बिहार में RTI एक्टिविस्ट होना इतना जोखिम भरा क्यों? घोटालों का पर्दाफाश करने वाले शिव प्रकाश राय की कहानी उन्हीं की जुबानी

ETV Bharat: Patna: Friday, 16^th October 2026.
करोड़ों के घोटाले उजागर करने वाले आरटीआई एक्टिविस्ट शिव प्रकाश राय ने राजनीति के बड़े ऑफर्स ठुकरा कर सिर्फ सच का साथ चुना. रिपोर्ट-रंजीत कुमार

पटना में RTI एक्टिविस्ट शिव प्रकाश राय (ETV Bharat)

'मैं सिर्फ 17 साल का था, लेकिन ब्लॉक सर्किल ऑफिसर के ऑफिस में भागा, जो एक गांव वाले को चीनी का परमिट नहीं दे रहे थे, मेरी बहस शुरू हो गई और मुझे ड्यूटी पर मौजूद एक सरकारी कर्मचारी को परेशान करने के लिए गिरफ्तार करके जेल भेज दिया गया..''ये शब्द हैं बिहार के 70 वर्षीय आरटीआई एक्टिविस्ट शिव प्रकाश राय के.
कई घोटालों का पर्दाफाश
आरटीआई के जरिए बिहार की जड़ें हिलाने वाले शिव प्रकाश राय ने इसी 'सूचना के अधिकार' की मदद से कई घोटालों का पर्दाफाश किया. भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ लड़ाई कमजोर न पड़ें इसके लिए राजनीति में आने का ऑफर भी ठुकरा दिया.

मुसीबतों का सामना
RTI एक्टिविस्ट शिव प्रकाश राय ने बिहार में कई घोटालों का पर्दाफाश किया है, चाहे वह 2013 में 100 करोड़ रुपये का सोलर लैंप खरीद घोटाला हो या 4,000 करोड़ रुपये का धान घोटाला. भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ इस कठिन लड़ाई के लिए उन्हें कई मुसीबतों का सामना करना पड़ा, कई झंझावात झेले, 29 दिन जेल की सजा भी भुगतनी पड़ी, पर इनका सफर आज भी जारी है.
भ्रष्टाचार के मामले में दूसरे स्थान पर बिहार
भ्रष्टाचार के मामले में बिहार राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर दूसरे स्थान पर है, और राज्य में कई लोग भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ लंबे समय से लड़ाई भी लड़ रहे हैं. बिहार में आरटीआई एक्टिविस्ट होना इतना आसान भी नहीं हैं. शिव प्रकाश राय बताते कि बिहार में अब तक 20 से 25 आरटीआई एक्टिविस्ट्स की हत्या हो चुकी है.
उत्पीड़न के झूठे मामले दर्ज
शिव प्रकाश के मुताबिक इसके अलावा 250 से 300 आरटीआई एक्टिविस्ट्स के खिलाफ उत्पीड़न के झूठे मामले दर्ज किए गए हैं. कई बार उन्हें डराया धमकाया भी जाता है. उन्होंने बताया कि मैं आज तक ना तो किसी से डरा हूं ना ही प्रलोभन के झांसे में आया हूं.

पुणे में दर्ज हुई थी पहली आरटीआई
अपने इस सफर के बारे में बात करते हुए शिव प्रकाश कहते हैं कि फर्जी मुकदमे में जेल जाने के बाद भी हमारा अभियान थमा नहीं है और अनवरत जारी है. उन्होंने बताया कि भारत में सूचना का अधिकार अधिनियम (RTI Act 2005) के तहत दायर की जाने वाली पहली आरटीआई (RTI) पुणे के एक पुलिस स्टेशन में शाहिद रज़ा बर्नी (Shahid Raza Burney) द्वारा दायर की गई थी.
17 साल की उम्र में गए जेल
शिव प्रकाश एक घटना का जिक्र करते हुए कहते हैं कि मैंने तब भी जानकारी के लिए बहुत कोशिश की. तब मैं सिर्फ 17 साल का था, लेकिन ब्लॉक सर्किल ऑफिसर के ऑफिस में भागा, जो एक गांव वाले को चीनी का परमिट नहीं दे रहे थे, मेरी बहस शुरू हो गई और मुझे ड्यूटी पर मौजूद एक सरकारी कर्मचारी को परेशान करने के लिए गिरफ्तार करके जेल भेज दिया गया.

