Tree plantation in Pragati Apartments

Saturday was the day of tree plantation in Pragati Apartments. This was not the first time but this time peoples' representatives were also present - MLA Shri Malaram Gangwal and Municipal Councilor Shri Harish.

CLICK to see two earlier posts:
DEVELOPMENT OF PARKS
PARWA PLANTS TREES

I will once again impress upon the residents that each resident is duty bound to protect the parks and trees planted in the parks. They should ensure that no harm is done to parks.

For more photos contact me at 9810073862.

Don’t waste natural resources

Residents of Pragati Apartments are educated people. It will not be proper for me to advise them that it is the duty of each citizen to conserve natural resources, and to ensure that no resource is wasted. But I will like to give some suggestions.

Residents switch on lights in staircases. As they are not being charged for power consumed in this, many lights are kept on even after there is sufficient day light. I suggest that the lights should be switched off as soon as daylight is there. Also, if lights are switched on only in first and top floor, there will be sufficient light in ground and second floor. This way we can save 50% power.

Switch off lights and fans inside the rooms when no one is in the rooms. Replace bulbs and TFL with CFL. Water heaters should not be kept switched on for longer periods. Same should be for ACs. Remember power saved is power generated.

Water is another natural resource which is being wasted. Leaking water tanks should be repaired. Water pumps should not be kept running for longer periods. Some residents wash their cars and water their plants with running water. This is wrong.

My next suggestion is for PARWA EC. An awareness week should be organized by PARWA EC on conservation of natural resources. Competitions for children – painting, poems and small stories. Competition for younger people – debate on conservation of natural resources. Kids marching inside Pragati Apartments displaying banners.

Slideshow - Roses

There are many parks in Pragati Apartments but no flowers. Enjoy the flowers in my slideshow.

Recent decision of PARWA EC lacks logic

A resident told me that one of his relatives came to visit him and brought a package weighing 21 Kg. His car was stopped at the gate and was not allowed in by security guards under instructions from PARWA EC. A doctor was also stopped at the gate who came to attent a patient in the apartments. When I asked the guard in the morning I was told that they have been instructed to stop the residents also at the gate if they are travelling in a car not having PARWA sticker. I wanted to see these instruction but only oral instructions have been given. Now the questions arise:
a) Who in PARWA EC gave these instructions to security guards?
b) Why these instructions were not given in writing?
c) In which EC meeting these instructions were finalized and do these instructions form a part of recorded minutes?

I have number of times discussed this issue with President and Secretary but they seem to have closed minds. Every action taken by PARWA EC should have some reasons and a result of the problem solving. What are the reasons for this action and what is the problem PARWA EC is trying to solve. If I remember correctly the problem was that some cars are kept parked inside Pragati Apartments for longer periods extending to few days and weeks and some even for months. But the action taken by PARWA EC as described above is not the solution for this problem. These cars are still parked inside but other residents and their guests are being inconvenienced or even being insulted.

I have number of times proposed that any instruction given to security guards and any other employee should be in writing after being authorized by PARWA EC. I have even volunteered to give proper training to security guards and other other employees on the instructions, but as I said earlier both President and Secretary seem to have closed minds on this.

I am afraid that this illogical decision of PARWA EC might result in some untoward incident some day. President and Secretary should immediately document proper instructions, get them approved by PARWA EC, organize training of security guards on these instructions and display the instructions prominently at the gate.

Elders should learn from children

Few days back large scale trimming of trees was done in the park in Group 'C' of Pragati Apartments. A child has been hurt by this intentional harm done to the trees. To express his/her hurt and to register a protest, the child has drawn a painting and pasted it on the feeder piller. Today morning I saw that painting. Child says - "Save trees" and "Please do not cut trees". Elder residents of the apartments should learn from this child. The child has not given his/her name but the hurt is visible. I took a photo and sharing it with you. HAS THE MESSAGE GONE ACROSS !!!

Few months back I pasted a notice on the same feeder piller requesting residents not to throw garbage near thec piller. But no resident took any notice of the notice. They continue throwing garbage near the piller, in the park and wherever they like. It is a free country for them. Who will know their rights more then them as they are all educated people.

ADDED ON 29.03.2010

A child asks people "not to pollute" and "save water".

