Articles by Meera K

Citizens in JP Nagar and BTM Layout have been rankled recently when red colour signs showed up on compound walls and entrances of homes and shops. The signs indicated that 7-8 metres of their property is going to acquired for yet another roadwidening project.Last month, the BBMP decided it was going to widen the 14.5 kms-stretch from Silkboard (Hosur Road) through BTM Layout and JP Nagar to Mysore Road.Do not miss our exclusive story for more on this and what citizens and shopkeepers are doing to protect their interests. What will happen over the next few months is unclear, but…

Two weeks ago, on a Saturday afternoon as another hectic week at Citizen Matters had wound down, we received a phone call from one Mr G (name held back) asking us whether we could distribute the Citizen Matters print magazine in the Vijaynagar area of the city. He spoke in fluent Kannada and English, and from his voice it seemed he was in his late forties. At first it was not clear why we must take him seriously, since the only thing he would give away about himself was a first name, and that he was an ‘IT consultant’.Let’s cut…

Two weeks ago, on a Saturday afternoon as another hectic week at Citizen Matters had wound down, we received a phone call from one Mr G (name held back) asking us whether we could distribute the Citizen Matters print magazine in the Vijaynagar area of the city. He spoke in fluent Kannada and English, and from his voice it seemed he was in his late forties. At first it was not clear why we must take him seriously, since the only thing he would give away about himself was a first name, and that he was an ‘IT consultant’.Let’s cut…

Around 18 years ago, a piece of paper carried the following sprited words, as a reasoned explanation for a series of amendments to a hallowed document. Here's how the words read: "In  many  States  local  bodies have become weak  and  ineffective  on account of a variety of reasons, including the failure to hold regular elections, prolonged supersessions and inadequate devolution of powers and  functions.   As  a  result, Urban Local Bodies are  not  able  to perform effectively as vibrant democratic units of self-government."Recognise Bengaluru in the situation there? The hallowed document is our Constitution and the words in the quote above…

Around 18 years ago, a piece of paper carried the following sprited words, as a reasoned explanation for a series of amendments to a hallowed document. Here's how the words read: "In  many  States  local  bodies have become weak  and  ineffective  on account of a variety of reasons, including the failure to hold regular elections, prolonged supersessions and inadequate devolution of powers and  functions.   As  a  result, Urban Local Bodies are  not  able  to perform effectively as vibrant democratic units of self-government."Recognise Bengaluru in the situation there? The hallowed document is our Constitution and the words in the quote above…

Getting a dog many years back was the last straw that made our family stop buying crackers once and for all. The dog was a hyper-sensitive creature who stood trembling through out the days and nights of Diwali; Any sound of crackers was enough to get her tense and get her heart racing. She would not even eat for days. I have also heard of dogs that get excited and try to grab the crackers. Dogs and other animals are many times more sensitive than ours. Once we get a pet, it is our responsibility to spare them the torture…

Getting a dog many years back was the last straw that made our family stop buying crackers once and for all. The dog was a hyper-sensitive creature who stood trembling through out the days and nights of Diwali; Any sound of crackers was enough to get her tense and get her heart racing. She would not even eat for days. I have also heard of dogs that get excited and try to grab the crackers. Dogs and other animals are many times more sensitive than ours. Once we get a pet, it is our responsibility to spare them the torture…

There is so much of disposable products in our lives. From plastic bags to diapers to pens (whatever happened to ballpoint refills - does nobody use those anymore?) For a cup of tea in a clean glass When I am outside and I feel like having some hot tea, I think twice before getting a cup. Most of our small tea shops or vending machines use plastic cups, occasionally paper cups (which do have a plastic coating).I generally ask for a glass or steel tumblers. Even if they are available, the downside is the hygiene level of the tumblers. I…

There is so much of disposable products in our lives. From plastic bags to diapers to pens (whatever happened to ballpoint refills - does nobody use those anymore?) For a cup of tea in a clean glass When I am outside and I feel like having some hot tea, I think twice before getting a cup. Most of our small tea shops or vending machines use plastic cups, occasionally paper cups (which do have a plastic coating).I generally ask for a glass or steel tumblers. Even if they are available, the downside is the hygiene level of the tumblers. I…

Now that people have sorted out voter roll/EPIC card issues (or given up on the same), the next thing to attend to is the candidates themselves. Campaigns are on full swing; But with the election commission laying down strict guidelines for the candidates, citizens are not inflicted with the usual din. However we still need to do the due diligence on who the candidate are in our constituency, whom do we vote for and on what basis? This is the information I found in the online space. From the EC's website: Election commission site (http://search.eci.gov.in/ae%5f2008e) provides info on- Party wise…