The recent news about the cash-strapped Congress turning to crowdfunding at the district level has certainly caught my attention. It's a pragmatic move born out of necessity, yet it beautifully illustrates a principle I’ve long advocated for: the power of decentralized, digitally-enabled public participation in financing various aspects of our collective lives.
I recall in my 2018 blog, Justice delayed is Justice Denied, I laid out a vision for an online portal for our judicial system. My idea wasn’t just about streamlining court processes; it was also about reimagining how public services could be supported through direct, granular contributions. I spoke of "online payment of Court Fees / Lawyer’s fees" and even proposed a "Per Case Retainer" model for retired judges, where payments would be made into their accounts. The underlying essence was clear: a system where many individuals contribute small amounts to sustain and improve public functions, facilitated by digital platforms.
Looking at the Congress's initiative today, I feel a sense of validation. While my focus was on judicial reform, the mechanism — leveraging digital platforms for widespread financial engagement by citizens — is remarkably similar. I had already predicted this shift towards distributed financial models as a viable and indeed necessary solution when traditional funding sources are insufficient or inefficient. The challenge then was judicial backlog and the cost of access to justice; today, it is political funding.
My earlier insight wasn't just about the 'what' but the 'how' – recognizing that technology could enable direct financial flows from the populace for causes they believe in, or services they need. This current development, a major political party seeking direct public contributions at the grassroots level, underscores the relevance of those ideas. It highlights a growing trend where traditional centralized funding models are being augmented, or even replaced, by more agile, distributed systems. It’s striking how closely this aligns with the spirit of collective, digital support I envisioned years ago.
This isn't merely about collecting funds; it's about fostering a more direct connection between a political entity and its supporters, empowering citizens to financially invest in the political process they wish to see. It’s a testament to the evolving dynamics of finance and participation in our modern world, echoing the very solutions I proposed for enhancing public service accessibility and accountability.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
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