'RTI needs to tilt towards citizens'

Paul John, TNN 7 October 2009, 04:51am IST
AHMEDABAD: The basic purpose of Right To Information (RTI) in the state, which is to bring transparency in government functioning, would be defeated if government departments do not proactively disclose information that affects the way of life of a citizen right from names of beneficiaries in the Antodaya scheme, holders of job cards under NREGA, tribal sub-plan benefits, health schemes and education.

As the RTI completes four years this year in Gujarat, members from civil society groups, the administrative reforms and training division, citizens and state information commission agreed that unless the Act tilts in favour of the citizen, it would soon be paralysed.

They deliberated on a number of issues related to RTI at a workshop at SPIPA on Tuesday.

"Today, the mode of accepting the RTI application fee of Rs 20 is considered one of the main hurdles for citizens. Today, if a taluka or a panchayat office do not have receipt books to accept the fee, citizens get discouraged. Besides, there should be alternative modes of payment like judicial stamps and postal orders. We have to look at the convenience of the citizen. Only then will he participate in democratic functions of society," said state chief information commissioner RN Das.

Activist Harinesh Pandya reiterated the need to sensitize government officials towards RTI. "Every RTI application is like the face of a citizen talking to a public information officer (PIO). Today, the pendency of cases at the commission up to a year and in most cases RTI replies being delayed by a fortnight by PIOs and subsequent delays in hearing appeals can kill the novel purpose of this Act."

PIOs from various departments also pointed towards applicants misusing their below poverty line (BPL) cards for RTI replies for free. "Generally, heaps of information is demanded for free under the BPL card scheme. These applications are filed to harass government officers," said an officer from the agriculture department, Paresh Zalavadia.

Members from the Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pehel (MAGP) volunteered that in case an officer feels harassed, he can approach them on the RTI helpline. "MAGP will approach such applicants individually and in case the applicant does not heed to the requests, MAGP will file a complaint against such individuals," said MAGP member Pandya.