them token of appreciation.

Felicitation of Peace Volunteers On 19th September 2011 The Hyderabad City Police South Zone and COVA organized felicitation to the Peace Volunteers at Urdu Ghar Moghalpura, Hyderabad. These peace volunteers had rendered dedicated services from 1st to 11th September 2011, to make the Vinayaka Chaturthi Celebrations joyous and peaceful. These volunteers kept vigil throughout the 11days in their localities and also helped the police toward uneventful passage of the procession. Mr. Mahesh Bhagwat, I.P.S. (Jt. Commissioner of Police, Admin) graced this event as chief guest, Mr. Vineet Brijlal, I.P.S. ( D.C.P. South Zone) and Ms Ruksana Parveen, Manager, TCS were the guests of honour. The august guests presented certificate of appreciation to the volunteers for their services.

Chief Guest Mr. Mahesh Bhagwat, IPS and Guests of Honour Mr. Vineet Brijlal, IPS honouring Peace Volunteers. Sardar Nanak Singh Nishter is presiding over. Ms. Ruksana Parveen sharing the dias

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Friday Vigils at Mecca Masjid Volunteers of COVA continued to provide vigil services to prevent any untoward incidences at Mecca Masjid after the Friday prayers on a number of occasions during the year when there was tension in the city on some account. Dassera Milap programme was organized for the school children at a government primary school in Gandhi Nagar, Engine Bowli on 13th October 2011. Background of Dussehra Festival was explained to the children. Bro. Gadde Peda Rattaiah from Global Peacemakers Fellowship and supporter of Interfaith Forum-COVA gave message of peace. Mr. Akram, Peace Volunteer engaged children in games for peace.

Burqa clad teacher telling Dussehra story to the children. Mr. Akram conducting peace games

Interfaith Forum 1. Inter Faith Forum of COVA organized a Session on COMMUNAL HARMONY:

STRENGTH FOR THE NATION on 14th December 2011 at Signodia Degree College, Charkaman, Hyderabad, NSS wing of the college facilitated this program. Around 125 students participated in this program. Importance of communal harmony highlighted in light of teachings of various religions. Leaders of different religions enlightened what their faith preaches regarding peace and unity and that all faiths are but different routes to the same path, which is one Omnipresent God

Sardar Nanak Singh Nishter, from International sikh centre for Interfaith Relations and the present president of COVA, said that along with Secular education, children should also get religious education, follow their religion with true heart and respect faiths and religions of others.

Sardar Nanak Singh Nishter is felicitated at the Meeting

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2. Joint Celebration of festivals celebrating Eid Milap & Ganesh Chaturthi was organized at Narayana School, Shah Ali Banda, Hyderabad on 4th Sept 2011. Deputy Commissioner of Police, South Zone, Hyderabad (Mr.) Mr. Vineet Brijlal, I.P.S. ( D.C.P. South Zone) congratulated the people of Hyderabad on these festivals and a gave message of peace. In his speech he appreciated the efforts of Interfaith Forum of COVA and appealed to people to replicate such celebrations all over the city. Peace Activists and change activists also gave message to build better understanding between the people of different faiths and to promote harmony.

Mr. Vineet Brij Lal greeted the audience and congratulated the organisers

Members of theatre group Koshish performed a play on National Integration on this occasion.

3. COVA collaborated with Indialogue Foundation, a Turkish Group of businessmen, in

inviting religious leaders from different faiths to attend Iftar Party on 20th August 2011 in Hyderabad. Papers were invited from religious leaders from all major religions on Respect to other Faiths in Religion. Prominent personalities of Hyderabad attended this get to gather and shared their views on the subject. While concluding the meet, Indialogue Foundation announced that all the papers will be brought in booklet form.

