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

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 You