आरटीआई: भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ हथियार
शिव प्रकाश राय पिछले 25 साल से हर रोज बक्सर से पटना आते हैं और भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ लड़ाई को धार देने में लग जाते हैं. उन्होंने आरटीआई को भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ लड़ाई का हथियार बनाया है. इसी की मदद से कई बड़े घोटाले का पर्दाफाश भी किया है और यह सिलसिला आज भी अनवरत जारी है.
फर्जी मुकदमे में 29 दिनों तक जेल
शिव प्रकाश राय धान खरीद घोटाला, शिक्षक नियुक्ति घोटाला, बालू घोटाला, अलकतरा घोटाला, पेंशन, भूमि और बॉडीगार्ड नियुक्ति सहित कई मामलों को पटल पर लेकर आए. वहीं इस संघर्ष की कीमत भी उन्हें चुकानी पड़ी, एक झूठे मुकदमे में 29 दिनों तक जेल में भी रहना पड़ा, हालांकि बाद में जांच के दौरान केस असत्य पाया गया.
जब सवाल पूछना बन गया अपराध
दरअसल साल 2008 में तत्कालीन बक्सर जिलाधिकारी विष्णुदेव प्रसाद सिंह ने शिवप्रकाश राय पर आरोप लगाया कि वे डीएम के कक्ष में घुसकर हर महीने 25 हजार रुपये रंगदारी मांग रहे थे, शिव प्रकाश राय के खिलाफ प्राथमिक की भी दर्ज कराई गई. मामले में उन्हें जेल भेजा गया और वे 29 दिन जेल में बंद रहे. बाद में पुलिस अधीक्षक ने यह मामला असत्य पाया, जिसके बाद उन्हें रोप मुक्त करार दिया गया.
"जब भ्रष्टाचार उजागर होता है, तो प्रशासनिक अधिकारी दबाव और झूठे केस जैसे अवैध तरीकों का सहारा लेते है. यह घटना मेरे जीवन का निर्णायक मोड़ बनी और मैने आरटीआई कार्यकर्ताओं पर हो रहे उत्पीड़न को बड़े पैमाने पर उठाना शुरू किया." -शिव प्रकाश राय, आरटीआई एक्टिविस्ट

