There was an inspiring response from Kurukshetra University’s Public Administration Department after our Police Reforms from the People’s Perspective Workshop held on 25th Feb 2012. Following the workshop, Nishan was invited to give a similar presentation to scholars from around the country at the “Emerging Issues in Indian Administration” National seminar at Kurukshetra University, held by the Department of Pubic Administration.
Aridaman Jit Singh,Director, “Nishan” addressed the National Seminar of Universities and introduced the campaign Police Reforms from the People’s Perspective at the Emerging Issues in Indian Administration Seminar at Kurukshetra-sponsored by UGC and SAP
Emerging issues in Indian administration
On the second day of the seminar, after some opening remarks, Mr.Aridaman Jit Singh, Chairman & Director “Nishan” was invited to deliver the first substantive presentation of the day. The presentation by Nishan members truly set the tone for the day. Nishan was given a special, and generous, allotment of time to thoroughly discuss issues with the police system in India, and the necessary reforms to combat these issues. Police reforms and the colonial legacy of the police system, as well as Nishan’s unique approach to this problem, served as the preeminent example cited in nearly every subsequent speech. Presentations on themes ranging from Citizen-centric Governance and E-governance to Social Accountability of the State continuously cited our example of the police as one that was understood by all attendees because of our presentation. During intermissions to the seminar, Team Nishan was approached by representatives of Universities from around the country, representing nine different states, offering their support and inviting the team to present elsewhere in the country.
Eminent scholar and Chief Guest Dr. S.L. Goel made special mention of our presentation during his closing remarks, calling it “excellent” and noting its relevance in every aspect of Public Administration and promotion of good governance in India. The police issues in this country resonated with the audience because it is such a central issue for the functioning of the government and it has one of the greatest impacts on people’s lives. It also represents a living and clear example of the effect two centuries of colonial rule has had on the government of India. Nishan’s methodology of mobilizing the leaders of communities, decentralizing the system as well as the movement for reform, was recalled again and again as an innovative and much-needed approach. Nishan has been invited to turn this presentation into a scholarly article to be published alongside the other papers from the seminar. The Team looks forward to spreading the word through our work as scholars, speakers, and activists to bring about a more democratic and just India for all its citizens!