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Bhikku Khemcara, Mr. Raheemuddin Kamal and Dr. Hasanuddin Ahmed, IAS are on the dias

4. Since two years Interfaith Forum-COVA is collaborating with Christian Association in Christmas Celebrations known as United Christmas Celebration. The novelty of these celebrations is religious leaders from all faiths are invited to speak on the occasion. This year 32nd United Christmas Celebration-2011 was organized on 17th December 2011 at Mahboob College, Secunderabad. Religious Leaders from all religions were invited to these celebrations. Mufti Mohd. Omar Abedeen, Sardar Nanak Singh Nishter and Dr. Anand Raj Varma participated and showered greetings and compliments to the Christian people on this occasion.

Mufti Omer Abedeen, General Secretary, Centre for Peace and True Message greeting the audience

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COVA Resource Centre

COVA has been in the field of social development and advocacy since 1994. Since then, the organization has gained significant experience and expertise by taking up challenging programs that sought to promote communal harmony, peace and social justice. Translating its experience into knowledge, the Resource Centre of COVA has also been able to pass on its expertise to its affiliates and member organizations.

Now COVA Resource Centre extends its services to other civil society organizations to encourage, professionalize and strengthen civil society initiatives. COVA Resource Centre offers services in the field of Research, Training, Communication and Resource Mobilisation. During the year under review the following activities were carried out by the Resource Centre:

1. A Representative of COVA is on the Committee of the National Police Academy for formulation of the syllabus for the IPS Trainee officers. COVA suggested that apart from theoretical sessions on the issue of communal harmony, the trainees should also be exposed to field visits in the old city areas of Hyderabad for direct interactions with affected groups and firsthand experience. This suggestion was accepted by the NPA and trainee officers are expected to go for field visits in August 2012. In the mean time, COVA participated in a two day orientation program of the Trainees on communal Harmony conducted in April 2012.

2. On the request from Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy Institute for Human Resource Development, Hyderabad, a training programme for Govt. Officials on “Socio Economic Conditions of Minorities” was facilitated on 20th to 22nd June at HMI Centre. This program was organized for the group-I officer Trainees.

3. On 27th July 2011 a workshop on ‘Role of Police in Civil Society’ was organized in collaboration with CSSS, Mumbai at Madina Education Centre. Nampally, Hyderabad. Senior Police Officers were invited to this workshop. Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer was the guest speaker. Mr. King Shuk Nag, Senior Editor, Times of India and Mr. Mahesh Bhagwat, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police, Administration, Hyderabad also presented their views and concerns on the subject. Dr. Anand Raj Varma presided over the workshop.

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4. A Study was facilitated in the field for a group of American Students on 6th August 2011 on riot victims, their problems and present situation.

5. 9th October 2011, COVA in collaboration with Ashray and IPAP organised a Consultation in Hyderabad to enable Muslim, Christian. Dalit and other excluded communities to give their inputs on the Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence Bill and prepare an Action Plan for its strengthening and early passage by the Parliament. 34 participants including activists, lawyers, academics, journalists and senior police officers participated and contributed to the deliberations.

Dr. Varghese Manimala speaking at the consultation. Ms Ayesha Parvez and Mr. Tanveer Qazi observing the consultation.

6. On visit of Mr. E.P. Menon, Sarvodaya Leader and a nomad on a mission to promote world peace to Hyderabad, an interaction with staff and Change Activists was organized on 20th Oct 2011. He shared his lifelong experiences of his mission. This was an interesting meet that provided opportunity of a great learning.

7. In the month of December in collaboration with CSSS, Mumbai, two TOTs were organized for the police officers and the NGOs one on 22nd December 2011 at Warangal and another on 23rd December 2011 at Kurnool. Topic of the TOT was “Promotion of Communal Harmony, Peace Development”. In these TOTs nearly 80 participants at each place attended. Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer was Trainer at this program. Local renowned persons were also invited to speak on this occasion.

8. A National Seminar on Role of Social Media in Democracy was organized on 24-25 March 2012 in collaboration with MICCI and FES (Fredrich Ebert Stiftung). IT professionals, media experts, police officials, social activists and students participated in this path breaking seminar.

Exposure Visits to COVA and Internship by MSW and Research Scholars Every year COVA entertains requests from different universities/colleges from all over India and also from foreign universities to accommodate their students at COVA for exposure visits and for doing internship/research as part of their studies.

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Internship During the year 2011-12, COVA entertained request of Manipal Institute of Communication for their student of journalism and communication for four weeks in June 2011. Four students from Moulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad, pursuing their Masters in Social Work completed block placement at COVA during August to November 2010. They have been attending two days every week. Department of Social Work, University of Kashmir sent seven students to complete their one month’s internship from 29th February to 26th March 2012. One student of MSW Final from Kakatiya University, Warangal completed his six week’s field and research work in May and June 2012. Gujarat Central University sent one student of Masters in Society Development and Social Entrepreneurship who completed his assignments in May 2012. One student of Roda Mistry College of Social Work, Hyderabad, specializing in Medical Psychiatric Social Work completed his block placement in July/August 2011.

Volunteering Students from Indian universities and colleges and also from foreign countries choose COVA to volunteer. Those who are comfortable in Hindi and Telugu are welcomed for volunteering. COVA finds difficulty in accommodating students who communicate in other languages as sparing an interpreter is not possible.

Exposures Visits On 22nd June 2011 Dr. M. Channa Reddy Institute sent 45 trainee officers for exposure and understanding of social economic problems of muslim women. On 30th November 2011, 41 students and two faculties from Tirpude College of Social Work, Nagpur visited COVA for a day’s exposure and had good interaction with our faculties. 25 BSW students from Purushotham Thote College of Social Work, Nagpur visited on 12th December 2011. On 27th January 2012 nine MSW students from North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon had good time on exposure to the activities of COVA.

Internee students from University of Kashmir interacting with Mr. A.K. Khan, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad at a program of US Consulate at ASCI

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During their association with COVA apart from the introduction to COVA activities they were also taken for participation in different programs, campaigns, seminars, retreats and for interaction with eminent personalities.

Invitations from other NGOs and Participation

COVA received large number of invitations from many partner institutions and networking NGOs for participation in meetings, seminars and workshops on different issues in the city and also at the State and national levels.

COVA Refugee Facilitation Centre Since 2010, COVA has been partnering with UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) to work with refugees residing in Hyderabad.

As of June 2011, there are 17,769 refugees and 6, 966 asylum seekers under UNHCR’s mandate in India, belonging to nationalities as diverse as Afghanistan, Myanmar, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan etc. According to UNHCR latest report of 2012, in Hyderabad, there are around 366 individual Refugees and 175 Asylum seekers; of them, around 35 are families and rest are individuals mostly in their prime ages.

Services Provided to Refugees and Asylum Seekers from July 2011 to June 2012: 24 cases of medical emergencies and assistance were treated through Government and charity hospitals. 92 Refugees benefited from two free health camps conducted in association with Safa Baitul Mal. Consultation, diagnosis and free medication was provided. General doctors; including one lady Doctor, ophthalmologist and dental doctor examined the refugees. 12 refugees were provided Psycho – social counseling with the help of MAKRO foundation, a partner organization and 28 legal cases were attended to in major and minor cases ranging from tendering legal advice to legal assistance in ongoing court cases. Around 14 Asylum Seekers and Refugees were facilitated to get jobs. In collaboration with Khak E Taiba Trust, spoken English classes were arranged for Refugees during Jan 2012. 22 Refugees joined and completed the course. 5 Refugee children were facilitated for free admissions in private schools.

Children of Refugees participating in Jalebi Race

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Representation for Coverage of Refugees under Arogyasri Scheme: In the month of Dec 2011, COVA submitted a representation to the Hon’ble Minister for Health Dr.D.L.Ravindra Reddy with a request to include all the Refugees living in Andhra Pradesh under the purview of Arogya Sri Scheme, the health insurance coverage meant for Below Poverty Line populace of Andhra Pradesh. It is in turn referred to Ministry of Home and is under process.

