Note from Harsh Jaitli, CEO, VANI

Note for Newsletter:

On February 9-10, 2010, VANI organized its 21st National Convention, in which more than 200 voluntary organizations from all over India participated. This year all the sessions were weaved around the central theme of “Partnership in Development”. Various speakers and participants deliberated the challenges and opportunities faced by voluntary sector in its partnership with government, media, and private sector and political leadership. The socio-economic development of any society is like a complex game of puzzle with each stakeholder having a piece. We can’t achieve overall social-economic and political development unless we work together. The second point of realization was that partnership is possible among equals, and voluntary sector is still tied in the chains of government control. The voluntary sector is waiting for its ‘Glasnost’, as for private sector it started in 1992 in India. The National Policy on Voluntary Sector which was formulated and accepted by government in 2007 still needs push for acceptance from various national ministries as well formulation of state policies. We all need to work towards strengthening state level networks of voluntary organizations to facilitate as well as pressurize state governments to formulate, accept and adhere to such policy. Linked to this is the regulatory mechanism experimented by the government on voluntary sector. The time has come when we (Voluntary Sector) should suggest the government the rational and logical framework which constructive engagement of both dominate players in nation building. In the times of numbers, the contribution of voluntary sector is analyzed keeping numbers of money and coverage in the centre. The social contribution is sidelined and not recognized. The house advised VANI to start a public education campaign for contribution made by voluntary agencies towards empowerment through its various programmes.

VANI considers its national convention as mutual reinforcement of shared vision along with its members and guests from voluntary sector. We would be circulating the report of convention shortly.

VANI INITIATIVES @ January, 2010

A two day National Convention on Partnership in Development

A two day National Convention on ‘’Partnership in Development’’, organized by VANI came to an end in New Delhi on Wednesday, the 10th February 2010.

Various eminent personalities from the Voluntary Sector took part in the convention.

Speaking at the convention Ms. Syeda Hameed, member, Planning Commission of India said , ‘’ The next generation reform is a good idea and the road ahead for the voluntary sector is extremely dangerous. As long as the political leadership is not meaningfully engaged with the Voluntary Sector it’s tough for the system to work properly.’ Read More...

Annual General Meeting

VANI also organized its Annual General Body Meeting on 10th February, 2010 at PHD Chamber in Delhi. The VANI Chairperson welcomed the members and initial discussion was on sustaining, reactivating and membership drive. The annual report and accounts were presented along with the activities undertaken from April 2009 to January; 2010.The CEO presented the plan of action of February- March 2010. The AGM recognized and appreciated the valuable contribution made by outgoing Chair Dr. Rajesh Tandon and urged his continued support and guidance to VANI.

VANI welcomes its NEW CHAIRPERSON/ NEW WORKING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Mr. Jayant Kumar.

Mr. Jayant kumar is a post graduate in Social Science with Specialisation in Rural Development from Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi, Jharkhand. He has completed over 2 decades of professional experience in CASA and worked in various capacities as a Field Officer, Training Officer, Project Officer, and currently functioning as Head of Programmes. Treasurer and Working Committee member of Voluntary Action Network India and Advisory Committee member of various CSOs in India

A new lot of Working Committee members were also elected. Click here for the list of newly elected working committee members

Coming up…..

Announcements :

1. The fourth cohort of *Swades ki Khoj *- In effort in partnership with the Ford Foundation to provide young graduates with an opportunity to spend a year living and working in a rural area with a developmental organisation.
   
   Please click here for details.

Resources :

Member of the Month: