If you thought we stopped our newsletters, here we are, back again with a bunch of updates! We have changed a little, and we hope you enjoy reading the newsletter.
Before you get into the newsletter: We now have a Telegram channel for sharing our updates from all our websites – Citizen Matters Main, Citizen Matters Bengaluru, and Citizen Matters Chennai. Do join the channel and keep track of what is published across all websites. You won’t see junk from us. Other members won’t be able to see you, and you won’t be able to see them. Mute it if required and check it at your convenience. Click here to join: t.me/citizenmatters.
News from us: As you would already know, Citizen Matters founder Meera has been selected as an Ashoka Fellow. She had the chance to visit the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, alongwith other Ashoka fellows, when she was in Delhi last week for the induction workshop for the fellows.
And our top news:
Cost of schooling; State of Right to Education
Participate in our school fee survey, to help us understand the cost of education in Bengaluru.
Fill this form: Cost of schooling in Bengaluru
The academic year is going to end soon – it’s also the season of new school admissions for most underprivileged children under Right to Education act, while parents who don’t have to wait for RTE would have already admitted their children to school. We did a few stories on the topic.
Read:
- Demand high but schools not keen: The story of Right to Education in Bengaluru
- Aadhaar compulsory for RTE admissions, but no system to check complaints
- If you want to help a needy child get an RTE seat: How to get an RTE seat for a needy child in Bengaluru
- Minority tag: How some schools escape obligations under RTE
Health for all
The government is undertaking a massive vaccination drive with Measles and Rubella vaccine. How serious is Measles? Why are some parents questioning the campaign? Read: MR vaccine campaign: Does your child need vaccination?
Planning the future of Bengaluru
Concept note for master plan-2031 has been put out by Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA). The note explained the current scenarios and possible future strategies for growth. Read the full note here.
People of the city are also into deliberation mode. Read:
- BDA’s Revised Master Plan for Bengaluru: Citizens bat for limiting the growth
- Citizens deliberate on a people’s vision for Bengaluru
- If you have anything to say regarding how the master planning process should go, do record a 60-second video and Tweet or Facebook it, and tag us, with the hashtag #MyPlan4Bengaluru !
Growth pangs of Bengaluru
- Composting plant near HSR Layout is a misfit, more because of mismanagement than because of its existence. Read what the new chairman of the plant has to say, in this interview.
- How are outskirt areas in Bengaluru coping with the challenge of finding water, in the absence of piped water network? Read this blog: Ground Water Stories
- Also read: Is bengaluru ready to drink sewage water?
- Fire that raged in Bellandur lakebed caught everyone’s attention – but there were all indications that this was coming. How? Read: More money to sweep, less for garbage collection
- A guide on: BBMP notice to commercial units in residential areas
- Nallurahalli says, ‘enough is enough’: Whitefield residents rise in protest
- Residents and NGO ask people to join hands to stop commercialising of residential areas in Bengaluru
Walking in Bengaluru
With roads and footpaths increasingly being dedicated for vehicles and parking, pedestrians have a tough time in the city. Read:
Wildlife and nature in Bengaluru
- There’s going to be tree-loss in the city. Read: 2244 trees to be cut for steel flyover and road widening
- If you are a wildlife enthusiast, this feature if for you: Rock Eagle Owls of the NICE Road
- Bengaluru lost a wildlife activist. Who was it? Read: The man who made Bengaluru proud through wildlife activism
For nostalgic weekends
- Do you want to go back to good old days when you used to listen to radio? Here’s a column for radio programmes involving various communities, produced by Radio Active 90.4 MHz – The Radio Active Column
- If you haven’t visited Republic Day Flower Show, take a look at the Lalbagh flower show here.
- Every year we get interns from various universities around the world. Read what our newest intern, Pierre De Masse, has to say about Bengaluru’s citizens.
- Read: Vijayanagara Vaibhava to be recreated on streets of Bengaluru
- What’s up in Bengaluru? Check our events section.
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- We are funded by you – the reader. Support Oorvani Foundation, to support us.
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Thank you for your time!
Until next week,
Shree D N
Associate Editor
Oorvani Foundation