Registration with FRRO (Foreign Regional Registration Office): Till now around 108 Refugees were facilitated for registration with FRRO; of them 88 are Refugees and 20 are Asylum Seekers.

Subsistence Allowance provided to Refugees: 10 Refugees were provided with Subsistence Allowance (SA) for various medical and legal emergencies.

End of the year Celebration with Refugees on 29th December 2011: As part of bi annual community cultural event with Refugees, end of the year program was celebrated on 29th December 2011. Around 120 refugees took part in the event. World Refugee day celebrated on 20th June 2012: World Refugee day was celebrated on 20th June 2012. Around 45 Refugees/AS took part in it. Funs games were conducted with the children and elders before the formal meeting. In the meeting, winners and participants were given prizes. Three guests – Ms Vinay Sheila principal Safdaria School, Mr. Khurram Askari of Helping Hands and Mr. Ghulam Mohammed of Dynamic Distributors, took part in the meeting and graced the occasion.

UNHCR-COVA conducted half a day orientation programme of Print and Electronic media on 9-9-2011 at Hotel Grand Plaza, Nampally, Hyderabad. Representatives from various media institutions attended the interactive session on the issues of the refugees.

Protests and Condemnations

1. After the bomb blast in Mumbai, Interfaith Forum-COVA organized a condemnation meeting on 14th Aug 2011 at Charminar. Religious Leaders from different faiths attend this meeting and condemned the attack and appealed to people to apply their wisdom to understand the nefarious designs of enemies and to cooperate with Law & Order Agency in maintaining peace in the society.

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2. In the year 2010 when agitation for Telangana turned violent attacking general public, property and the government property, COVA started a movement against violence in agitations (MAVA). NGOs of Hyderabad wholeheartedly supported and collaborated with this Movement. Again the agitators came in the field in September 2011, disturbing peaceful atmosphere of the city. COVA Immediate called a meeting of the MAVA group at Henry Martin Institute, Abids on 29th Septebmer 2011 and appealed to the agitators to go with the demands in peaceful manner without disturbing peaceful life of the people. Members of MAVA made representations in the matter to leaders of different political parties, JACs, student and trade unions and others who are involved in the Telangana agitation. MAVA also urged all the parties and groups to discourage all attempts at dangerous campaigns that could lead to violence and ensure that the struggle continues in a peaceful and democratic manner without causing any harm to any community or section of society. Leaders of the political JAC, TRS, CPI, CPM, Welfare Party of India, Government Employees JAC and members of student bodies who could be contacted asserted that they are against any form of violence and are keen to maintain the peaceful character of the ongoing struggle. With this initiative, violent protests that were beginning to emerge came down and the agitation turned peaceful once again.

3. Mr. Prashant Bhushan was dastardly attacked by some goons alleged to belonging to Sri Rama Sene within the premises of the Supreme Court on 11th October 2011. To express shock on the attack on this legal luminary and eminent civil society activist, COVA in collaboration with other civil society groups organized a meeting to lodge protest. Many representatives from the civil society organizations participated in this meeting on 13th October 2011 at Necklace Road, Hyderabad. All the participants with one voice condemn the attack in the strongest possible terms and demanded that the Government of India ban forthwith such groups which pose a threat to India's secular fabric, unity and integrity and democratic system.

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State Networking COVA works in collaboration with a number of organisations at the State Level on the issues of RTI, RTE and Relief for victims of disasters. UF for RTI: COVA is a founder and active member of United Forum for RTI, Andhra Pradesh. For details of the objectives, activities and achievements of UR-RTI, please see the section on PUCAAR. GO-NGO Coordination Committee on RTE: COVA and a number of civil society organisations have been spearheading the struggle for the proper implementation of RTE in the State of Andhra Pradesh. In response to the struggles of this group, the Government of A.P. has constituted a GO- NGO Coordination Committee on RTE of which COVA is also a member. This committee is mandated by the Government of Andhra Pradesh to supervise and monitor proper implementation of all provisions of RTE in the State of Andhra Pradesh. Dalit Watch AP (For Relief and Rehabilitation with Dignity) COVA has been involved in relief and rehabilitation of victims from natural and manmade disasters from its very inception. Experiences of Discrimination against Dalits in the relief activities of Bihar flood-affected areas and Tsunami-affected areas had alerted some Civil Society Organisations concerned about Dalit Rights who came together to check and prevent discriminatory practices in the relief and rehabilitation activities in the five flood affected districts of AP state in 2010. Thus ‘Dalit Watch AP (for Relief and Rehabilitation with Dignity’) was formed with many civil society organisations including COVA as its members. The objective is to ensure relief to dalits and other marginalised communities with dignity.

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With Active Participation of Network Partners mainly DBSU, Sakshi Human Rights Watch, COVA Network, MV Foundation, PARA, Oota the following actions have been taken so far till 2012

1. Advocacy and Lobby with Govt. Officials, MLA’s and MP’s for Inclusive measures. 2. Filed a PIL in AP High Court on issues of Discrimination and Exclusion of Dalits in

relief measures of the Govt. which violates the Section XI, and point 64 of DM Act., which says “There should not be any discrimination based on sex, region, religion, caste, age and community in relief measures of the govt.’

3. Vulnerability Mapping of SC colonies and Hamlets in Mahabub Nagar, Kurnool, East Godavari, Vizayanagaram and Prakasham districts of Andhra Pradesh.

4. Bringing Awareness in People on DM Act., 2005, and CRF guidelines through Phamphlets, and Booklets.

5. Brining awareness to civil society through press meets 6. Participation in National Level Meetings organized by National Dalit Watch in

sensitizing the INGOs NDMA authorities and UN Agencies for Inclusive policies. 7. Advocacy and Lobby with Mahabub Nagar DDMA authorities for inclusive DDMA

plans through network partners in Mahabub Nagar. 8. Suggestions to the Ministry of Home Affairs on the amendments to be made in Disaster

Management Act., 2005.

National Networking

Advocacy Initiatives COVA undertook the following five major advocacy initiatives at the National Level during 2011-12 1. Peace and Equity Audit

The Concept of “Peace and Equity Audit as a Parameter for Development Planning” was proposed by the Executive Director of COVA to the Planning Commission of India for consideration for the Approach Paper for the XII Five Year Plan of the Government of India in December 2010. This proposal requires that before any development project is undertaken, its negative impact if any on lives and livelihoods of any section of society should be calculated and also if this project would promote equity or benefit only some sections more than others that could lead to generation of social conflicts as if happening now increasingly. If any development projects lead to inequitable benefits, then they should not be taken up and if they negatively impact any sections, then the costs of their total rehabilitation should be built into the cost of the project. All this should to be determined through the proposed Peace and Equity Audit.

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As this required a strong ideological underpinning and a political will, Planning Commission was not able to incorporate this in its formulations of the XII Five Year Plan. During 2011-12, COVA has undertaken lobby with different political parties to consider the inclusion of the proposal of Peace and Equity Audit as part of their party manifestos for the 2014 elections. These efforts would continue till some major political parties accept the proposal and give it the required political support to make it a policy possibility.

2. Lokpal Bill COVA and Youth TRAC organised the Youth Parliament to enable youth from Hyderabad to forward their proposals for the formulation of a strong Lokpal Bill. They were facilitated to meet over 35 Parliamentarians and policy makers including some Union Ministers. One suggestion of the Youth Parliament for inclusion of the Corporate sector in the ambit of the Lokpal Bill was accepted by some Parliamentarians who raised it during the debate on the matter in Parliament. For details please see the Section on Youth TRAC.

