Introducing the Independent People's Tribunal on the World Bank in India

For several years, local groups and grassroots organisations have been opposed to the intervention of multilateral agencies in India's economy and development. At various stages, there has been strong project-based opposition to the World Bank in different parts of the country. Consequently, in the last few years the Bank has modified its lending patterns, concentrating more on policy-based lending, as against project-based lending.
The retrogressive impact of the Bank's intervention is being felt throughout the country by almost all marginal and impoverished sections of society. Given the scale of damage, many groups have come together to organise a People's Tribunal on the Impact of the World Bank Group in India.

The purpose behind the Tribunal is to provide a just forum for people who have suffered because of projects and policies funded or promoted by the World Bank Group. The Tribunal is an opportunity to express their grievances and propose alternatives.

The process has been formalised through several consultations with groups, individuals and organizations in various parts of the country. At the National Consultation on Housing and the Urban Poor held in Mumbai in October 2005, where over two hundred groups participated, a call was issued to take the Tribunal forward.

A Tribunal of this size on the World Bank will be the first of its kind in India. The Tribunal endeavours to investigate the effects of the Bank's policies, not only sectorally, but also nationally and institutionally. Some of the key aspects that the Tribunal will look into are the Bank's impact on the sovereignty of the nation, the link with senior bureaucrats and government officials (the revolving door) and fiscal indebtedness.

We seek support from all of you who oppose neo-liberal policies and have great concern for global justice, we hope that you and the networks you are associated with will participate and endorse the Independent People's Tribunal on the Impact of the World Bank Group in India scheduled between 21 to 24 September,2007.

Please share your thoughts with us on any of the following themes or sectors:

Themes:

1. Private Sector ownership of the bank
2. World Bank as Knowledge Provider
3. Governance, Democracy and Sovereignity
4. Impact of the World Bank on Poverty and Unemployment
5. Environmental policy and legislation

Sectors:

1. Agriculture
2. Education
3. Health
4. Food Security
5. Water
6. Power
7. Forests and Fisheries
8. Judicial Reform
9. Mining
10. Toxics and industry
11. Transport
12. Urban Renewal/ Urban Poor Power

You can mail your suggestions and opinions on secretariat@worldbanktribunal.org

Visit our website: www.worldbanktribunal.org