Talk by Mr. A.N. Tiwari

Today, we had an interactive session with Mr. A.N. Tiwari, the Chief Information Commissioner of India, on the topic - Democracy, Transparency and Governance. He discussed the birth of RTI, its' role in making the government actually democratic., its importance to a common man and the various applications of it. He also answered to the queries regarding the controversies related to the RTI.

The aspects that he stressed on were the evolution of the Indian state from the age of 'oath of secrecy' administered to the cabinet ministers, to the age of RTI. He also bashed NGOs for their propaganda in accrediting the success of the NREGA to the RTI. He ended by reiterating his stand that all government files except those on a negative list.

The talk was well-attended by students from all over Delhi University.

Talk by Ms. Padma Iyer Kaul

On 17th September 2010, the Planning Forum organised a talk with Ms. Padma Iyer Kaul, Director of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India, on the topic 'India, the year ahead - challenges in policy making'. The talk was thoroughly enjoyed by one and all present. She talked about almost every aspect in the Economic of the Country. We discussed the reality of the 9.5% GDP growth we are expecting; a few terms from the Financial Dictionary; the steps India took during the crisis situation; gems and jewellery contributing the most to our exports. What led to the crisis? Some basic questions like what VAT, Reverse Repo, Repo rate, is? Also some information about the Vedanta Crisis.

Talking to bureaucrats is always the best way to know the inside working of the country, and in this context the talk with Ms. Kaul was highly encouraging. This talk was arguably the most interactive session we have ever had. Students from other colleges like SRCC, Ramjas, Hansraj were very happy to have come to attend the talk.

St. Stephen's MUN 2010 Website

The Planning Forum has created a google site for the St. Stephen's MUN 2010 for the convenience of delegates. This site contains the schedule, the rules of procedure, the councils and agendas among other things.

For the site, turn to : http://sites.google.com/site/stephensmun2010/

St. Stephen's Model United Nation (MUN)

The Planning Forum, St. Stephen’s College, is organising its National Model United Nations Convention, scheduled to take place from 24th to 27th February, 2010.

This is the third edition of the St. Stephen's Model United Nations (MUN). The procedure for the MUN is as follows:

Each participant would be a representative of a country in one of the sitting councils which would deliberate upon matters of international relevance. We believe that a platform such as this would not only allow the participants to delve deeper into various issues of global concern, but also get a better understanding of the intricacies involved in the functioning of the UN. It would also cultivate innovative thinking, articulation of thought, and forging of alliances/ partnerships.
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COUNCILS AND AGENDAS

(1) SECURITY COUNCIL

1. Situation in Pakistan
2. Outer space militarization and weaponization

(2) HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

1. Conflict Diamonds
2. Upholding and defending human rights during law enforcement procedures

(3) ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCI

1. Drug trade in Central America and its economic and social impacts
2. Post Copenhagen: Developed and Developing nations battling climate change

(4) PEACE BUILDING COMMISSION

1. Peace keeping forces in the African continent
2. Hypothetical scenario: Allocation of the peace building fund to Pakistan and Afghanistan
   

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The Model United Nations will be held at St. Stephens College. Outstation participants would be provided accommodation for the duration of the event.

For registration or any other queries, you can email us at theplanningforum@gmail.com. We hope to see you at St. Stephen’s during the MUN!

For any further information, contact:
Achala Upendran
(Secretary General)
+919873295671