3. Advocacy on Tax for Social Justice: COVA believes that rational taxation policies are essential for securing social justice in any society. COVA had undertaken a Study on the quantum of taxes paid by the poor and associated with Tax Justice Network, Christian Aid and others to organise programs relating to understanding national and international tax systems and policies. Many multinational companies were using loopholes in taxation laws to siphon off billions of dollars in tax from India every year. Government of India had proposed a retrospective amendment in the Finance Bill 2012-13, relating to indirect transfer of a capital asset based in India to check such tax avoidance. This gained attention across the world and many powerful lobbies started working to get this proposed amendment dropped. Realising the importance of this retrospective amendment to finance social welfare programs for the poor and secure justice, COVA in collaboration with CBGA (Center for Budget Accountability and Governance) undertook an advocacy campaign from 2nd to 4th may 2012 with Parliamentarians and policy makers to ensure that this Retrospective Amendment is passed by Parliament. In all, representatives from COVA and CBGA could meet 26 Parliamentarians from different political parties including some union Ministers and explained to them the need for the proposed amendment and sought their support for its passage. Some of the parliamentarians whom the representatives could meet are:

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Mr. Salman Khurshid, Mr. Pallam Raju, and Mr. Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ministers; Mr. Rahman Khan, Dy. Chairperson, Rajya Sabha- Mr. Tapan Kumar Sen, MP, CPI (Marxist), Mr. Mohammed Shafi, MP, - J&K National Conference, Dr. B.L. Mungekar, MP, - Indian National Congress, Mr. Shahid Siddiqui, National Spokesperson- Samajwadi Party, Mr. Sudhakar Reddy, General Secretary- CPI, Mr. Sitaram Yechury, MP, CPI (Marxist), Mr. Prakash Javadekar, MP, BJP, Ms. Kanimozhi, MP, DMK, Mr. Asaduddin Owaisi, MP, All India MIM, and Mr. Devender Goud, MP, - Telugu Desam Party (TDP) The Indian Parliament passed the proposed amendment and created a landmark in socially responsible taxation policy.

4. Provisions for Refugees COVA is partnering with UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) to provide support to the refugees from 8 countries who are residing in Hyderabad through sustained advocacy with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, COVA was able to get a Government Order (first of its kind in India), providing subsidised rice to the refugees through the PDS (Public Distribution System) Ration Shops. COVA has now initiated a process for obtaining extension of the Arogyashree Scheme of the A.P. Government to the refugees in Hyderabad to enable them to avail free medical treatment in government or corporate hospitals as is available to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families of Andhra Pradesh. COVA is also working on obtaining long term visas and work permits for the refugees through the FRRO and the Home Ministry.

5. Kashmir COVA has been working in Kashmir since the year 2000 and has addressed the issues of strengthening civil society, relief and rehabilitation of the victims of earthquake and political turmoil that has been affecting the state for over two decades. COVA has been continuing its efforts to evolve some acceptable and lasting solution to the long issues by engaging with different political actor in Jammu and Kashmir on the one hand and Parliamentarians and National political parties on the other.

National Network: Activities COVA is involved with a number of issues, organisations and networks at the national level. Following are some of the initiatives, activities and collaborations of COVA at the National level:

Sanjhi Virasat Yatra: Ayodhya to Hazrat Nizamuddin Darga

COVA associated with Ayodhya Ki Awaaz and other organisations to organise the 4th Annual Sadhbhavana Yatra from Ayodhya to Hazrat Nizamuddin Darga in New

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Delhi from 11th to 18th October 2011. The Yatra started in Ayodhya and passed through Faizabad, Lucknow, Sitapur, Shahjahanpur and Moradabad where the message of communal harmony was spread through seminars and talks, before reaching the. Upon reaching New Delhi, the Yatris first paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat and participated in meetings and seminars on issues of communal harmony and universal message of all religions before reaching the Nizamuddin Darga for the final program and Sufi qawwali.

