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TARNAKA TIMES
VOL. NO. 2 ISSUE NO. 61 February - 2010 MONTHLY NEWS LETTER Published on 2nd of every month

A Mouth Piece of
FEDERATION OF A. P. SENIOR CITIZENS’ ORGANISATIONS (FAPSCO)
UNITED-FEDERATION OF RESIDNET WELFARE ASSOCIATIONS (U-FERWAS)
FEDERATION OF ORGANISERS OF ELDERS’ HOMES IN A. P. (FEDEHAP)
&
STANDING COMMITTEE OF TARNAKA RESIDENTS WELFARE ASSOCIATIONS (SCOTRWA)

WARD COMMITTEES AND ARE A S ABHAS OF THE CIVI L SOCIETY

At the outset, we welcome the move of the GOAP to have initiated measures with a view to empower the
urban citizens for self-governance and democratic decentralization. The GO-57 just issued frames Rules to the
Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation Act, 1955, in order to form Ward committees and Area Sabhas, which
would facilitate the urban citizen’s participation and bring the urban social capital into public use.

We, therefore, appeal to the civil society in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation to avail this
opportunity to participate massively in the Ward Committees and Area Sabhas. Top government officials, Chief
Executive Officers of the companies, professors and vice-chancellors, surgeons and general practitioners of
medicine, chartered accounts, judges and magistrates, senior lawyers, washer men, barbers, domestic helpers,
all, both retired and active, should offer themselves to be nominated, as a gesture of their civic responsibility.
Since the avowed objective is the participation of the civil society and, since the political preferences in the
society are already expressed in the recently held elections to the Corporators, we hope that these applications
would come genuinely from the civil society and not from the political parties. These applications to the above
bodies would be technically scrutinised by the Commissioner or the Deputy Commissioner and approved by the
GHMC Council without any political interference of its members at any level; otherwise, the very purpose will be
defeated and the urban intelligentsia will, once again, relapse into, habitual, apathy, indifference and disdain
towards public affairs. This has happened in the neighboring states, where these Committees were already
introduced, much before the state of Andhra Pradesh.

However, by closely studying the Rules in the text of the G.O. No.57, we fear that the modalities adopted
and the insufficient opportunities accorded, therein, to the Committee might severely restrict the effectiveness of
the G.O. to fulfill the objectives of the Community Participation Law. The spirit of the 74th Amendment to our
Constitution is, still, far from being fulfilled.

However, since the schedule of the events were announced, the civil society should accept them for the
present and make best use of them by massively participating in the Ward Committee & the Area Sabhas.
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Reproduced below the text of the letter dated 15th Feb 2010 issued by
UNITED-FEDERATION OF RESIDENT WELFARE ASSOCIATIONS (U-FERWAS)
th
Hyderabad , 15 Feb, 2010 .
Mrs. Pushpa Subrahmanyam, IAS
Principal Secretary, MAUD, GOAP, Hyderabad , A.P.
Madam,
We welcome the G.O. 57, which gives, for the first time, real opportunities for self governance to the urban citizens.
It is historic. On our side, we would mobilize people to make best use of it. However, we feel that in order to make it
effective, it needs to be, urgently, modified on certain modalities, on which we have been campaigning since quite some
time. We enclose the document of proposals for advance information, before we approach your for personal explanation.
With best regards,
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Rao V.B.J. Chelkani.
 Some Proposals of Modification to G.O. 57 (GOAP),10/02/10 concerning the formation of
Ward Committees and Area Sabhas
1. Rule 3: The Sub Rule (4) provides for more than 10 members to the Ward committee, which is contradictory to Sub
Rule (2) (ii), which restricts to ten members. Hence, it needs to be deleted or explained more clearly.
2. Rule 4 (e): ‘Any other prominent citizen from the ward’ as eligible for nomination gives room for arbitrary selection, if
no qualifications are attached. The danger is that it might provide an extra seat to the spouse of the Corporator or a
political opponent to the Corporator. If any prominent person is really needed, s/he could be invited as observer.
3. Rule 6: The Representation of Peoples’ Act, 1956 permits, very liberally, legal offenders from the political
community to be candidates, provided they have not done complete two years of imprisonment. Since, we are talking
about the member of the civil society, more strict criteria can be fixed. Further, since, it is a committee of the civil
society, people with claimed-political party identity or party positions could be disqualified.
4. Rule 9: Approval of Nominations. If there is voting in the Council, the Corporator belonging to the ward should
abstain from expressing his or her choice during the election, concerning his or her ward.
5. Rule 12:The officer of Corporation attached to thecommittee shall be called Executive officer, instead of ‘Secretary’.
6. Rule 13, Sub Rule (3): The meetings of the Ward committee shall take place, as much a possible, within the ward
and in a public place, preferably in the community halls or library or park or school or dispensary or any open space.
7. Rule 13, Sub Rule (4): The Meetings: They should be held only during holidays, since it is a meeting at the
convenience of the civil society.
8. Rule 14: During the meeting, with the permission of the chair, any other matter should be included, if requested by
a member, in the beginning of the meeting, This matter may not be put to vote. Or the same matter should be included
in the agenda for the next meeting.
9. Rule 17: All the officers having direct functions or operations in the ward, including those of the Engineering and
Town Planning departments, shall attend the meeting, if called for, with necessary documents.
10. Rule-25: Functions of Supervision / Inspection / Endorsement / consultation of all engineering works undertaken
and the public or private constructions for which the permission or intervention of the Planning department is sought.
11. Rule 32 Sub rule (2): Qualifications and Disqualifications. The Representation of Peoples’ Act, 1956 permits, very
liberally, legal offenders from the political community to be candidates, provided they have not done complete two
years of imprisonment. In case of a member of the civil society, more strict criteria can be fixed. Since, it is a
committee of the civil society, people with claimed political-party identity or party positions could be disqualified.
Preference could be given to those who have been exercising presiding functions or managing democratic
associations or registered companies.
12. Rule 34, Sub Rule (1): Approval of Nominations. If there is voting in the Council, the Corporator belonging to the
ward should abstain from expressing his or her choice during the elections, concerning his or her ward.
13. Rule 39: Since this comes under the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Municipal Corporations Act, 1994, it should
be a part of the title Notification of the Order.