सुन्दर काण्ड का पाठ - कुछ वीडियो

श्री राम नवमी - सुन्दर काण्ड पाठ एवं संकीर्तन

आज श्री राम नवमी के पावन दिवस पर प्रगति अपार्टमेंट्स में सुन्दर काण्ड पाठ और भगवन्नाम संकीर्तन का आयोजन किया गया. यह आयोजन महिला संकीर्तन मंडल ने किया. सेन्ट्रल पार्क में बना यह रंगों का पंडाल अद्भुत लग रहा था. सारा आयोजन बहुत ही कुशल रूप से ब्यवस्थित था. मैंने प्रगति अपार्टमेंट्स में अनेक इस प्रकार के आयोजन देखे हैं, जिन में कोई न कोई कमी रहती ही है. लेकिन महिलाओं द्वारा आयोजित इस आयोजन में किसी प्रकार की कोई कमी नहीं थी. सब कुछ बहुत प्रोफेशनल तरीके से किया गया था. मैं तो बहुत ही प्रभावित हुआ.

पार्वा कार्यकारिणी के सदस्यों को इन महिलाओं से ट्रेनिंग लेनी चाहिए. उन के द्वारा आयोजित कार्यक्रमों में काम करने वाले कम और गलतियां निकालने वाले ज्यादा होते हैं. इस आयोजन में सब से महत्वपूर्ण बात यह थी की यह आयोजन ठीक समय पर प्राताम्भ हो गया था. सब महिलाएं अपनी जिम्मेदारियां पूरी तरह निभा रही थीं. एक महिला सबको पानी पिला रही थीं और साफ़-सफाई का ध्यान रख रही थीं. एक महिला हर आगंतुक को तिलक लगा रही थीं, कलाबा बाँध रही थीं और प्रसाद दे रही थीं. सुन्दर काण्ड का पाठ बहुत ही मधुर और मन को प्रसन्न करने वाला था. बीच में कुछ भजन भी गाये जा रहे थे. इन भजनों को लिखित रूप में महिलाओं को दिया गया था.

सुन्दर काण्ड का पाठ समाप्त होने पर भजन कार्यक्रम प्रारम्भ हुआ. कुछ महिलायें प्रसाद वितरण की तैयारी करने लगीं. सारांश में मैं यही कहूँगा कि इतना व्यवस्थित और सुचारू रूप से किया गया आयोजन मैंने प्रगति अपार्टमेंट्स में पहली बार देखा. बहुत अच्छा लगा.

Development of parks in Pragati Apartments

Horticulture Department is developing three parks in Paragati Apartments. PARWA is playing an important role in this development project. Mitti and fertilizer has been brought and is being spread in the parks. Some saplings and flower pots have also been brought for planting in the parks. If every thing goes OK then soon the resident of Pragati Apartments will enjoy the green environment within the complex.

Parks in Delhi are a very important part of peoples' lives. We are fortunate that our apartment has 13 parks, three of them being quite spacious. Residents need not go outside the apartments for spending their mornings and evenings. This is especially important for children, ladies and senior citizens.

Once these parks are fully developed, responsibility of the residents will increase. Each resident will have to ensure that parks are properly maintained and nothing is done to harm the trees, plants, flowers, grass and boundary walls of the parks. They will have to be especially vigilant that no body throws any garbage in the parks, and children/young people do not play cricket or football which damages the grass and constitute risk for other persons and surroundings.

PARWA will be closely monitoring the progress of this development project. Suggestions of residents are welcome for coordinating with horticulture personnel.

RESTRICT TERM OF PARWA EC OFFICE BEARERS

Yesterday I received a copy of the Modified Bye-laws 2010 of PARWA.

Presently PARWA Bye-laws do not put any restriction on the number of terms a resident can become office bearer of PARWA EC. If you look at the board in PARWA office where names of office bearers are written, you will find some names repeated many times. While it may be a matter of pride for these members, it conveys a disappointing message that only few members come forward to manage the affairs of the apartments.

Over the years, this has compromised the effectiveness and efficiency PARWA EC as things become monotonous for same people being elected to PARWA EC every year. It prevents benefits of new ideas and new resources to be utilized for welfare of residents. It also creates situations where office bearers develop vested interests.

I suggest that number of terms should be restricted to TWO. No resident should be allowed to serve on the same post for more than two times. It will require an amendment in PARWA Bye-laws. As it will take lot of time, PARWA GB can take a decision and advise its members that they should not file their nomination in coming election if they have served on PARWA EC in the same post for two or more times. At the same time exercise to amend the Bye-laws can be started.

