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Right To Information by Arvind Kejriwal |
This session was chaired by Arvind Kejriwal, whose name has become synonymous with RTI. He is associated with Parivartan, a people’s movement working to ensure reinforcement of democratic values.
He started the session by tracing the history of RTI Act. In the past seven years, 8-9 governments had passed individual Acts on RTI. However in October 2005, Central Government passed a law that superseded the state government laws. There have been cases (some of them as early as 1950s) asking the government to provide information to the public. This new law is an important tool in the hands of public to demand information from government agencies, especially since it’s the tax-payers money that is involved in the public works. The challenge lies in understanding and using this law effectively and also informing the masses about it.
At a very nominal rate, one can submit an application to the concerned government department seeking relevant information. A special officer has been delegated in each department to take care of the same. In case the official refuses to accept the application, it can also be sent through registered post. Within a month, the government has to provide all the information sought by the individual. However, information which threatens the sovereignty and integrity of India is exempt from disclosure.
He also shared some of the success stories. Almost 200 people got their individual grievances resolved within a matter of few days of filing applications under RTI Act. Grievances of a number of these people were pending for the past several years for expectations of bribes. People got new electricity connections, faulty meters were replaced, and wrong bills were rectified. Ration cards were made, faulty water bills were rectified, old age pensions were restored and many other works were done as soon as the people filed applications to know the status of their applications and the names of the officials who were sitting on their files. Hence, without any bribes, a speedy action was taken, thanks to the RTI Act.
To get more information, you can visit the website: http://righttoinformation.gov.in
The session left the audiences feeling more empowered than before as RTI is an apt alternative to corruption.
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