Citizen Matters

India is one of the largest democracies in the world. There are multiple tools available that let citizens take charge by participating in decision-making and challenging corrupt and arbitrary actions at all levels. One of the simplest is to file applications on issues to the relevant authority and follow up with RTIs to reach a resolution.

After the approval of the National e-Governance Plan in 2006, the government launched a series of projects in various sectors to help the common man access a multitude of e-governance services from the comfort of his home.

Making a last will and testament is extremely crucial to safeguard the interests and wellbeing of your family. This free online tool helps you do just that.

Across India, in different cities, people of different ages come together every Sunday to contribute their efforts (shramdaan) towards keeping the environment clean. Here's How you can join in too!

Sometimes, all it takes is the first step. And this community in Bangalore is telling people exactly how to do that through various initiatives that educate, reach out, help and inspire.

Now this is called taking matters into your own hands. Ludhiana was tagged as "the most polluted city in the country". To get rid of this tag, the residents of the city started a tree plantation drive, managing to plant around 1.5 lakh saplings within an hour! The interesting thing is - they might get their name in the Guinness book of World Records for this. Know more about the initiative and how they did it.

At an age when most children are interested in their toys and gadgets, these kids from slums in Bhubaneshwar are dealing with real life problems and have clear thoughts on what they want from their elected leaders. What's more, they have also drawn up a manifesto for their demands! Find out what they want and what the politicians think.

Change is possible only if each of us accepts our responsibilities and it gets even better when your entire community is willing to support and stand by you. The idea of harnessing the power of gated communities may not seem like much, but the change it has wrought in the lives of 1000-odd families in this apartment complex is indeed remarkable.

A great citizens' initiative in Varanasi is trying to awaken a sense of civic awareness among the residents and tourists, and taking steps to bring local issues to the notice of the authorities in charge. This is 'Jago Banaras' - and it would be so easy to implement it in your city or neighbourhood as well!