Info on RTI a click away as YASHADA launches e-library

Indian Express: Pune: Sunday, March 09, 2014.

Getting crucial information and updates about the Right to Information (RTI) Act is now just a click away, as a first-of-its-kind e-library, dedicated to the transparency law, has been started by the Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA) for the benefit of public.

The e-library, in the form of a web portal, has made available the RTI Act in English and vernacular languages, rules framed by different governments and judicial bodies, guidelines for stakeholders and reference materials, among other vital information.

The e-library, inaugurated recently, also has RTI judgments of the Supreme Court and high courts to keep people updated. Hosted on YASHADA website (www.yashada.org), the e-library charges no money for the accessing the information. YASHADA authorities said the initiative would take forward their ongoing efforts towards spreading awareness about the RTI Act.

“The e-library for RTI is an attempt to keep people abreast of RTI information and make best use of latest technology for spreading awareness about the Act among all stakeholders. Since the internet has been finding growing takers, we hope our e-initiative would evoke the desired response,” said an official.

 Social activist Vivek Velankar said the initiative would benefit all, especially the applicants. “The web portal is well-designed and has crucial information. Such rich source of information would help in disseminating basic and updated knowledge about the RTI Act,” he said.

Velankar added, “The e-library has an important section on latest court judgments. Many times, stakeholders are unaware about such judicial interventions in the matters of RTI.”

YASHADA has a special cell for RTI since March 2004 to train Public Information Officers and appellate authorities across the country. The cell has taken up various activities like organising training programmes, workshops and consultation meets, and preparing modules and reading materials, besides educating the public about the RTI Act.