बक्सर के तत्कालीन डीएम हुए बेनकाब
शिव प्रकाश राय बताते हैं कि बक्सर के किसानों को सरकार की ओर से बोरिंग और ट्यूबेल लगाने के लिए राशि भेजी गई थी जिसमें 80% सब्सिडी थी. किसानों के खेतों तक बोरिंग तो नहीं पहुंचे लेकिन पैसों की बंदरबांट जरूर हो गई. मामले का खुलासा उनके आरटीआई के जरिए हुआ था. जिस दुकान से खरीद की बात कही गई थी वह दुकान बक्सर में था ही नहीं. बाद में कई अधिकारी बाद में सस्पेंड हुए.
धान खरीद घोटाले का भी हुआ पर्दाफाश
शिव प्रकाश राय का सबसे बड़ा योगदान बिहार के अन्दर धान खरीद घोटाले को उजागर करने में रहा है. अगस्त 2012 में उन्होंने मुख्यमंत्री जनशिकायत प्रकोष्ठ को पत्र लिखकर आरोप लगाया कि सरकारी धान को मिलों द्वारा खुले बाजार में बेचा जा रहा था और मीलिंग के नाम पर बड़े पैमाने पर गड़बड़ी हो रही थी.
उचित जांच और कार्रवाई नहीं
शिव प्रकाश बताते हैं कि उन्होंने इस मामले की जानकारी खाद्य एवं उपभोक्ता संरक्षण विभाग और सतर्कता विभाग के प्रमुख सचिवों को भी भेजी. अक्टूबर 2012 में सतर्कता विभाग के संयुक्त सचिव ने खाद्य विभाग को कार्रवाई के लिए पत्र भेजा, लेकिन राय का आरोप रहा कि मामले में उचित जांच और कार्रवाई नहीं की गई.
3000 करोड़ से अधिक का धान खरीद घोटाला
ये मामला इतना बड़ा बना कि बाद में पटना हाईकोर्ट तक पहुंच गया. राय ने धान घोटाले पर याचिका दायर की और आरोप लगाया कि केंद्र व राज्य सरकारें आरोपियों को बचाने में जुटी हैं. राज्य में इस घोटाले का अनुमान 3,000 करोड़ रुपये से अधिक का बताया गया था, हालांकि बाद में मामले को आर्थिक अपराध अधिकारी को दिया गया और आरोपियों से कुछ हद तक रिकवरी भी हुई.
बॉडीगार्ड नियुक्ति घोटाला में 100 करोड़ का नुकसान
धान खरीद के अलावा शिव प्रकाश राय ने कई अन्य मामलों में सूचना मांगकर भ्रष्टाचार की परतें खोलीं और उन मामलों को उजागर किया. उनकी आरटीआई से बॉडीगार्ड नियुक्ति घोटाला सामने आया. बॉडीगार्ड नियुक्ति घोटाला में कैग की रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक राज्य को 100 करोड़ रुपये से अधिक का राजस्व नुकसान हुआ था.
सूचना के बदले अधिकारियों ने मांगे 1 करोड़ से अधिक
शिव प्रकाश अपने साथ हुई एक दिलचस्प घटना का जिक्र करते हुए कहते हैं कि जब बेगूसराय में भू-माफिया की गतिविधियों की जांच के लिए भूमि रजिस्ट्रेशन से जुड़े दस्तावेज देखने की मांग की गई, तो इसके बदले अधिकारियों ने उनसे 1.34 करोड़ रुपये की फीस मांग ली. शिव प्रकाश ने इसे आरटीआई के इस्तेमाल को रोकने की कोशिश करार दिया.
आरटीआई कार्यकर्ताओं पर हमले
शिव प्रकाश राय बताते हैं कि बिहार में एक दशक में आरटीआई कार्यकर्ताओं के खिलाफ हिंसा और उत्पीड़न के 213 मामले दर्ज हुए, लेकिन जिम्मेदार अधिकारियों या व्यक्तियों पर कार्रवाई की जानकारी नहीं दी गई. इनमें से अधिकतर मामले पंचायत योजनाओं, पैक्स द्वारा धान खरीद, मनरेगा और शिक्षक भर्ती से जुड़े थे.उनके मुताबिक जानकारी मांगने वालों की हत्या, धमकी और झूठे मामलों में फंसाना आम बात बन गई है.
शिक्षा विभाग में नियुक्ति घोटाले का पर्दाफाश
बिहार के शिक्षा विभाग में हुए नियुक्ति और वेतन घोटालों में मुख्य रूप से फर्जी डिग्रियों, फर्जी दस्तावेजों और कागजों पर मौजूद, लेकिन अनुपस्थित शिक्षकों (घोस्ट टीचर्स) के नाम पर सरकारी खजाने से अवैध रूप से वेतन निकासी का मामला शामिल रहा है.
मामले को उच्च न्यायालय तक पहुंचाया
हाल ही में हजारों फर्जी शिक्षकों की बर्खास्तगी और वेतन वसूली की कार्रवाई की गई है. शिव प्रकाश राय ने ही मामले को उच्च न्यायालय तक पहुंचाया. इनके प्रयास से बड़े पैमाने पर शिक्षा विभाग में भ्रष्टाचार के मामले सामने आए.
सुशील मोदी ने दिया था न्यौता
शिव प्रकाश राय ने ईटीवी भारत से बातचीत में बताया कि वे अटल बिहारी वाजपेई को बेहद पसंद करते थे. उन्होंने कहा कि सुशील मोदी ने कई बार मुझसे मिलने की कोशिश की दो बार न्योता भी दिया, शायद वह मुझे राजनीति में लाना चाहते थे मैं इसलिए राजनीति में नहीं गया क्योंकि मेरी लड़ाई कमजोर हो सकती थी. कुल मिलाकर शिवप्रकाश राय के संघर्ष और घोटालों के पर्दाफाश ने बिहार की सियासत में भी गूंज पैदा की.
"सुशील मोदी ने कई बार मुझसे मिलने की कोशिश की दो बार न्योता भी दिया, शायद वह मुझे राजनीति में लाना चाहते थे मैं इसलिए राजनीति में नहीं गया क्योंकि मेरी लड़ाई कमजोर हो सकती थी. मुझे लोग राजनीतिक चश्मे से देखने लगते."- शिव प्रकाश राय, आरटीआई एक्टिविस्ट
66 जनहित याचिका दायर की
69 साल उम्र पूरी कर चुके शिव प्रकाश राय अब तक 66 जनित याचिका दायर कर चुके हैं. बिहार में भ्रष्टाचार के मामलों को लगातार सामने ला रहे हैं. शिव प्रकाश राय कहते हैं कि शुरुआत के 10 साल तो आरटीआई एक मजबूत हथियार था लेकिन बाद के दिनों में सरकार ने आरटीआई के धार को कुंद किया और आयोग में आरोग्य अधिकारियों की तैनाती की गई.
"हम वीर कुंवर सिंह की धरती के हैं. 80 साल में उन्होंने अंग्रेजों के खिलाफ तलवार उठाई थी हम भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ लड़ाई से ना तो थके हैं ना ही रुकने वाले हैं. भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ मेरी यह लड़ाई जारी रहेगी चाहे इसके लिए मुझे जान की कीमत क्यों न चुकानी पड़े."- शिव प्रकाश राय, आरटीआई एक्टिविस्ट
क्या है आरटीआई कानून ?
गौरतलब है कि सूचना का अधिकार अधिनियम (RTI Act 2005) भारत सरकार और सरकारी विभागों में पारदर्शिता और जवाबदेही लाने वाला एक बेहद मजबूत कानून है. यह अधिनियम 15 जून 2005 को संसद से पारित हुआ और 12 अक्टूबर 2005 से पूरे देश में पूरी तरह लागू हो गया.
आवेदन की फीस
इस कानून के तहत कोई भी आम नागरिक सरकारी कामकाज की जानकारी मांग सकता है, जिसके लिए सामान्य तौर पर सिर्फ ₹10 का आवेदन शुल्क तय किया गया है. हालांकि, गरीबी रेखा से नीचे (BPL) आने वाले नागरिकों को इस फीस से पूरी छूट दी गई है.
जवाब मिलने की तय समय-सीमा
आरटीआई के तहत जानकारी देने के लिए सरकार ने सख्त समय-सीमा तय की है। किसी भी सामान्य मामले में लोक सूचना अधिकारी को आवेदन मिलने के 30 दिनों के भीतर जवाब देना है. वहीं, अगर मामला किसी व्यक्ति के जीवन या उसकी व्यक्तिगत स्वतंत्रता से जुड़ा हो, तो प्रशासन को मात्र 48 घंटों के भीतर जानकारी देनी पड़ती है. इसके अलावा, यदि मांगी गई जानकारी किसी तीसरी पार्टी से संबंधित हो, तो इसके लिए 40 दिन का समय निर्धारित है.
लापरवाही बरतने पर भारी जुर्माना
यदि कोई लोक सूचना अधिकारी तय समय में जानकारी नहीं देता या जानबूझकर लापरवाही बरतता है, तो कानून में कड़े जुर्माने का प्रावधान है. देर की स्थिति में दोषी अधिकारी पर ₹250 प्रतिदिन के हिसाब से जुर्माना लगाया जाता है. यह जुर्माना राशि अधिकतम ₹25,000 तक हो सकती है, जो सीधे अधिकारी की सैलरी से कटती है.