STANDING COMMITTEE OF TARNAKA RESIDENTS WELFARE ASSOCIATIONS (SCOTRWA)

SCOTRWA Meeting on 30th January in Vijayapuri Colony:
 - Smt. Sita Ramani informed that along with Sri. Kumar Yadav, she met the Mayor in her office and handed
over the problems of the colonies in writing which have to be pursued.
- Sri. B. Om Prakash explained the gist of the three issues escalated to the Dist. Collector of Hyderabad:
Issue of Errakunta Site, Library building in Siddartha Nagar and Rehabilitation of Hut Dwellers from Gokul
Nagar Park area. The matter is being pursued with MRO/ Marredpally who promised to initiate action.
- Sri. Rajesh Kota explained in detail about the forthcoming visit of German delegation to our Tarnaka area
and the role of RWA’s. Sri. Jagadeshwar Rao of Gokul Nagar and Sri. A. S. Jaya Kumar volunteered to
help in this regard.
- Sri. C. S. Krishnan informed the body about Senior Citizens involvement in the day care Centre activities
and would soon hold a tournament on caroms and other games. On AASARA activities Sri. Sitarama
Swamy of Malkajgiri explained their involvement in teaching the slum children in the evenings.
TH
MINUITES OF THE DISCUSSIONS HELD BETWEEN SCOWTRA AND GERMEN DELEGATION ON 16 FEB’10.

th
Source: Sakshi – Telugu Daily News Paper; Dated:18 Feb’10
Members present:
Dr. Hans Dienel, Dr. Anjela Jain, Dr. Bhasker Poldas, Dr. Rao Chelikani, Sri. B. T. Srinivasan, Sri. P. S.
N. Kumar Yadav, Sri. K. L. V. S. Raju, Sri. Rajesh Kota, Sri. G. Jagadeshwar Rao, Sri. B. Om Prakash, Sri. A.
Muralidhar, Sri. K. L. N. Uday Kumar, Lion. N. Raghu Rami Reddy, Sri. D. S. N. Murthy, Sri. A. S. Jaya Kumar,
Sri. P. L. Menon and Sri. A. D. V. Satyanarayana.
Exchange of views took place on Senior Citizen’s life styles, Consumer rights and role of Resident
Welfare Associations in governance. This was primarily on the practices followed in Germany and in Hyderabad
in particular reference to the above two institutions. Both agreed to exchange information and share knowledge
on regular basis.
More detailed discussions took place on the role, concepts and practices of the Resident Welfare
Associations and the related problems in mobilizing people, relations with service providers (Water, electricity,
repairs, etc.), problems in communicating with the members, exploring techniques of communication (Tarnaka
Times and Community Radio).
Interesting and useful discussion took place about the introduction of Community Radio in Tarnaka in
order to enable and empower local communities to own and use information and communication media so as to
support social, economic and cultural community-building. It also helps the local communities to voice their
problems and concerns. The community radio will have the following characteristics: Broadcast pattern reaches
all members of the community; Community participates in decisions concerning programme content, duration
and schedules. People will select the types of programme they want. There are unrestricted opportunities for
individuals or groups to produce programmes. Radio is considered more useful and autonomous to inform, to
discuss, to educate, to make people think and to mobilize than brief television programmes which tend to
dramatise situations and persons. Environmental concerns will, naturally, be voiced prominently. The German
delegation assured to explore the possibilities of providing: technical support; experts and also financial
participation to some extent. It is decided to form a technical committee of SCOTRWA to: study existing
community radio system in the state; formalities for setting up the community radio; administration of the project;
Technical survey and time frames; MOU with German participants and Legal requirements. All the members
present appreciated the discussion and expressed a strong desire to see the project materialized.

