Author Archive for Alok Mittal

Lokpal Bill Resource Page

PRS has put together a resource page on the Lok Pal Bill (pl see http://bit.ly/rpCis2 )

The page contains all previous Lok Pal Bills that were introduced in Parliament, Standing Committee reports on the Bill, state Lok Ayukta Acts, the two current versions of the Bill, and some context, data, and analysis.

You might also find this link http://www.prsindia.org/lokpaltimeline/ on timeline and Lok Pal cost estimates useful.

Courtesy – C V Madhukar

The myth of the astute voter

Business standard has an interesting article co-authored by Praveen around the achilles heel of democracy – an informed voter.

Gurgaon Councillor Elections – Nisha wins

Nisha has won her election for MCG Ward 30. Congratulations to her, and everyone who supported this dream of an “outsider” making a mark. Time to deliver! (more on http://www.nishasingh.in/)

Nisha’s victory was a revelation to me personally in many senses. The rural turnout of 92% versus urban under 50%; the block voting from rural areas for a single candidate; but against these odds, the ability for a first timer to win reinforced my faith in our institution of democracy. Hopefully, Nisha can help fulfill expectations of both those blocks.

And to other people passionate about making a change, but feeling left outside the system, “Yes, you can!”

Issue Brief on Lokpal bill

Now that the hunger fast is done and over with, it might be useful for some of us to gain a better understanding of what the bill actually is, and what the struggle was for! PRS has put together a concise note on the same, here it is.

Gurgaon Councillor Elections

Councillor Elections have been brewing for some time, finally on the table. If people on this list have suggestions on candidates who can bring integrity to the office, please do share.

I wanted to share Nisha Singh from Ward 30 – have known her for many years, and she has her heart in the right place. Please see http://www.nishasingh.in/

Alok

Job req: Operations Coordinator with Vidya/ Bangalore

BASIC INFORMATION
Title: Operations Coordinator, Bangalore, India
Position Type: Contractor for – 1 year with possibility of extensions
Begins July/August 2010

Location: Bangalore, India

ABOUT VIDYA

Vidya is a not-for-profit foundation established in Chicago, IL to bring educational scholarships to underprivileged children throughout India.

Vidya has three primary areas of focus: Connecting sponsors with students in need of the tuition funding through a web-based exchange portal, Encouraging academic accountability through independent testing of student performance and fostering a competitive environment for school, and helping education entrepreneurs by establishing a funding exchange.

Vidya offers an easily scalable solution that can become self-sustaining and exponentially increase the number of dollars for school funding in India while increasing academic awareness around the country.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Operations Coordinator will be the liaison from India to the US, for Vidya operations in the Karnataka region. The position will span responsibilities in daily administration, coordination of funding provided to appropriate schools, oversight in appropriate use of funding provided, providing information and support to partners in the testing, website development, coordination of marketing division/campaigns, and gathering information and data for a variety of development initiatives. The position reports to the US Operations Director in Chicago, IL.

Job Responsibilities:
Research
• Investigate profiles of public and private schools throughout the region
• Research testing and academic performance systems throughout the region
• Research government policies and precedent in education arena
• Provide recommendations and findings to Operations Director

Administration
• Supply school and student data to communications and website teams
( Bio/Credentials/Pictures)
• Ensure data accuracy and integrity
• Manage budgets and associated reporting
• Disburse and track payments to schools
• Project management – establish, monitor and execute timelines to maintain
progress

School Support and Liasion
• Establish and develop ties with local schools
• Create profiles of public and private schools throughout the region
• Coordinate with testing agency to conduct testing
• Assist with school sign-up process
• Coordinate contractual agreements for school to abide by regulations set forth by Vidya for funding
• Train schools in requirements to be a Vidya partner school
• Visit schools regularly to track requirements
• Serve as the liaison between schools and Vidya US Operations team

Communications
• Work with the schools to develop school and student profiles, and success stories
• Availability to work on different products and programs, as needed
• Provide additional information for marketing and website development teams
• Lead and/or participate on conference calls and projects, as needed
• Provide progress reports as required and on an as-needed basis
 
Marketing
• Manage interactions and on-site support for Vidya donors and volunteers
• Plan and execute plans to scale Vidya operations

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILL-SET REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications
– Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
– 10 years work experience in corporate sector
– 3-5 years operations and/or project management experience
– Experience in a start-up organization preferred

Knowledge/Skills
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently
• Flexibility to adapt to fast-paced changing environment and responsibilities
• Professional attitude to represent Vidya in all regions of India
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English and local language
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to be innovative, set priorities and make independent decisions
• Ability to set and maintain work schedule, meet deadlines, and multi-task
• Ability to define and take action in ambiguous situations with minimal direction
• Education and / or non-profit industry experience preferred
• Proficient with MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint & MS Outlook 2007
• Proficient with internet communication tools, e.g. skype

TO APPLY
Please provide your resume to shwetasharma1@gmail.com

Statistics from Budget Session 2010

PRS has interesting collection of statistics from the budget session 2010 of the parliament, including plan versus performance of the parliament, MP attendance and vital stats.

Check it out.

Improving Accountability – Science Ministry posts its Targets online

Mint has an interesting report on 14th Jan that Science and Technology Ministry has posted its targets online. While the targets have been set internally, the performance will be evaluated by an independent panel of experts.

Check it out
!

Who’s the boss

Indian express has an interesting article here on instances where the legislature exercised control on the executive. Perhaps we need more of this.

ICT in Development

Interesting dissertation on the topic from Dipinder.