1) Natpurwa (Melli) – WAH discussion (&
vote) and yearly renewal discussion
a) Melli gave background of Natpurwa (refer
to projects page for project and funding history)
i)
Nat
community – historical profession for women is prostitution
ii) Women, though breadwinners, have little
to no control of money
iii) Vicious cycle keeps generations in the
profession
iv) Neelkamal & Guddu (cousins &
Natpurwa residents) started the project to help break the cycle
v) Also have been
involved w/Sandeep in Lalpur on right to information campaigns. Gathering momentum. Villagers are gaining confidence, and are
bolder in demanding local govt. accountability.
Things are getting done.
Interesting side effect (& sign of progress): corrupt civil servants
refuse posting in this district (i.e., they know they will be made
accountable).
b) Accounting confusions w/Natpurwa: Our
chapter’s records are not completely clear.
Also, Natpurwa doesn’t work in NGO mode, so their written records are
not complete (i.e., don’t take always notes at meetings,
early accounts were combined with other work in the area etc.).
i)
They
may have overspent last year, but don’t have the records of what was
overspent. This year, Asha-DC approved
$1500 to help offset the overspending and requested budget increases.
c) Neelkamal & Guddu help finance
marriages for girls in order to prevent them from entering the profession
d) Sirish of Asha-DC sent out a recent site
visit. Refer to webpage for details.
e) WAH: We have sent a proposal for $8,500 for WAH2006
for a set of classrooms/community meeting space. Modeled on the Asha ashram
in Lalpur. Will
be reviewed through Asha-wide next Sunday (Srini).
f) Meeting attendees felt that the
structure would be useful. They felt
that the structure and related activities should continue while the improving
of the local govt. school is investigated (can the Asha teachers go there?), as
it was likely to take a longer time.
Conversations with Natpurwa folks have indicated that they have a Lalpur
ashram type structure in mind. It would
be *very* important for the Natpurwa folks to maintain accounts as construction
progresses.
i)
WAH
2006 details: Any chapter can
propose. Should be for
non-recurring costs. Asha-wide voting process.
ii) WAH budget details for Natpurwa ashram:
Cost Break up:
1.
Registry of Land: Rs.30,000/-
2.
Construction of Mandapam : Rs.90,000/-
3.
Construction of 4 rooms : Rs. 200,000/-
4.
Construction of 1 kitchen: Rs.40,000/-
5.
Construction of lavatory and bathroom: Rs.35,000/-
6.
3 Solar panels: Rs.36,000/-
7.
Dary, Chauki, Mat, Utensil, bedding etc: Rs. 25,000/-
8.
Musical instruments for cultural activities: Rs.10,000/-
9.
Handpump: Rs.20,000/-
10.
Door and window: Rs.40,000/-
Total
Rs.: 526,000/-
iii) Voting Question: Do we approve the amount of $8535 towards
construction of classrooms/community meeting space as a WAH proposal from the
chapter? Vote:
6 Yes/ 0 No/ 1 Abstain
g) Yearly renewal: significant budget
increases from last year’s:
i)
Voting Question:
Should we continue funding Natpurwa at least at last year’s level of $4500? Vote: 5 Yes/ 0 No/ 2 Abstain
ii) Voting Question: Natpurwa has
requested an increased budget amounting to $8205, for increased salaries. Is the chapter comfortable with funding the
entire excess salaries? Vote: 0 Yes/ 5 No/2 Abstain. (budget for the
increased budget is below):
Guddu
-------Rs.72000 @6000 pm
rambabu-----RS.30000 @2500 pm
Chandralekha
Rs.30000 @2500 pm
Mamta-----------Rs.24000
@2000 pm
Sriniwas---Rs.24000
@2000 pm
Durgesh-----Rs.24000 @2000 pm
Two
new teachers RS> 24000 @1000 pm
Stationary
Rs.15000
Travelling
expeces-Rs.20000
Phone
and Internet-Rs.5000
Medicine--Rs.6000
Toys
and books ---Rs.5000
Micl.---Rs.10000
Total Amount Rs.3,61000
Postscript from Meeting Attendees: We
recognize the additional money is necessary, but we have strong reservations
about Natpurwa’s dependence on a single entity (us) for recurring expenses.
iii) Voting Question: With the current level of chapter funds, are we OK
with making an annual committement of $6500? (this
vote is tabled until Neelesh provides an update on our chapter finances)