Kochi RTI Probe Plan Faces Information Commission Scrutiny

Urban Acres: Kochi: Friday, 16^th October 2026.

The State Information Commission has sought an explanation from the Kochi Corporation secretary over the local body’s decision to collect details of people filing a large number of Right to Information applications and seek vigilance probes into their financial status.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the corporation council held last week. Corporation officials described the proposed action as an attempt to prevent what they termed the misuse of RTI applications. The Information Commission, however, has said the move is against provisions of the RTI Act.
The dispute places Kochi Corporation’s handling of information requests under scrutiny at a time when the RTI framework is intended to allow citizens to seek records relating to public administration and governance. The commission’s request for an explanation is the immediate official development in the matter. The report did not state the deadline given to the corporation secretary or the next date of the commission’s proceedings.
Mayor V K Minimol and United Democratic Front councillors in the corporation have alleged that some RTI activists file applications to collect information and later misuse those details to seek bribes. The allegations were cited by the corporation’s political leadership in support of the decision to examine frequent applicants and seek vigilance inquiries into their financial status.
Left Democratic Front councillors opposed the move. Elizabeth Idikkula and other LDF members said the UDF council’s decision would undermine the spirit of the RTI Act. They argued that the legislation enables the disclosure of information about governance and other aspects of public administration and is central to democratic functioning.
The disagreement therefore involves two competing positions within Kochi’s civic administration. The corporation leadership has framed repeated RTI applications as a possible misuse of the law, while its opponents have warned that examining applicants’ personal financial details could discourage citizens from seeking information from the local body.
The State Information Commission’s intervention shifts the issue from an internal corporation decision to a formal examination of whether the proposed action is consistent with the RTI Act. The commission has asked the corporation secretary to explain the basis for the move. Further action will depend on the explanation submitted by the local body and the commission’s subsequent proceedings.

CBSE to conduct surprise inspections after CIC flags dummy admission, attendance concerns: Ruchika Kumari

Careers 360: Delhi: Friday, 16^th October 2026.
CBSE says schools must not submit details of students who do not meet the requirement of minimum attendance for board examination

CIC received a complaint highlighting issuance of dummy certificates without attending classes (Representative Image: Shutterstock)

The Central Information Commission has recommended surprise inspections of Central Board of Secondary Education-affiliated schools. It will be to check if there are any dummy admissions and ensure compliance with mandatory attendance requirements. In its latest order, Information Commissioner Sudha Rani Relangi recommended that the board must conduct surprise inspections of its affiliated schools to prevent violations of affiliation conditions. This order comes after CIC received a complaint alleging that students were being issued dummy certificates even without attending classes.
Invoking Section 25(5) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, CIC said it deemed it fit to recommend surprise inspections for ensuring checks and balances on affiliated schools. "The Commission, considering the gravity of the issue flagged by the complainant seeking information regarding the issuance of dummy certificates by schools to students not attending classes, deems it fit to recommend the CBSE under Section 25 (5) of the RTI Act, 2005, to exercise the power of conducting a surprise inspection," the order reads.
Attendance requirement in private schools
The RTI applicant wanted accurate information on the attendance mandate in private missionary schools in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The applicant also sought CBSE's rules on subject selection and prescribed textbooks. The complainant informed CIC that he filed RTI to expose dummy admissions and alleged that students are being provided with examination results without attending classes.
CBSE's central public information officer (CPIO) had initially returned the application, citing an error in the Indian Postal Order submitted as the application fee. PTI reports that the applicant was asked to submit a valid payment instrument payable to CBSE secretary in Bhopal. While hearing the matter, CIC observed that rejecting an application on technical grounds was not in keeping with the spirit of the RTI Act. "Denial of information on technicality is not in the spirit of the RTI Act, 2005," it noted. CIC further said that CPIO had to facilitate a point-wise reply, after which CPIO apologised and agreed to share the information.
A point-wise response shared by CBSE was then taken on record in which the board referred to its Affiliation ByeLaws, 2018, which prohibit affiliated schools from presenting candidates for board examinations if they have not attended classes regularly or do not meet minimum attendance criteria. "No affiliated school shall present the candidates to the Board's examination who are on its roll but have not attended the school appearance regularly or do not meet the requirement of minimum attendance for the Board's examination," CBSE said. With CIC's order, the board is expected to conduct surprise inspections in schools across India and abroad.
(With PTI inputs)

