At around 11:30 am, a person called up on RTI helpline. He narrated hastily that his friend Jayrambhai is not getting his dues, pension after retirement. He is frustrated and thinking of ending his life as he is finding himself helpless. He requested to me to talk to him and explain how RTI can be useful to him.
I listened to Jayrambhai for next 10 minutes. He has written more than 18 letters to his department, where is served for years. He represented to chief secretary, to Chief Minister’s Office, even to Governor of the state. Since there was no reply except from the Governor and his grievance was not getting redressed he was angry, frustrated, felt insulting. “Till today, first week of every month I use to come home with salary… but today I am dependent and being insulted at home too. How can they ignore 18 reminder-letters of mine?
I guided him for drafting RTI application to know the status of his file and requested him to not to take extreme steps. I assured him that RTI can become his ‘Saathi’.
In the second half of the day, Jayrambhai called up. He sounded bit relaxed. “As I was drafting RTI application, I realized the fact that I am no more a person in the government department but 'a common citizen'. I purchased revenue ticket from post office, the person on the other side of the window asked, “Are you filing RTI application?” “Yes”.” It works, I have tried it”… I am sure I will get an answer”.
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