The
Hindu: Ahmedabad: Monday, 29 September 2014.
After nearly
five decades, the people can heave a sigh of relief. They are set to get back
the Tosamaidan for public use, after the State government decided not to extend
the lease given to the Army after it expired on April 18.
During his
visit to Gujarat, Shaikh Ghulam Rasool, who heads the J&K RTI Movement,
highlighted how simple queries made under the Right to Information Act changed
the fate of Tosamaidan and the people living in its neighbourhood.
“We asked for data on deaths, disability and
lease details. A told of 52 villages were affected by the firing range. Among
these, 16 were severely affected. The village panchayats had even passed a
resolution calling for a ban on firing at Tosamaidan. Based on the RTI replies,
we launched the Tosamaidan Bachao Front and petitioned the State government,”
Mr. Rasool said. The Army is currently carrying out cleaning operations in the
area. The RTI Movement is now pressing for development of rural tourism in the
region managed by the local people, as against corporate players.
‘J&K
Act is stronger’
Citing
Tosamaidan’s example, Mr. Rasool said the State RTI Act was stronger than the
Central Act in two aspects. It gave the first appellate authority the power to
recommend disciplinary action and penalty against a public information officer
for repeated failure to give information. The State Act also provided for a
time-bound delivery system, whereby the second appeals too have to be decided
within 120 days.
“The Centre
should incorporate these provisions in its Act. The National Campaign for
People’s Right to Information is already making that demand. Pendency of
appeals is a big challenge,” Mr. Rasool said.