Court grants pre-arrest bail to two accused in RTI-related case: By Nadeem Inamdar

Hindustan Times: Pune: Friday, 16^th October 2026.
Pune sessions court grants anticipatory bail to two men accused of obstructing public servants, threatening officials and circulating videos recorded inside the Paud tehsildar’s office

Pune sessions court grants anticipatory bail to two men accused of obstructing public servants, threatening officials and circulating videos recorded inside the Paud tehsildar’s office. (PIC FOR REPRESENTATION)

A Pune sessions court has granted anticipatory bail to two men accused of obstructing public servants, threatening officials and circulating videos recorded inside the Paud tehsildar’s office during a confrontation over delays in providing information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Additional sessions judge HM Bhosale passed the order on October 12, allowing the applications filed by Pratik Jitendra Waghmare, 29, a student from Khed, and Vishal alias Saki Sanjay Gaikwad, 39, a businessman from Wakad.
According to the prosecution, the accused visited the office on August 12 and 21, 2026, alleging delays in providing RTI information. They allegedly snatched documents from public servant Pradip Sontakke, entered nayab tehsildar Madan Jagdand’s cabin, recorded videos and threatened officials. The videos were later circulated on social media, police alleged.
The accused argued that they had approached officials to seek information about alleged illegal excavation by builders and had committed no offence. The prosecution opposed bail, citing an externment order against Gaikwad and concerns about witness intimidation.
After examining the videos in open court, the judge observed that the footage showed the accused seeking information and questioning officials about delays in providing it.
“There is not a single act which can be construed as obstruction to the public servant while discharging the public duty,” the judge observed, adding that the footage instead indicated delays by officials.
The court held that custodial interrogation was not warranted and granted both men anticipatory bail. Each must execute a personal bond of ₹30,000 with one surety for the same amount.
They were directed to cooperate with the investigation and refrain from threatening or influencing witnesses. Any breach of the conditions could lead to cancellation of bail.

6-year delay in RTI case: Punjab panel seeks action against erring officials, orders relief

Times of India: Chandigarh: Friday, 16^th October 2026.

Taking a serious view of a six-year delay in furnishing complete information under the RTI Act and repeated non-compliance with its proceedings, the Punjab State Information Commission has directed the director, rural development and panchayats, to identify officials responsible and initiate action against them.
The commission also ordered Rs 5,000 in compensation for the applicant.
The directions were issued by state information commissioner Bhupinder Batth while hearing an appeal that had reached its ninth hearing.
Taking a serious view of the continued default, the commission observed the conduct of the respondent public authority was wholly unacceptable.
During the hearing, the appellant maintained that complete information had not been provided and sought action against the public information officer (PIO) for the delay. The respondent, however, stated that the DDPO office had sent the information to the appellant and handed over a copy during the proceedings. The respondent also submitted replies concerning points 13 and 16 of the RTI application.
The appellant objected to the reply concerning point 16, which stated that records relating to court cases involving Chapparchirhi Khurd village had been transferred to the municipal corporation, Mohali, under Punjab govt orders dated Nov 28, 2025. He pointed out that his RTI application had been filed in 2020 and argued that the explanation provided at this stage was unacceptable.
After examining the record, the commission observed that the matter had reached its ninth hearing and that the concerned PIO had repeatedly failed to comply with the proceedings. It noted that a show-cause notice had been issued, requiring the officer to explain why action under Section 20 of the RTI Act should not be initiated. Bailable warrants had also been issued to secure his presence, but he had neither appeared nor furnished an explanation.
The commission described the conduct as a deliberate and persistent disregard. It observed that repeated absence, failure to furnish information, failure to submit a written explanation and continued disregard of its directions amounted to gross negligence in the discharge of statutory duties. It added that the appellant had been subjected to unnecessary harassment.
The commission also forwarded a copy of its order to the director, rural development and panchayats, directing him to personally examine the matter, identify officials responsible for the repeated non-compliance, and ensure that appropriate administrative action is initiated against them.

Tamil Nadu government declines info to RTI query on Fact Check Unit: Prabhakar Tamilarasu

New Indian Express: Ahmedabad: Friday, 16^th October 2026.
The RTI applicant, Jeevitha, had sought the exact government order (G.O.) or administrative approval authorising the renaming or restructuring of the FCU as the IID.