Is it ignorance or deliberate?

I have now received minutes of Security Sub-committee which met on 07 February 2010. It has surprised me because my name is not there in the list of participants. Secretary PARWA EC must explain to me as to why my name has not been mentioned in the list. IS IT IGNORANCE OR DELIBERATE?

As pointed in my post "Is PARWA EC superior to PARWA GB?" I have observed that minutes of sub-committee have been wrongly recorded. PARWA EC had also changed the decision of Security Sub-committee without recording any justification. PARWA EC decision of raising Rs. 50 to Rs 200 per month is violation of the decision of PARWA GB.
CLICK TO READ THE POST

Decision of Security Sub-committee -
"For residents having more than one vehicle (four wheelers), second slot will be allotted to them in their respective groups by lottery. The residents will have to pay Rs. 50/= per month per second car and subsequent ones for one year."

This decision is wrongly recorded. The decision was that in Group 'C' second slot will be allotted without lottery as number of second vehicles are less than the space available. But the decision as recorded has made lottery in Group 'C' also a condition.

The mistake in recording the decision should be corrected.

PARWA EC should provide justification for raising amount to be paid for second vehicle from Rs. 50/= to Rs. 200/=, and how this amount will be spent on security of the second vehicle.

PARWA EC should also explain how it has decided to raise this amount to Rs. 200/= when it was the decision of PARWA GB to charge Rs. 50/= for each additional vehicle.

Another point I will like to mention here is that PARWA EC should alson explain the authority it has for charging Rs. 50/= from car owners who will park their cars outside Pragati Apartments Gate No. 1. I am afraid that PARWA EC is collecting money from its members which it is not authorized to collect.

IS PARWA EXPLOITING SECURITY GUARDS, GARDNER & SWEEPERS?

Today there is a news in TOI about the decision of Delhi Govt for 33% hike in minimum wages. When I read this news, a thought struck me whether PARWA is ensuring that security guards, gardeners and sweepers employed by it are paid minimum wages as prescribed by the Government and are provided facilities as required by the law. In fact I have already been feeling uneasy after the heated arguments between vice-president and secretary on the issue of appointment of and alleged favourtism for some security guards by some PARWA office bearers. This incident happened immediately after the last meeting of Security Sub-cimmittee. The result of these arguments was that a security guard lost his job. This security guard had been with PARWA for last more than 15 years.

I am posting the news here and draw attention of PARWA EC members to immediately get it legally examined to ensure that the association is not caught violating the law of the land. It is also to be ensured that proper appointment letters are issued to PARWA employees in which all terms and conditions of their appointment are detailed. I would suggest that a personal file should be maintained for each employee.

PARWA employees are a part of PARWA Family. They should be be paid at least minimum wages and should be given all facilities as per concerned laws, such as, PF, medical facilities, leaves and overtime at double the rate.

I am sending a copy of this post to President PARWA in the form of a letter. I will keep informing the residents about the progress on this issue.

Holi Milan March 2010

Holika Dahan Video

Holika Dahan

Like every year, residents of Pragati Apartments took part in Holika Dahan on 28 February 2010. The event was organized by PARWA EC, or I should say PARWA oeganized it in an disorganized manner. In the circular issued, time was mentioned as 0700 PM. On the notice board near PARWA office, time was mentioned as 0730 PM. At 0715 PM, PARWA EC Office bearers arrived and dtarted struggling with the central light in the central park which was not ON. Fortunately it was fixed by 0735 PM.

The event started by 0800 PM. I have never seen such a dull Holika Dahan in Pragati Apartments ever. I have taken some photos and also made a video. As there was insufficient light, the background in photos and vodeo both is dark. Sorry.

Is PARWA EC superior to PARWA GB?

I have just now received a circular issued by General Secretary and President of PARWA. The circular is dated 26.02.2010 but signed by the President on 27.02.2010. Circular is addressed to the Residents. PARWA has a membership and all residents are not its members as many residents have not paid the subscription. This is a very important issue and following should be immediately decided by PARWA EC and PARWA GB:
a) Who is a bona fide member of PARWA?
b) Should PARWA extend its services to those residents who are not members of PARWA?

