Policy dialogue on people, parliament and performance, Delhi

Policy Dialogue on People, Parliament and Performance Conference Room I, India International Centre, New Delhi 10 September 2011 Programme Schedule Timings Programme 2:00 P.M. Welcome and Setting the Context Amitabh Behar, National Social Watch B. V. Rao, Editor, GovernanceNow 2:15 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. Discussion moderated by Manisha Priyam, Senior Lecturer University of Delhi Panel Speakers Nirmala Sitaraman, National Spokesperson, Bhartiya Janta Party Nilotpal Basu, CPI (M) Jesudasu Seelam, Indian National Congress Valerian Rodrigues, Centre for Political Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University Sanjay Kumar, Centre for Study on Developing Societies Girish Nikam, Senior Journalist 4:00 P.M.- 5:00 P.M. Open Discussion Vote of Thanks Himanshu Jha, National Social Watch Tea and Refreshments Invitation Policy Dialogue on People, Parliament and Performance Saturday, 10th September, 2011 Dear Friend, Greetings! Social Watch India in partnership with GovernanceNow is organizing a policy dialogue on People, Parliament and Performance. Social Watch India is broad based network of civil society organizations and individuals which monitors the institutions of governance and their commitment towards citizens and principles of democracy. GovernanceNow is a multi-media initiative for participatory reportage and analyses related to governance of all institutions and processes that are vital to public life in India. Social Watch report 2010 developed a methodology for evaluating the performance of Members of Parliament on the floor of the house. The Study, on the basis of 14th Lok Sabha included four parameters namely, attendance, questions, supplementary questions, debates and Private Members Bills proposed. In continuation of this, we are planning to hold a policy dialogue which aims to explore the parameters, which are based on our perception of the vital role of the Parliament in governance and development, and evaluate the performance of all the 545 MPs and to see where they stand. The Parliament is supposed to formulate effective policies as well as keep a tab on the working of the government as the union government is major spender of the national funds. Being the highest deliberative institution, we believe that policy making role of an MP should be pronounced as the state and sub-state level legislative bodies can take care of implementation and accountability dimensions. These are some of the important questions that we are planning to explore in-depth in this policy dialogue. The policy dialogue is scheduled to be held at Conference Room No. I, India International Centre Main, 40-Max Mueller Marg, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, on Saturday 10th September, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. We would share with you the programme schedule as soon as it is finalized. Looking forward towards your support and participation. Kindly confirm your participation through e-mail. Warm Regards! Himanshu Jha B.V. Rao National Coordinator Editor Social Watch India GovernanceNow National Social Watch R-10, Ground Floor, Green Park Extension, New Delhi -110 016, India Ph./Fax : +91-11-41644576, E-mail : info@socialwatchindia.net www.socialwatchindia.net