The Tamil Nadu government has declined to provide details under the Right to Information (RTI) Act on the restructuring of its Fact Check Unit (FCU) as the Information Integrity Desk (IID). The RTI applicant, Jeevitha, had sought the exact government order (G.O.) or administrative approval authorising the renaming or restructuring of the FCU as the IID.
The FCU was first formed in 2023 through a G.O. issued by the Tamil Development and Information Department on October 6, 2023, under the then DMK government. The order sanctioned 80 posts for implementing the FCUs across the state, with a one-time non-recurring expenditure of `1.4 crore and a recurring annual expenditure of `3.5 crore.
Jeevitha sought details of the unit’s functions and responsibilities, designation-wise sanctioned strength and salaries, number of personnel currently working, vacancies, and the IAS and IPS officers exercising authority over the unit, along with the orders assigning them their responsibilities.
In its reply dated September 24, 2026, the Tamil Development and Information Department cited Section 7(9) of the RTI Act, 2005, stating that there was no provision under the Act to provide the information in the manner sought by the applicant.
Jeevitha, who is also a civil service aspirant, told TNIE she had been following independent fact-checking platforms since her college days and became interested in the FCU when it was established.
“I wanted to know on what basis people are recruited for the team. Later, reports emerged that the unit’s name had been changed. I wanted to know who had been appointed to the restructured unit and on what basis. That was why I sought the G.O.,” she said.
Jeevitha said she was unable to locate key G.O.s, raising questions about the accessibility of information concerning the unit’s functioning. “The government talks about transparent governance, but where is the transparency if the documents that establish how the unit functions are not accessible?” she asked.
She said her application was intended to establish the administrative basis of the government’s fact-checking mechanism and ascertain who was responsible for its functioning. “As a civil service aspirant, I believe a fact-checker should verify information and provide evidence,” she added.
Although there was no official announcement, according to sources, TVK government renamed it as the IID and put the TVK’s social media head, Guru alias Guru Thalaiva – the founder of Online Thalapathy Fans Club – in charge, in July.

Mumbai: RTI Disclosures Expose Cost Disparity In Monsoon Track Dewatering Pumps Between Central And Western Railways; Officials Cite Difference In Capacity & Operational Hours

FPJ: Mumbai: Thursday, 15^th October 2026.
RTI disclosures show Central Railway spent Rs 5.93 crore on 219 dewatering pumps during Monsoon 2026, averaging Rs 2.70 lakh per pump, compared with Western Railway’s Rs 1.06 lakh. The disparity has prompted calls for a vigilance inquiry, while Central Railway cited possible differences in pump capacity, operating hours and water volume.

RTI disclosures show a significant difference in monsoon dewatering pump expenditure between Central and Western Railways in Mumbai | AI Generated Representational Image

Disclosures obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act have uncovered a glaring expenditure disparity in monsoon rainwater removal pump contracts between Central Railway (CR) and Western Railway (WR).
Despite both railway zones operating within Mumbai's suburban network under identical diesel-supply arrangements, Central Railway spent more than 2.5 times as much per pump as Western Railway during Monsoon 2026.
RTI Data Reveals Cost Disparity
Official RTI replies, obtained by prominent railway activist Samir Zaveri, revealed that CR’s Mumbai Division deployed 219 dewatering pumps across 127 track locations for the monsoon this year at a total cost of Rs 5.93 crore.
The expenditure translates to an average spending of Rs 2.70 lakh per pump. In contrast, WR’s Mumbai Central Division deployed 126 pumps at a total expenditure of Rs 1.34 crore, for an average cost of Rs 1.06 lakh per pump.
According to the RTI data, CR paid about Rs 1.64 lakh more per pump than WR, nearly 155%, despite both authorities procuring diesel independently for their contractors. Under contractual agreements, both Central Railway and Western Railway supplied diesel to power the pumps regardless of operational hours.
Initial RTI Rejection Overturned
Notably, the figures were obtained after Central Railway authorities initially refused. In response to the RTI application filed on July 10, CR’s public information officer and senior divisional engineer, Kailash Meena, denied the financial details, citing commercial confidentiality. The office further claimed that information on compiled costs was unavailable.
Citing Western Railway’s open disclosure, Samir Zaveri filed a first appeal on August 17, after which the first appellate authority and additional divisional railway manager overturned the initial stance and directed the engineering department to release the figures. Notably, WR’s PIO and assistant divisional engineer furnished their expenditure and pump deployment figures without resistance.
Pump Deployment Across Railway Sections
According to the information furnished by CR, it deployed 63 pumps across 39 locations between Panvel-Roha, Pen-Thal and freight lines, while 62 pumps were placed at 30 locations between CSMT and Kurla railway stations.
Activists Seek Vigilance Inquiry
Railway observers and activists have called upon the Railway vigilance authority to initiate an immediate inquiry into Central Railway's rate fixation, tendering processes, contractual terms and scope of work to ensure public funds were spent prudently.
They highlighted that both railway divisions operate within the same metropolitan limits and handle identical geographical monsoonal challenges; such a wide cost differential raises serious questions regarding fiscal prudence.

