FACE TO FACE WITH GOVERNMENT New Delhi – January 8th, 2011

FLO organized its annual event “Face to Face with Govt” and the distinguished panelist were Shri Rakesh Mehta, Chief Secretary Delhi, Shri K S Mehra, MCD Commissioner, Shri R K Verma, Transport Commissioner, Shri Jalaj Srivastava, Trade and Taxes Commissioner and Shri Savitur Prasad, Citizens services IT Secretary.

Ranjana Agarwal – President FLO while welcoming the Government officials , looked for assurance in the field of governance and women empowerment. She was in favour of continued dialogue between civil society and Government officials for a better and shining India.

The Chief secretary released the “ Citizens Handbook of women related Policies of the Delhi Government”   prepared by FLO as a ready reckoner for use by women in general. CS complimented FLO on the efforts and assured that he will review the policies and upgrade them to suit current needs of society.

The Chief secretary, agreed that the suggestions regarding inclusion of Govt. schemes in school books and  including of soft skill development in the curriculam of ITI would be earnestly looked into .

Shri Rakesh Mehta felt that since more than 55 % population is likely to live in cities by 2030 , there is need to upgrade as per international standards.

Shri K S Mehra Commissioner MCD, informed that MCD is now on Face book.  He also said that Delhi will become garbage free in next few months.

Shri R K Verma Commissioner Transport , assured that he will try and increase Ladies’ Special buses.He assured that steps will be taken to revamp the Driving License offices. He informed that now there is home delivery of DL.

Shri Jalaj Srivastava, Commissioner Trade and Taxes, acknowledged that there was server breakdown at the time of filing returns. He offered to give incentive to all those who file in time plus a 12 day grace period for filing the hard copy. Sale of  C and F forms will become online to avoid corruption. He also requested FLO members to enlist themselves in the ‘Good Dealers’ Scheme’  and avail special facilities.

As an assurance for better governance Shri Savitur Prasad said that 106 citizen’s services were online and by end of the next quarter all services will be online.

Senior Journalist, Mr Manoj Raghuvanshi moderated the session and made the interaction quite lively and energetic with his intelligent comments and witty remarks.

The 100 plus audience participated actively.

A book authored by a FLO member Rena Singh Ghai was launched by the Chief Secretary. The book ‘Budget Busters” gives insights on usefulness of budgets.  Lunch hosted by Ms. Ghai was much appreciated.