Prior to this EC meeting, meeting of Security Sub-committee was held, in which many decisions regarding parking and security were taken. I attended that meeting as an invitee. But till date I have not received its minutes. Many decisions referred to in this circular as decisions of PARWA EC are contrary to the decisions of the sub-committee. All PARWA EC members were present in the sub-committee meeting. They had taken those decisions but when they sit again without invitees then they change those decisions. PARWA EC members have insulted the invitees who have spent their time to provide a helping hand to PARWA EC in providing better services to PARWA members.

PARWA is an Association of residents of Pragati Apartments who as PARWA members have elected some members amongst themselves as their representatives mandated to install various welfare measures. But by doing so PARWA members have not surrendered their right to advise PARWA EC on any welfare measure. PARWA EC members should respect such advice.

As an example - the decision of Security Sub-committee was Rs. 50 per month for second slot. It was further decided that un-allotted slots in Group C will be allotted to PARWA members residing in Group C flats. Remaining slots will be allotted to members residing in Group A and B flats through draw of lots. PARWA EC should have informed in the circular the reasons and justification for changing the decision of Security Sub-committee. Moreover by increasing this fee four times, PARWA EC had also changed the decision of PARWA GB, thereby exceeding its brief and acting as a body superior to PARWA GB.

My experience as member of PARWA EC has been very disappointing. PARWA EC is not a team but a group of people working against each other and to serve their own personal agenda. Such a body can not do the expected welfare work for the members of PARWA. There is no discipline, there is no professionalism in working. This indiscipline flows down to security guards, safai-karmcharis and malis. All this has left no alternative before me but to resign from the membership of PARWA EC. It is a sad commentary that PARWA EC has not taken any action to elect/nominate another member from the block in my place.

In few months, PARWA members will be called upon to elect new PARWA EC. Efforts should be initiated to elect such members to PARWA EC who are fair, transparent, professional and have a sense of trusteeship. Younger people should be encouraged to come forward to become members of PARWA EC.

The decision of PARWA EC (increasing fee for second slot from Rs 50 to Rs. 200) to change the decision of PARWA GB should be kept in abeyance. PARWA GB should call the explanation of PARWA EC.

Leaking tank replaced but water is still leaking

I had posted a video of leaking water tank on the roof of Pump House in Pragati Apartments. CLICK TO SEE.

Leaking tank has been replaced, but the water is still leaking.

Dogs menace in Pragati Apartments

Read this news. Do you recollect that a similar incident happened in Pragati Apartments. The difference was that the maid here silently suffered the pain of dog bite. No resident, even her employer, came to her help.

A resident complains about PARWA on parking

A resident aggrieved by no action by PARWA hasmade the following complaint:

"You have taken a very good initiative to allot space for parking of cars of the residents of Pragati Apartments. Kudos to you, but its really unfortunate that none of the so called educated inmates of our apartments have the basic sense to use the space allotted to them ONLY and park their cars in the space vacant near their flat when they come back from office / elsewhere.

I had already mailed you that though the space for car park has been allotted to everyone for ONE Car, the space that has to be allotted to us [Flat No: 346]has not yet been marked and a couple of weeks back, on a Sunday while we were going out, saw the marking being done for the flats at the main entrance and my son went and told the person who was guiding the marking regarding our space having not been marked and till now, even after nearly 18 days, it is still unmarked and our space is being used by the flat ownder of 347 to park his two wheeler whereas two wheelers have to be parked at the garage provided for every flat.

I request you to kindly take immediate action of marking of the space provided to us for parking of car and take stern action against those who park their cars in others' slots and also park their two wheelers in the space provided for car parking.

I regret to inform you that, Sir, till such time, I will not be paying the maintenance charges of PARWA, which I have never done in the last TEN Years of our stay at Pragati Apartments, but I have no other choice.

So, kindly take necessary action immediately."

Jal Board water tank leaking - is anybody bothered?

Have you noticed the water tank kept by Jal Board on the roof of the pump house? Earlier it used to overflow wasting lot of water. Now there is a hole in the tank through which lot of water is coming out. I have brought it to the notice of the Jal Board staff on duty in the pump house but he did not seem to be bothered by it. He simply refused to accept that it is his responsibility to get the water tank changed to prevent wastage of water. Then I brought it to the notice of PARWA Gen Secretary. Many residents have also complained to PARWA EC. But the problem remains. No body seems to bothered about it even when they know that they are paying for this wasted water and now will pay on increased rates.

I have made a video. As I have to make it from the above it is not very clear but you can easily see water gushing out of the hole in tank and also collected on the ground floor making a pool there.

Republic Day - More videos