December | 2019 | | Citizen Matters

Elections, Kashmir, environment and citizens: 12 stories from the 12 months gone by

December 31, 2019 Satarupa Sen Bhattacharya

As we come to the end of the year, a look at some of the most topical, important and appreciated stories of 2019.

Heavy hearts, angry questions as Mumbai prepares to phase out double-decker buses

December 26, 2019 Hepzi Anthony

Running the iconic and popular double decker buses is economically unviable, says BEST. Activists, however, question the transport utility’s myopic approach and the wisdom of phasing out a service that holds such a special place in the hearts of Mumbaikars.

Simple tips for citizens to ensure safe journeys

December 24, 2019 Vijay Bagaria

Earlier this year, the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act 2019 was passed with a view to strengthening road safety. Despite the new law and harsher penalties for violation of traffic rules, accident headlines make it to news every other day. In the end, our safety is our responsibility.

Your step-by-step guide to entering the startup world

December 23, 2019 Soumya Shekhar

What are the alternative forms of business entities that you can form as you embark on your own venture? What are the legal compliance procedures to be followed? A quick guide to questions commonly asked by aspiring or new entrepreneurs

What is Section 144 and why is it being used against protesters across the nation?

December 21, 2019 Revathi Siva Kumar

Over the past one year, public assemblies and movement in cities have been restricted on multiple occasions by invoking Section 144 of the CrPC. Now that the same is being used to stall protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, a look at what the law actually says.

Why fishermen in suburban Mumbai find their catch shrinking steadily

December 19, 2019 Subuhi Jiwani/PARI

Many in Versova Koliwada have a story to tell of dwindling fish – the reasons range from local-level pollution to global-scale warming. Both have combined to bring the impact of climate change to the city’s shores.

What Chandigarh could learn from Panchkula’s successful innovations in cycle-sharing

December 18, 2019 Raj Machhan

Despite attempts, the Chandigarh administration has been unable to popularise cycles as a preferred mode of transport among people. Neighbouring Panchkula on the other hand has clocked 76000 rides in just two months since November. What did it do right?

Explained: Should you read the CAA in conjunction with the proposed NRC?

December 17, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

With the Citizenship Amendment Act passed and the looming possibility of a nationwide NRC, the country is on the boil. Is the CAA really discriminatory? What does it say about Indian Muslims? Is it linked with the NRC, and is it right to conflate the two? Know the facts and decide for yourself.

Bulk of Dehradun’s e-waste ends up with unauthorised recyclers; here’s why

December 13, 2019 Rishabh Shrivastava

A majority of citizens and traders dealing in electronic items have never heard of e-waste management rules or extended producer responsibility. Where does the city’s large quantum of electronic waste go then?

Delhi fire tragedy a grim reminder of the city’s 32000+ child labourers

December 12, 2019 Oommen C Kurian

Between 2011 and 2017, child workers under the age of 14 increased from a little over 2000 to 32,330 — 41% of them Dalit and 55% Muslim. Now with the recent fire at Anaj Mandi claiming several such young lives, will the Delhi government sit up and act on this mounting problem?

Why many migrant waste-pickers stayed back in Srinagar despite fears and uncertainty

December 11, 2019 Abid Bashir Wani

Hospitable, caring and offering opportunities for a decent living — that is how most of them see the city. Thus, despite the tension and reports of attacks on non-Kashmiris in the days following the abrogation of Article 370, they decided to stay put. And they have not regretted it.

How to claim health insurance benefits successfully from multiple policies

December 10, 2019 Anuj Jindal

Many of us have multiple health insurance policies but we rarely consider using them together to maximise claims following a treatment. Yet, all it takes is just four informed steps.

Shimla city administration on alert even as tourists count days to snowfall

December 9, 2019 Ashwani Sharma

Shimla is one of those destinations that hold an irresistible appeal for tourists who wish to savour the charm of snowfall in India. Yet, every year, snow brings with it its own share of problems for the city and its people. Here’s how they are gearing up for it this winter.

“Home is the safest place”: Pune transwomen recount experiences in public spaces

December 9, 2019 Amla Pisharody

On Trans Remembrance Day, Pune’s transwomen gathered to remember those who lost their lives to transphobia, and shared tales of the stigma, bullying, harassment and fear that they face everyday.

Safe and healthy food for children: Proposed FSSAI regulation puts the onus on schools

December 6, 2019 Surabhi Soral

Draft regulation, now being finalised, says schools must take concrete steps to ensure that only healthy food is served on campuses. No food categorised as HFSS (high in fats, sugar and salt) may be offered or sold within 50 m of a school campus.

Bhopal closes controversial abattoir, but no sight of alternative yet

December 5, 2019 Shuriah Niazi

As a result, both man and animal have been hit hard and the likelihood of illegal slaughter has also risen. Political wrangling, however, makes it appear improbable that the problem will be resolved soon.

Farmers most vulnerable to climate change, doctors the least: Guwahati study

December 4, 2019 Sahana Ghosh

A livelihood vulnerability study conducted in Guwahati, Assam, finds that farmers are the most sensitive to climate change, followed by drivers and street food sellers in the urban setting.

Gurgaon Rapid Metro: A public project for private gain

December 3, 2019 Sri Krishna

Senior IAS officer Ashok Khemka’s scathing letter to the state government called attention to the irregularities in the Gurugram Rapid Metro project and how a select few real estate companies have profited from it. A look at the details

Despite CM Uddhav Thackeray’s support, fight to save Aarey far from over

December 2, 2019 Hepzi Anthony

Shortly after taking charge, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray announced a stay on the metro car shed project in the forest land, but that is just one of the many projects planned. Some of these are even known to have enjoyed Shiv Sena support in the past. What, then, could be the future of Aarey?