Call for Applications: लोकनीति की राजनीत/People’s Policy as Public Policy 25-29 June 2018

People’s Policy as Public Policy: Safeguarding Democracy and Building Citizenship 25th to 29th June 2018

हिंदी में पढ़ने और आवेदन फॉर्म भरने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें: https://bit.ly/2pShAJr Background: Our constitution guarantees citizens dialogue between the structures of governance and the people. But constitutional guarantees alone do not lead to citizenship and without citizenship we cannot really build a truly democratic culture. We are now in times, not just in the world’s largest democracy India but in the entire world, where there is a growing threat to the idea of citizenship and desperate need for citizens to move beyond only electoral engagement. The recent news of voters in the US being influenced by social media propaganda led by data tech corporations, or of yet another RTI activist being murdered in India for having unearthed corruption, the crisis of our democracy is getting more complex and deep. The capitalist and neo-liberal state owes allegiance to a few, and plays the role of protecting and promoting their interests rather than that of the public. Accountability of the most critical institutions like the judiciary is now being questioned by those who are part of running the system. In such a scenario how do we create new and save the existing institutionalized platforms where citizens can engage on matters of governance and set priorities. Engagement of citizens with structures of governance through all democratic platforms and institutions is essential to give life to the ideals of participatory democracy. The movements for assertion of constitutional and fundamental human, socio-economic and political rights have shown us the potential opportunities through which this can indeed happen. However, based on grass-root experience that has emerged from watching the implementation of these legislations, it is evident that a legal entitlement is just not enough. A social accountability framework of engaging with governments that enables citizens participation will need to circle itself around the following minimum components: ▪ Jaankaari (Information) ▪ Sunwaai (Right to be heard) ▪ Karywaahi (time bound action) ▪ Bhaagidari (participation) ▪ Janta ka Manch (Peoples’ Collective Public Platforms) ▪ Suraksha (Whistleblower protection) The above cannot happen in a vacuum or in the absence of a people’s movement and a conscious citizenry. About the Workshop Loktantrashala (School for Democracy) and Sambhaavnaa Institute are organising a five-day workshop to reflect with participants on the challenges and possibilities of building citizenship and social accountability. The workshop will also situate India’s experience with social accountability within a wider framework of democratic theory and theories of citizenship. We will critically examine existing evidence on the effectiveness of accountability practices and also draw on lessons from social accountability practices in countries like Brazil and Mexico which have pioneered participatory budgeting and citizen oversight of the electoral process. We will challenge the current public discourse on increasing corruption, broken systems of governance and the need to privatize systems. We will reflect on the much wider framework of governance and social accountability that empowers citizens by presenting and discussing practical interventions being carried out in multiple sectors and contexts. The objective of the workshop is thus: ▪ To examine the fundamental causes of the crisis of governance in our democracy today and the far-reaching impacts of the same, especially on the most vulnerable and marginalised sections of the society. ▪ To understand the vision and approach of diverse initiatives towards deepening and decentralising democracy in governance and critically examine the relevance and impact of these. ▪ To explore ideas and alternative forms of governance models and processes that challenge the existing power structures. ▪ To discuss emerging discourses on “good governance” including Aadhar and use of digital technology in the context of peoples’ rights in a democratic framework. Who is the workshop for? The workshop is for young activists, researchers, and practitioners interested in the theme of the workshop or working on issues of governance and public policy. Those in the age group 22 to 35 years will be given preference. We encourage individuals belonging to marginalized communities to apply for the workshop. Language: A mix of English and Hindi. The mode of interaction shall involve lectures, group work, group discussions, film and documentary screening. Contribution towards Programs Costs: We hope that participants would contribute an amount of Rs. 5000 for 5 days/- towards workshop expenses, inclusive of all onsite workshop costs: boarding, lodging, and all the materials used in the workshop. Need based waivers are available. Dates: June 25th to 29th, 2018 Venue: Sambhaavnaa Institute, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh Contact: For more information please call/Whatsapp 889 422 7954 or email: programs@sambhaavnaa.org To fill the application form, please visit: ​आवेदन करने के लिए इस लिंक पर जाएँ – ​https://bit.ly/2pShAJr