Since the launch of GG radio
program in 2000, listeners have supported it by
spontaneously forming Good Governance Clubs (GGCs).
The objectives, contents and mode of presentation
of the radio program have captivated the minds of
people ranging form 18 to 70 years. Majority of
them are educated, socially recognized and sensitive
to social concerns. The GGP has developed a statute
to regulate GGCs with a mandatory provision of having
at least seven members with gender balance. However,
up to 63 members can be found involved in one single
club. There are three types of clubs, viz.general,
women-led and government official’s GGCs.
After fulfilling the basic criteria, the clubs are
registered at the GGP and they are provided with
affiliation certificates by the GGP, Pro Public.
After registration, the clubs regularly receive
GG publications and other trainings.
More than 5,100 GGCs with 47,000 plus members have
been formed throughout the country. The GGCs have
proved to be a good network to reach the grassroots
level. The clubs organize activities at local level,
which are reflected in the GG publications and in
national and local level newspapers. Their activities
include publication of bulletins and wallpapers,
visits to local authorities, awareness campaigns,
peace campaign/rally, interaction programs, public
hearings, trainings, scholarships to school students,
anti-corruption rallies, civic monitoring of the
local government officers, market monitoring, filing
of complaints against irregularities and writing
complaint letters to the Commission for the Investigation
of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), Chief District Officer
(CDO) and other concerned authorities. They have
now emerged as a force to be reckoned with. By mobilizing
limited means and resources at their disposal, the
clubs conduct programs to raise a united public
voice against corruption. The GGCs have also promoted
a sense of “Why Culture” and “Zero
Tolerance” against irregularities. These clubs,
fired with a passion of doing something concrete
for the larger interests of the nation, have established
themselves as GG watchdogs. “Why Culture”,
the first of its kind in the country, has developed
the culture of grilling authorities for irregularities.
The people no longer find themselves at the receiving
end. The submissive way of thinking in terms of
“What’s the point in speaking?”
is now slowly changing to “Everything is possible
if you work”.
Although the positive changes of the program on
local people are difficult to be presented statistically,
people are getting more aware of their democratic
rights. The populace firmly standing against corruption
is on the rise, and the contents aired through the
radio program have contributed towards this end.
The GGC District Coordination Committees have also
been formed at district levels. So far 50 such committees
have already been formed. Youth have gained self-confidence.
Thousands of letters
received from the listeners prove that the radio
program has been taken as catalyst for change in
society. The program has helped people understand
the importance of rule of law, transparency, accountability,
people’s participation, human rights and Basic
Operating Guidelines (BOG). The clubs are receiving
financial and material aid from the local citizens
as well as local government authorities and INGOs
working at the local level. The GGP also provides
some seed money as a local action fund to GGCs in
terms of their performance.
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