UNITED- FEDERATION OF RESIDENT WELFARE ASSOCIATIONS (U-FERWAS)

THE NEED OF THE HOUR: Relaxation or Stricter Implementation?
GHMC wants to go easy on penthouses. With over 2,000 penthouse cases pending under the money-spinning
Building Penalisation Scheme (BPS), the GHMC has decided to offer some more relaxations, unmindful of social
interests.
On one side, the GOAP sends a report to the JNNURM stating that the reforms have been achieved relating
to the Building Rules and, on the other side, it keeps on bringing in, amendments after amendments, to the Revised
Hyderabad Building Rules since 2006. As for the reforms, the constitution of Enforcement Authority, Building Tribunal
and Building Ombudsman, under G.O. No.86 are still only on paper. The Government, too, is silent on them, even
after witnessing several fire accidents and building collapses.
Un-authorised constructions and deviation activities are, still, going on due to the relaxed attitude of the Town
Planning personnel. The Building Regulation Scheme or the latest Building Penalisation Scheme is favourable to the
builder and not to the buyers of such constructions. Where the BPS facility is availed of by only some of the flat
owners of a given building, the others who have not made any declaration are blissfully ignored. Since, their
undeclared flat is only a part of the building, their flat cannot be demolished. This situation leaves the scope for such
individual flat owners to try to privately negotiate a deal with the demolition squads. Collective interests of the
Resident Welfare Associations are ignored, while dealing with the pent houses also.
On the positive side, they have also started consultations with fire services department personnel to see
whether they could cut down on some equipment and give relaxations without compromising the safety of the
inmates. Modifications of certain rules are needed for getting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the State Disaster
Response and Fire Services department, as owners and builders are facing practical problems like space constraint in
complying with them. Relaxations are needed regarding the provision of additional staircase, overhead water tank and
some fire-fighting equipment. One fails to understand why GHMC has failed to black list the builders who have made
such constructions as per the G Os on BPS?
Therefore, the Government should, immediately, constitute the Enforcement Authority, Building Tribunal and
Building Ombudsman.
- TR. Madhavan, Sceretary (Rajendranagar), UFERWAS, Hyderabad.
 The Draft Master Plan for Core Area of GHMC
The proposed draft Master Plan prepared for Secunderabad circle was displayed inviting suggestions
and improvements at Hari Hara Kala Bhavan on 15th Feb’10. Office bearers of various welfare associations have
represented Tarnaka area. Sri. B. Om Prakash of SCOTRWA proposed a link road connecting Nacharam and
Moula Ali to ease traffic problems and also to develop approach roads for milk tankers to enter A.P. Dairy, so
that accidents can be prevented.
Further, Sri. P. Janardhan Reddy, Sri. G. Krishna Rao of Siddartha Nagar and Sri. K. J. Sastry,
suggested taking up road widening in a phased manner, preferably by the side of IICT compound wall, instead of
dislocating the residents and making them homeless. Sri. S. Radha Krishna and Dr. A. Veera Bhadra Rao
representing Nagarjuna Nagar RWA emphasized on developing parks and play grounds in Nagarjuna Nagar
colony and also to restore Errakunta Tank immediately in accordance with the Supreme Court directives.

FEDERATION OF A.P. SENIOR CITIZENS’ ORGANISATION (FAPSCO)

Nizamabad Senior Citizens Forum
The Senior Citizens Forum has celebrated the Republic day on 26th Jan’10, in the Forum office in a
befitting manner. The national flag was unfurled on our building at 8.45 A.M. by the President Sri. G. Chandra
Bhushan Reddy. The following dignitaries who command wide respect in the society due to their precious
services to the society were honoured. Sri. B.Rajanna Garu, Retired High Court Judge, Smt. G. Sharada Devi,
house wife. After retirement the couple are running an old age home at Kamareddy, free of cost. Natives of
Hanmakonda, they are living in the same old age home along with the inmates. No assistance is received from
the government. Sri. Jagannath Rao, M.D. Asst. Proffessor, Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal: Though he
hails from Karimnagar, he is offering his services in a hospital run by a trust formed by Justice Jeevan Reddy
and others at Nizamabad. The physician promised that any medical assistance will be provided by the trust to all
those recommended by the Forum. Sri. K. Ramulu, Retired Superintending Engineer (Electricity) and the chief
guest Sri. P. Raghavender were also honoured.

