Articles on Social Movements

Notes on social movements in India and abroad

Thanks to my engagement with campaigns working on hunger, education, corruption, health, peace and other issues, I have had an active interest in collective action and its role in the society. The following articles are based on my experience with these campaigns (mainly right to food and the right to information campaigns in India). There are also a few articles that look at literature on this subject, as well as a selection of interesting talks and documentaries.

Usability: Giving information is not enough

Published by Vivek July 16th, 2009 in Governance, India and Right to Information. 0 Comments

Data, data everywhere, not a bit to use: Why the Budget website is informative but nearly useless, and how to make it usable
The Government of India (GoI) has an informative website with all budget speeches and the complete set of budget proposals. Consider these simple questions:
1. Which department got the highest outlay?
2. What has happened to [...]

8 Principles for open government data & beyond

Published by Vivek July 16th, 2009 in Governance, India and Right to Information. 0 Comments

In an age of digital information, how should government publish electronic data in keeping with high standards of right to information.

Will the Unique ID project improve accountability?

Published by Vivek July 5th, 2009 in Governance, India, NREGA and Right to Information. 3 Comments

Improving accountability depends on political and social initiatives, and not technological solutions. But technology can shape society and politics in limited ways. This article looks briefly at how the Unique id project can help in improving accountability of the government to people in India.

Obituray to a great soul: T R Vishwanathan (TRV)

Published by Vivek June 23rd, 2008 in India, Social Movements and Tamil Nadu. 3 Comments

T R Vishwanathan was one of the founding members of the communist movement in South Arcot District
I met TRV for an interview two weeks ago. Though he was unwell and very old, he insisted on speaking to me. “I may have a heart attack and pass away anyday”, he said, “if I talk [...]

Jharkhand police: Enquiry or cover-up in Lalit Mehta’s murder case?

Published by Vivek June 17th, 2008 in India, NREGA and Right to Food Campaign. 1 Comment

A report by the Dy. Commissioner, and SP Palamu indicates that police in Palamu is not serious about pursuing Lalit Metha’s murderers
One of our colleagues, Lalit Mehta, was brutally murdered  in Palamu, Jharkahand recently.  A sloppy report has prepared by the Deputy Commissioner and the SP, Palamu indicates that the Jharkhand police is either insincere [...]

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