myDemSoc is rooted in the belief that citizen participation in governance in a democratic process is the key to solving problems of society. Citizens do so by regularly petitioning the government individually and as a community on local issues that deserve attention and action from politicians and administrators. LokMantra is founded on the principal that participation of citizens in their community affairs through petition, suggestion and constructive engagement shall make Indian democracy stronger and political leaders more engaged and accountable.This will in turn bring an overall improvement in governance through raised awareness, constructive communication and problem solving approach.Stronger democracy is precisely such engagement of citizenry in affairs of state for improvement of our common lot.

myDemSoc is a unique experiement with a pilot project launched in Chandigarh in fall 2009. myDemSoc uses mobile phones, SMS text, mobile phone retailers, phone and internet kiosks as well as home internet as the contact and interaction points for ordinary citizens for engagement with government and representatives. Uniqueness of myDemSoc lies in the fact that even the illiterate and poor can take their voice public and make their opinions heard through this network. Through a scheme of incentives for the front line volunteers, merchants and students, myDemSoc shall engage millions whose voice is never heard and give them a strong voice resonant in corridoors of power. This voice, once raised through mydemSoc and LokMantra shall become a matter of record, never to be erased or ignored again. Media, civil society and alert citizens can hold the political class accountable once citizenry starts participating in its own governance through myDemSoc.

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The issues of absence of basic utilities like clean water, public toilets, electricity, issues of pollution, unemployment, of land grabs, of education, of sports, of health care, of culture, of law and order, of housing that really impact our lives each day need real, practical, innovative solutions.

Despite the painfully obvious need for change and inspite of availability of resources as well as human capital from civil society, change has been absent or slow in coming.

We believe that it is because society at large is disengaged from the democratic process of governance. Lokmantra focuses on bringing about greater constructive participation at all levels in the democratic process at all times and all levels so that real and innovative solutions can be implemented without delay when need is great and urgent.

We believe that all of our problems can be solved through democratic participation. We believe democracy is more than a vote. It is a daily process and it needs nurturing, participating, active rearing. Truly participatory democratic institutions that can bring together politicians and administration on one hand, civil society and general public on the other in a regular constructive dialogue and partnership is the greatest need of the hour. At any given time dozens of initiatives – government, private, NGO driven are underway in Chandigarh. Their impact can be multiplied manifold if the motivations, experiences, lessons, successes and failures of these initiatives are shared regularly.

At LokMantra we will try to involve as many people as possible in a positive, respectful, constructive democratic exercise. We will not criticise anyone and refrain from negativity. We will take the ideas, suggestions, policies and vision of many, through LokMantra to the elected representatives and help define an agenda for change.

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A new participatory democratic excercise for taking charge of our lives.

LokMantra: A Better Democracy through Participation and Accountability

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