Why SL's NGOs must face real public scrutiny and the RTI?: BY Nuwan Peiris

The Morning: Sri Lanka: Thursday, 15^th October 2026.

The national conversation surrounding the newly proposed Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) (Registration and Supervision) Bill has largely locked horns over a false dichotomy. On one side, critics argue that the Legislation introduces bureaucratic overreach and constricts civic freedom. On the other, proponents defend it as a necessary tool for State regulation and compliance.
Yet, before we even debate the contents of the Bill, a fundamental affront to democracy stares us in the face: the secretive, selective manner in which this draft Law has been handled.
The stigma of the selective draft
To date, the precise line-by-line text of the 2026  NGO Bill has not been made openly and universally accessible to the public on open Government portals. Instead, drafts have been shared selectively behind closed doors trickling down only to specific civil society collectives and select legal bodies upon request.
This practice treats ordinary citizens as lesser stakeholders who have no business inspecting laws that govern public-welfare organisations. Laws that shape public trust, civic accountability, and foreign or domestic funding flows cannot be drafted like exclusive club bylaws. If a Bill is designed to regulate organisations that supposedly serve the public, the public itself has a primal, non-negotiable right to read, scrutinise, and debate that draft from its inception. Treating national Legislation as classified material breeds immediate suspicion and signals a profound contempt for participatory democracy.
Notwithstanding this secretive method of drafting, several key legal mechanisms have been put forward for consideration, proceeding on the assumption that these vital aspects may have been overlooked or excluded from the current framework.
The myth of operational secrecy in public-benefit work
This culture of backroom exclusivity trickles down directly into the non-profit sector itself. A troubling premise has quietly entrenched itself within NGOs: the notion that because an organisation carries a noble or charitable label, its internal mechanisms, funding flows, and decision-making pathways are proprietary secrets.
In a robust democracy, public benefit cannot coexist with operational opacity. When substantial funds stream into organisations aiming to shape public policy, influence legislation, or impact vulnerable communities, the public possesses an absolute right to trace how those resources are utilised. Philanthropy and social advocacy are not private commercial ventures. They occupy public space and affect the social fabric. Shielding their choices behind closed doors invites misuse, shields inefficiencies, and breeds widespread public skepticism.
Bringing NGOs under the RTI framework
To dismantle this culture of secrecy, both in State drafting rooms and within non-profit boardrooms, accountability must extend beyond routine administrative audits. The most potent tool for transparency at our disposal is the Right to Information (RTI) Act, No. 12 of 2016.
While State institutions are rightly bound to disclose information in the public interest, bodies operating under public mandates, tax exemptions, or public-benefit privileges should similarly be brought within the outer perimeter of transparency standards. Expanding the philosophy of the RTI framework ensures that any citizen can scrutinise how an NGO operates, how project funds are allocated, and who truly benefits from its initiatives. Sunshine remains the best disinfectant. Bringing non-profits under active public scrutiny transforms them from insulated entities into genuinely participatory partners in national development.
Extending Asset and Liability Declaration Laws to administrators and key employees
True transparency must go beyond high-level balance sheets; it must capture the individuals who steer these organisations. At present, rigourous Asset and Liability Declaration Laws are typically confined to public servants and State politicians. However, the immense financial flows, policy influence, and socio-economic footprint wielded by major non-profit leaders mean that they hold power and manage resources on a scale parallel to public officials.
To safeguard public trust entirely, all key administrators, directors, and principal employees of NGOs should be brought under Statutory Asset and Liability Declaration frameworks.
Eradicating conflicts of interest
Mandatory declarations expose hidden financial entanglements, commercial cross-holdings, or partisan ties that could quietly compromise an organisation's stated humanitarian mission.
Guaranteeing financial integrity
When massive grants and public donations are managed, transparency regarding personal wealth accumulation ensures that non-profit leadership remains driven by authentic public service rather than private enrichment.
Shielding the honest majority
Honest administrators who genuinely live by their mission have nothing to hide. Clear Asset Disclosures protect the broader, hard-working non-profit sector from generalised suspicions of illicit enrichment or foreign manipulation.
Proposed Legislative Provisions for integration into the NGO Bill
To translate these principles into Statutory reality, the following provisions are proposed for inclusion within the text of the Bill.
Section 15 Maintenance of a public information repository, digital accessibility, and transparency
Every NGO registered under this Act shall maintain an updated public information repository at its principal office, containing: (a) Certified annual audited financial statements, including itemised statements of both foreign and local grants, project expenditure, and administrative overheads; (b) Comprehensive reports detailing project objectives, targeted local communities, implementation timelines, and measurable output evaluations; and (c) The full names, professional profiles, national identity card numbers, and concurrent directorships of all members of the governing board and principal executive officers.
The records specified in Subsection (1) shall be open for inspection by any citizen during standard working hours, subject only to nominal administrative reproduction fees prescribed by regulations.
Mandatory digital availability
