Over 150 activists gather in city, celebrate 10 yrs of RTI

Times of India: Coimbatore: Monday, 13 October 2014.

More than 150 RTI activists from Coimbatore district gathered in the city to celebrate the beginning of the tenth year of the RTI Act.

Many shared their stories and a few even raised questions regarding the Act. Several activists had travelled from Pollachi, Tirupur and Ooty as well for the meeting.

"The meeting which should have been held by the government is being held by us," said V Easwaran, MDMK, Youth Wing, State Secretary.

Bhaskaran, an eminent RTI activist from Pollachi was felicitated at the meeting for his commendable contribution to society through the Act. He has been using it since its inception in 2005.

"This Act allows the public immense power but few people recognize its true potential," said Bhaskaran. In 2007, an old woman had approached him for help after postal department officials refused to release her son's insurance money.

"Her son, who had died in 2007, had taken out an insurance policy in 2002. The officials not only refused to give her the money but also insulted her saying that she was more interested in the money than her son," said Bhaskaran.

He filed several RTIs asking for information and also appealed to the higher authorities using RTI. "Within 19 days she received the insurance amount. That is the power of the Act," he said.

Other activists shared similar stories. "Often, we don't get appropriate answers. Sometimes, it takes a while before we get any response from them. Just as we organize meetings, the relevant officials also hold meetings trying to figure out how to avoid giving the requested information," said M R Krishnamurthy. Many said the student community needs to be made aware of the power of the RTI and should be included in the crusade. "The present corrupt system and fast life has made the students completely unaware of their rights and responsibilities. But if they start questioning the government, many changes will happen," said Thiyagarajan, RTI activist.

"Illegal encroachments, official negligence, land grab cases and other corruption cases have been brought to light by activists through the RTI," said V Easwaran.

Even though several people who were in politics were present at the meeting, the activists wanted the meeting to be devoid of any political intentions. "We wanted to make sure that this doesn't have any political intent and all common men participate in it to use the act in a better manner," said Manoj Arun, RTI activist.