Disclose info sought by 'murdered' RTI activists: Aruna Roy

Times of India: Banglore, July 17, 2014.

A group of campaigners has urged the government to make public all information sought by 'murdered' RTI activists.

Claiming that more than 40 such activists have been killed in India, political and social activist Aruna Roy told TOI on Wednesday: "We are pushing the government to reveal the information wanted by such applicants so that citizens don't have to risk seeking the same again." 

Stating that it won't be possible to amend the law and allow people to seek information anonymously, she said: "We must show that we can act collectively. Let 100 people demand the same information, we'll see if all of us can be murdered".

Roy was conducting a workshop on public policy at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), along with her colleagues Nikhil Dey and Shankar. Even with all its advantages, RTI is still not a magic wand, remarked Nikhil. "...It's time for us to further our campaigns and put in place legislation that enhances our rights. We need literate India to understand and participate in the campaign for the need for pre-legislative consultation policy (PLCP)", he said.

Roy said: "...the rulers we send to Parliament for five years are sent on a social contract. They cannot make laws arbitrarily on our behalf."

NLSIU professor and Aam Aadmi Party member Babu Mathew said it is essential that certain elements of the proposed law must stand the scrutiny of people before being introduced in the house. "This has been mandated by the constitution in South Africa, why is Indian bureaucracy scared?" he asked.

The activists also urged people to join the campaign for introducing and passing the Grievances Redressal Bill, which, Nikhil said: "...has somehow not been passed despite all parties having arrived at some consensus."

Saying it with song, poetry:

As part of the workshop, students participated in debates on the Lokpal Bill, Grievances Redressal Bill and pre-legislative consultation policy (PLCP). They offered suggestions on how to take them forward. and what these bills should include to the National Campaign for People's Right to Information (NCPRI), which will take it up with the government, eventually.

At the end of the three-day session, students presented their views on RTI in innovative ways. While one group performed a skit, others conveyed the message through song and poetry. "I am thoroughly impressed. I'm taking the material with me and will use it in our future campaigns," Aruna said.