Ever since the scheme of adult franchise was introduced in place of the Sau nu Mandal (Committee of 100), the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) elections have degenerated into a farce. Today in the BPP we have only two factions, the majority and minority, both determined to defeat the other in each and every matter. Ultimately this causes hesitation amongst donors and the flow of donations has dried up, while the trust’s litigation costs keep mounting. The BPP does not think twice about this cost, even whilst the staff do not get their salary on time and beneficiaries, their doles.
Even in the past there were differences among the trustees. But now, abuse, physical fights and personal attacks are routine in meetings, with trustees running to the Charity Commissioner or the High Court.
Until such groupism, favoritism and vindictiveness continue, nothing will change. Who is the sufferer? The community, particularly its needy members. Did our ancestors set up the BPP to end up like this? HOMI DALAL
homeedalal@gmail.com
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