Talk:FDC Proposal 2013

Contributors & Facilitation
For strategic plan, it is good to call for volunteers (already done) and have proper facilitation (one EC member along with Executive manager) through IRCs and on wiki discussions to come up with a  good strategic plan. The inputs can be captured on the main page and updates based on the discussions --Arjunaraoc 22:48, 10 September 2013 (IST)
 * Thanks Arjuna. Yes, we have had conversations on mailing lists etc. as well as on the chapter wiki and the proposal was an outcome of several discussions. We continue to respond to queries on meta. Pranav 13:24, 21 October 2013 (IST)

General comments
Most of the suggestions are too ambitious and irrelevant to the manpower and skill set of the chapter and communities (example: Integrated and universal database). Instead of providing subsidies for telephone bills, it would be appropriate to support internet access bills and other infrastructure development.There are simply too many ideas flowing to comment on each. If the chapter can finalize few action items, I will try to give more inputs. I hope a realistic estimate, workable plan and target is set before the proposal is sent to WMF. --Ravi 13:55, 21 September 2013 (IST)
 * We have kept teleconferencing facility to a minimum as we understand it may be required in certain cases. In terms of internet access, we are starting off with an editors lounge within the office that can be used for academies, editathons etc, apart from being open to Wikipedians to drop in an edit. We have included request for 10 netbooks in addition to a 50mbps internet connection for the same. Ofcourse, this would be limited to Bangalore atleast for the moment. Pranav 13:17, 21 October 2013 (IST)

Integrated and Universal Database and repository of All Indian Knowledge-ware Feedback
DLI has done lot of work for all Indian languages, but the information is not accessible in User friendly and Unicode format. An initiative to leverage the work and release it through Wikisource would be much more valuable and could also provide lessons as a pilot.--Arjunaraoc 16:36, 21 September 2013 (IST)
 * Could you provide more details on project and cost? Thanks! Pranav 13:18, 21 October 2013 (IST)

Provision of free/subsidized telephone channels ..to Wikimedia volunteers--feedback
Chapter had structured organisation to engage wikipedians in the form of SIGs for cities and langugaes. These can be strengthened with additional support for movement activities on a reimbursement basis to  start with and then extended later. Toll free conferencing being used by Executive Committee can also be extended on need basis to extended leadership.--Arjunaraoc 16:40, 21 September 2013 (IST)
 * Support free or subsidised calling for SIGs and volunteers dedicated to major tasks. - Rohini 16:57, 22 September 2013 (IST)

Proposal from Tamil Wikimedia community
Hi, we are finalizing a proposal from Tamil Wikimedia community here - https://ta.wikipedia.org/s/38qs. We should be able to post it here before end of the day. So, please consider this before closing this page for new proposals. Thanks.--Ravi 08:09, 23 September 2013 (IST)
 * Answered on TN Wiki. Pranav 13:22, 21 October 2013 (IST)

Statutory Clearances
What is the status of FCRA status of Wikimedia Foundation India Chapter, how exactly is this fund received? is it received by CIS? An amount of this magnitude will need a reflection of our previous spend/ failing which we will attract unnecessary scrutiny. This will mean we will need to have full-time support staff. This is not reflected in the budget. - - Abhijith Jayanthi
 * We become eligible for prior permission early next year and intend to apply for the same. None of our funds are received by or through CIS, we are an independent entity. Managing FCRA issues will be Sowmyan/admin persons job. Pranav 13:11, 21 October 2013 (IST)

Thanks for the feedback
We thank every one who contributed to these thoughts. The number of suggestions are quite high. The team tasked with the process of developing the FDC application found it difficult to fit them all within a limited budget cap. We indicated an amount of USD $200k in our letter of intent. We are held to that as a cap and feel it is a level which we are comfortable stepping upto. A proposed budget is here.