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Senior Citizen’s Desk:
 The monthly meeting of FSCT was held on 19th February at Habsiguda Community Hall. Volunteers of
Aman Vedika who are running a Orphans’ school at Lalapet, explained the services being rendered and
requested the Senior Citizen’s Forum of Tarnaka to support in whatever manner they can. Sri. M. P. Bhave
moved the audience by narrating his rich travel experiences in Navy Cargo Ships. Sri. B. Om Prakash of Red
Cross Society sub branch Tarnaka requested seniors to donate liberally for social good and to participate in
Red Cross activities.
The following were greeted on this occasion:
Birth Day’s in March:
6th C Nagaraja Rao Gokul Nagar 27177163
8th K Narayana Rao Nag’nagar
8th KSN Prasad Nag’nagar 27158615
th
14 Ch Satyanarayana Nacharam 9866287066
18th P R Narasimha Das Vijayapuri 9441491815
19th K Balasundaram Nag’nagar 27171482
27th CVR Sastry Gokul Nagar 27171531
30th PL Menon Habsiguda 9848074063
Marriage Day’s:
20th N Arjun Rao Vijayapuri 9849514815
th
20 Ch Satyanarayana Nacharam 9866287066
22nd M Gunesh Habsiguda 9490750985
DAY CARE CENTRE in Nagarjuna Nagar, Tarnaka.
In order to revitalise the Day Care Centre, the following programmes were taken up:
1. Sports activities – A new Carrom board of tournament-quality is purchased and sports Convenor Sri. C.
S. Krishnan and Sri. M. P. Bhave informed the members that, very shortly, a tournament will be
conducted among the day care centre under Aasara, GHMC level.
2. On management principle based on Ramayana epic by Sri. N. Rama Rao, Retd, G. M. NALCO was
arranged from 4 PM to 5 PM. Members are requested to avail.
3. Some more books and magazines were donated by Sri. B. Om Prakash and Sri. M. P. Bhave are
available for reading. Interested members can visit daily. Library is kept open from 5 to7 PM.
Tarnaka Consumer Council:
A Rythu Bazar in Tarnaka: One More Rural-Urban Link
A long-awaited facility was realised when vegetable Rythu Bazar was opened on 18th February in Gokul
Nagar. This is a win-win situation: the residents will get fresh vegetables directly from the field at very
competitive rates and the producers would get higher prices than what the middlemen offer them. The farmers of
Adarsh Society in Nedunur village in Kandukuru mandal have participated in this venture. On behalf of the
Rangareddy district joint collector, Sri. Sudarshana Reddy IAS the Deputy Director of Horticulture, Dr. M.G. Deva
Muni Reddy formulated the scheme and made it successful.
The vegetable market will work from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM at Gokul Nagar market
place in Tarnaka.
 “Tarnaka Times”
As our monthly news latter “Tarnaka Times” has turned “SENIOR” and is contemplating celebrating its
61st edition in the month of February.
As its family members, we should strive to develop this “News letter” as an effective medium for
interaction and communication among its members of FAPSCO, U-FERWAS, FEDHAP and SCOTRWA on
various subjects beneficial to our members growth of a “News letter“ is directly linked to the contributions made
by its readers.
We are fortunate to have many veterans among our subscribers who have contributed in no small
measure to its growth. It is their contribution both professional and financial that has helped “Tarnaka Times” to
reach the present status. It will be a good gesture if the present subscribers come forward and help its further
growth. It can be in the form of articles, write-ups, spreading the value or even as suggestions for improvement.
It is our duty to make the news letter a truly professional publication so that new subscribers are attracted to
subscribe to it and become a source of professional information.

For their voluntary services given to promote awareness on environment conservation, Women’s Wing
of SCOTRWA was appreciated by Sri. Suresh Reddy, former Speaker of A.P. State Legislative Assembly

For their invaluable voluntary services given to promote awareness on environment conservation,
Senior Citizens of Tarnaka were appreciated by Sri. Suresh Reddy, former Speaker of A.P. State
Legislative Assembly