PARTICIPATORY BUDGET: Confusion cleared, queries answered

Confusion about the participatory budget and its process was the common complaint of people resolved at the workshop held by dna in association with Janwani at St. Patrick’s Town in Hadapsar on Friday.

Most of the citizens were unaware with the methods and the norms that need to be followed to fill in the application forms.
Citizens blamed the civic authority for their failure in getting civic works done according to satisfaction. According to them, since the civic authority fails to bring the desired projects to reality, citizens lose interest in the initiative.

Deepak Ramrakhiyani, chairman of St Patrick Society, said, “We are still not clear on the number of forms that need to be filled. As the PMC itself is not ready to help or guide the normal citizens like us, I feel the only way to get the work done is to work as a group.”
Citizens also complained that they do not get any result of the suggestion given to PMC during the process.

Seema Dighe (55), resident of Swami Vivekanandnagar, said, “We participated in the process last year but we are not even aware whether our suggestions are actually been considered by the civic body. We only get verbal assurance and nothing is being done in reality.” Explaining the process, Naim Keruwala of Janwani, said, “Besides knowing how to fill up the form and submit it at the right place, people have to ensure regular follow up by coming together and putting pressure on local corporator and checking with the civic officials.”