The Yatra was lead by Achary Jugal Kishore Shastri, Mahant of Ayodhya with participation of Asghar Ali Engineer of CSSS and Mazher Hussain of COVA along with many others from different parts of the country. This Yatra was organised by Ayodhya ki Awaz in collaboration with CSSS, COVA, Jamat- E Islami, Asha Parivar and others.

Srinagar to Imphal: Save Sharmila Jan Karwan – 16-26 October 2011 COVA joined the Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign to organise a Jan Karavan from 16th to 26th October 2011. The objective of the Karavan was to educate people about the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which is creating havoc with the lives and human rights of people in North East and Kashmir. Irom Sharmila of Imphal has been on a fast against this Act since 2000 and this fast has become the longest fast in history so far. This 4500 Kilometer Jan Karwan started from Srinagar and reached Imphal covering Jammu, Ludhiana, Panipat, New Delhi, Aligarh, Kanpur, Varanasi, Ranchi, Patna, Malda Town, Kolkotta, Guwahati and Dibrugarh after a journey of 11 days spanning across 10 states. Apart from distribution of Pamphlets, Public Meetings, Candle Light Vigils,

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Nukkar Nataks and discussions in schools and colleges were organised on the issues of AFSPA and the Fast of Irom Sharmila.

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign Members addressing a Press Conference organized by COVA

Planning Commission- Steering Committee COVA is a member of the Steering Committee of the Planning Commission, Government of India for the Approach Paper for the XII Five Year Plan. Task Force on RTE, Ministry of HRD The Executive Director of COVA is a member of the Task Force (Social Exclusion), RTE, Ministry of HRD, Government of India. The Task Force has been engaged in field studies and advising the Government on policy formulations to address the issue of social exclusion in the RTE Act. India NGO Awards COVA has been a Panel member for selection of outstanding NGOs from South India for the India NGO Awards.

WNTA (Wada Na Todo Abhyan) WNTA is a network of about 3000 organisations in India working on governance accountability of the government. COVA is a founding is a founding member of WNTA, participates in the Steering Committee and is a Convener of the Social Exclusion TAG (Thematic Action Group) of WNTA. PACS COVA is on the Project Selection Committee of PACS, a DFID supported initiative focusing on the 7 poorest states of North India.

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Interventions in South Asia

Though COVA emerged as Brand Ambassador for Communal Harmony in India, there is a concern from the very beginning towards peace in the sub-continent.

1. Mr. B.M. Kutty and Mr. Sharafat Ali Peace Activists from Pakistan were the guests of COVA from 3rd to 6th July 2011. On 3rd July an interaction with members of Interfaith Forum was facilitated.

2. On 4th July 2011 in the morning session they interacted with the staff and Change Activists of COVA on “Crises in Pakisan: Response of Civil Society” and in the evening addressed invited gathering at Maheshwari Complex, Masab Tank on “Consequences of Religious Fundamentalism: Lessons from Pakistan”; On this occasion autobiography of Mr. B.M. Kutty was released by Admiral Ramdas.

Admiral L. Ramdas released book of Mr. B.M. Kutty.

Author is on his left and on the right standing Mr. Sharafat Ali.

3. On 6th July 2011 a meeting with the members of Confederation of Residents Welfare Associations, Mehdipatnam (COWAM) was arranged where Mr. Kutty received hearty greetings and spoke on “Genesis of Terrorism in Pakistan: It’s Impact on Indo- Pak Relations’

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4. In another cordial meeting Mr. Kutty was given warm welcome at the State office of BJP where Mr. Kishen Reddy, MLA and other leaders of the party received him.

5. On first day of meeting of the Foreign Ministers of India and Pakistan on 27th July 2011 People’s VIGIL was organized Against Terrorism and for Productive Talks between the counterparts. A message through media was sent to them that The People of the Sub Continent Demand that their Talks must resolve all the Outstanding Issues. This event was organised in different cities and towns of India and Pakistan under a common banner.