All records specified under Subsection (1), including Asset and Liability Declarations submitted by key administrators and employees, shall be made digitally available and easily accessible to the public via an online portal maintained by the National Secretariat for NGOs, ensuring full transparency without necessitating physical presence.
Section 16 Application of the RTI framework
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the RTI Act, any NGO utilising public-benefit status, tax exemptions, State-allocated resources, or foreign funding channels shall be deemed a body fulfilling a public function for the purposes of ensuring citizen access to information regarding public-interest projects.
Any citizen may make an information request to a designated Information Officer of the NGO concerning: (a) The allocation, disbursement, and ultimate utilisation of project funds or grants; (b) Memorandums of understanding, implementation agreements, or partnership pacts entered into with State agencies or foreign donors; and (c) Beneficiary lists, selection criteria, and programmatic execution reports.
Information requests under this Section shall follow the timelines, procedural constraints, and appeal mechanisms laid down in the principal RTI Act.
Section 17 Declaration of Assets and Liabilities by key administrators and employees
Every director, board member, chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and project director of a registered NGO whose annual operational budget or foreign receipts exceed the threshold prescribed by the Minister in charge of the subject by way of regulation shall submit a formal Declaration of Assets and Liabilities.
Filing and scope: (a) The declaration shall be delivered under sealed cover to the Auditor-General (AG) upon initial appointment and subsequently on or before the 31st of March of each year for the preceding financial year; and (b) The declaration shall encompass all movable and immovable property, cash assets, offshore investments, commercial enterprise cross-holdings, and substantial gifts or foreign honoraria held by the officer, their spouse, and dependent children.
Offences and penalties: (a) Failure to submit an Asset and Liability Declaration within the stipulated timeframe, or the submission of willfully false, incomplete, or misleading disclosures, shall constitute an offence under this Act; (b)(i) Upon conviction before a Magistrate, the offender shall be liable to a fine or to a term of imprisonment, or to both such fine and imprisonment; and (b)(ii) Additionally, the Court may order the permanent disqualification of such person from holding any administrative, managerial, or fiduciary position within any non-profit or charitable entity in Sri Lanka.
Section 18 Citizen application to District Court for financial investigation and audit commissions
Any citizen of Sri Lanka having reasonable grounds to suspect financial mismanagement, malfeasance, or opacity in the conduct of affairs of a registered NGO may apply by way of summary procedure to the relevant District Court (DC) for an order: (a) Compelling the disclosure and production of accounts and financial records; and (b) Appointing a commission or a qualified independent chartered accountant or directing the AG to conduct a full financial investigation and special audit into the conduct of affairs and resource utilisation of the said NGO.
Upon being satisfied that a prima facie case of public interest or financial irregularity has been established, the DC may issue appropriate orders and directions for the execution of such audit, with costs and parameters to be determined by the Court.
Section 19 Overriding effect, application to pvt. member foundations, and implied repeal
Universal application
The provisions of this Act shall apply to all NGOs, trusts, charitable foundations, and public-benefit entities operating within Sri Lanka, including any such body established, incorporated, or governed by or under any special Act or Private Member Bill, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any such prior written Law.
Supervening authority and implied repeal: (a) This Act shall operate as a supervening framework of public accountability. To the extent that any provision of a prior written Law, incorporation Statute, or Private Member's Bill is inconsistent with the transparency, reporting, RTI compliance, Asset and Liability Disclosure, or audit mechanisms mandated under this Act, such conflicting provisions shall be deemed impliedly repealed or modified to give full force and effect to the provisions of this Act; and (b) No charitable foundation or trust incorporated via a Private Member's Bill shall be exempt from the scope of this Act unless expressly and specifically excluded by name within the text of this Act, a schedule attached to this Act, or subsequent Statutory Amendment.
Explanatory memorandum for law reform and editorial review
Subject: Incorporating citizen-centric transparency, digital portals, judicial audits, and overriding Legislative Provisions into the Draft NGO Bill
Context
The discourse on the NGO Bill has focused excessively on top-down State bureaucracy. True accountability requires that non-profits answer vertically to the citizenry whose welfare they champion.
Digital accessibility and judicial oversight
Moving toward central digital repositories and empowering citizens to approach the DC directly for specialised audits ensure real-time accountability and grassroots enforcement.
Eliminating loopholes via Private Member Bills
Ensuring that historical foundations incorporated via Private Member Acts are fully subordinated to this supervening Law closes critical loopholes, guaranteeing uniform public accountability across all non-profit entities.
Conclusion
The debate over the supervision of NGOs should not be framed as a standoff between State control and civic autonomy, but as a covenant with public trust. If NGOs are truly acting for the public benefit, they should embrace the light of public scrutiny, open their operations to the RTI mechanism, and subject their leadership to transparent Asset and Liability Declarations. Accountability is not the enemy of compassion, it is its ultimate guardian.
The writer is an attorney-at-law
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The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication