MID TERM REVIEW MEETING RESA MEETING

1. Plan for Stage II 2nd April, 2009 RAJESH KUMAR, CUTS INTERNATIONAL MID TERM REVIEW MEETINGRESA MEETING

2. Presentation outline • Implementation of GIMs • Overview of GIMs I • Identification of systematic issues • Strategy for GIM - Phase II • Way Forward

3. Implementation of GIMs • Sensitise the grassroots consumers • Presentations in local language • Circulation of vernacular handouts • Participation on behalf of utility officers • Feedback received from the participants • Link between phase I and phase II meetings

4. Highlights of GIM I • Adequate consumer participation • Conducted large number of GIMs in Rajasthan • Active support of regulatory bodies, local government representatives and utilities • Good media coverage • Video coverage of GIM I

5. Lowlights of GIM I • In some areas women participation was not adequate • Given the large size of population, number was inadequate • In few meetings, public representatives could not participate actively because of election process • Poor photography in a few cases

6. Systemic problems • Systemic problems of consumers • Classification of the problems • Action to be taken • What are the possible solutions? • Follow up actions with policy makers/regulators

7. Key systemic problems • Poor quality of supply • Poor metering and billing • Ineffective complaint redressal mechanism • Poor initiatives for consumer education and awareness • Corruption

8. Strategy for GIMs II • Time/date of meetings • Sessions/contents • Resource persons • Answers to the systematic problems (GIM I) • Place of meetings • Mobilization of consumers who attended GIM I • Participation of public representatives

9. WAY FORWARD • Improved communication channels between consumers and local utility representative • Consumer empowerment though improved complaint redressal mechanism • How to continue the dialog process among stakeholders • Replicate the model in other areas

10. Thank Yourk2@cuts.org; www.cuts-international.org