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6. COVA Resource Centre facilitated 18 Students of School of Peace from South and South East Asia on a study visit on religions from 13th April to 19th April 2012. Resource persons from diverse backgrounds were invited to speak and interact with them.

Resource Persons Mr. Sajjad Shahid and Mrs. Audhesh Rani Bawa interacting with students from South

and South East Asia

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COVA and Media

COVA enjoys good and extensive media support. COVA activities get at least one coverage every week. Apart from covering activities and taking responses/ quotations / bites from COVA officials, reporters of print and electronic media constantly approach COVA for story leads and COVA is able to thus highlight in the media a number of social/ civic issues and problems along with contributions / achievements of Change Activists and volunteers from the field. Official and volunteers of COVA are also regularly interviewed for documentaries on different issues.

During 2011-12, COVA officials and Change Activists appeared on a number of channels including BBC, Doordarshan, CNN-IBN and almost all the Telugu and Urdu Channels of Andhra Pradesh.

Participation in Panel Discussion on Lok Sabha TV

1. Dr. Mazher Hussain participated in panel discussion with Mr. Subrat Das on Lok Sabha TV on “Civil Society and Governance” on 30thJune 2011. Mr. Paranjoy Guha Thakurta anchored this discussion. Telecast: 8 pm to 9 pm. The Repeat Telecasts were on 3rd and 11th July 2011.

2. On 3rd November 2011 Dr. Mazher Hussain participated in the Lok Sabha TV Panel Discussion along with Mr. Santosh Mehrotra on India Development Report 2011

Staff Career Advancement and Skill Upgradation:

1. All the staff members attended two days IT training (28th, 29th July) for development workers on Microsoft programs like MS Word and MS Excel sponsored by Christian Aid by 3Edge Solutions, at NetHope, Begumpet. The program staff and the staff from accounts department gained good and useful knowledge from this program.

2. COVA has been part of the STOP AIDS NOW! Program supported by Cord Aid to

development a Work Place Policy for the organization. International Services Association (INSA-India) Bangalore has been the nodal agency for the project. Two women staff members from COVA participated in the Workshop on USING GAMES FOR CHILD PROTECTION on the 19-20th Aug 2011 in Bangalore offered by INSA India, Bangalore.

This workshop was meant for trainers, managers and other staffs to use innovative games to enliven reinforce and educate staff, children and communities effectively. Experiential learning processes were applied in the workshop for Participatory Staff Appraisal, Child Protection implementation, problem solving, addressing stigma and project evaluation. These games are introduced in communities to enable behavior change towards child rights and protection in particular. The participants were sensitized in the workshop to engage in reflection, generalization and application of these games in their work. The games are adaptable and replicable.

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3. Mr. Mohammed Turab, Executive Secretary, COVA attended an orientation training on Establishing and Managing Voluntary Organisation from 9th to 13th April 2012 organised by the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development, New Delhi and gained knowledge

4. Open sessions for staff of COVA are organised every Monday on different themes and topics to enhance their skills and keep them abreast of current affairs and issues of significance.

Membership of Committees and Networks International:

1. Transcend International 2. AMAN 3. ACHA 4. South-South Partnership 5. Omprakash Foundation, USA

National: 1. Steering Committee, Planning Commission, Govt. of India 2. RTE Task Force on Social Exclusion – Ministry of HRD, GoI 3. VANI 4. WNTA 5. Credibility Alliance

State: 1. GO-NGO Coordination Committee, Govt. of A.P. 2. GO-NGO Coordination Committee on RTE 3. State Level Review Committee on Prime Minister’s 15 Point Program for Welfare of

Minorities 4. Member, State Level Steering Committee, Rajiv Awaz Yojna (RAY) 5. Member, Monitoring Committee, PNDT Act 6. Inter Agency Group on Disaster Management – AP 7. Vice Chair, South-East Chapter, BYST 8. Member, Rural Development Committee of FAPCCI