KOCHI: Setting an example to other local bodies, the Kochi Corporation is coming up with a novel project to create a direct link between the civic body and civil society. Named 'Cochin First', the project will have four major components to start with and will be an open-ended evolving concept. The major elements of this concept are knowledge initiative, infrastructure, social outreach and art and culture. “The major aim of decentralised planning is to bring civilians into the planning process. However, we have noticed that there is a massive communication gap that has been built up between the Corporation and other sections of society over time. The general public has a lot to offer in terms of knowledge, finance and social support, but there is no formalised mechanism by which society can connect with the Corporation. This is where the concept of Cochin First comes in,” Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany told City Express. Initially, a dedicated Cochin First team will be set up at the Corporation consisting of officials who will coordinate the activities. “Cochin First' will have a suitably represented monitoring mechanism and will be subjected to yearly performance audit. There will be a yearly review of how the initiative has shaped up and what it can and should do in the future. It will have a corporate approach in handling issues and will use communication means like website, blogs, social networking sites and newsletters,” the Mayor added.Knowledge InitiativeThe 'Cochin First' partners will form different task forces that concentrate on various aspects of civic administration. For instance, environment task force will concentrate on improving green coverage of city, parks and beautification while sanitation task force will focus on issues related with solid waste management. Task forces will be formed for sectors like services and infrastructure. Each task force will be led by experienced organisations. For example, an organisation like IMA is ideal for leading the task force on training. The public will have the right to modify the task forces and create new ones to deal with specific issues. Infrastructure Projects identified by the Council or the task forces will be converted into specific detailed project reports (DPR) and made available for public participation. For instance, if CII wants to develop a park in Kochi, it can approach us with a project under 'Cochin First'. An agreement will be signed between the Corporation and the organisation and necessary clearances will be expedited by the Corporation in a time-bound manner. The funds for the project need not be transferred to the Corporation and the civic body will only ensure that it is being executed as per a mutually agreed design and specifications.Social Outreach'Cochin First' Sahayam Initiative: In this component the Corporation will be acting as a link between needy elements of society in sectors like medical help, scholarships, sponsorships for students and old-age issues. For instance, if a patient is registering with the Corporation for medical help, after analysing the preliminary details, the civic body will link the patient with the hospital which is Corporation’s Cochin First partner. Art and CultureUnder this, the Corporation mainly aims at strengthening its involvement in the art and culture scene and take up activities which promote specific components like theatre and folk art.
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