Activists observed completion of decade to RTI Act

Times of India: Belagavi: Saturday, 17 October 2015.

To mark 10 years to the Right to Information (RTI) Act, Karnataka Praja Vedike (KPV), headed by advocate Surendra Ugare organized meeting of RTI activists in the district, at Kannada Sahitya Bhavan here on Friday.

Hundreds of RTI activists from across the district participated in the meeting and discussed about challenges before RTI activists, increasing number of fake RTI activists, misuse of Act by them and needed unity among activists.

Noted RTI activist Bhimappa Gadad said RTI Act is the best tool to fight corruption under which one can ask even the food menu of the President and expenditure of the same of a particular day. Act has become more strong with support of media, which highlight the information availed under Act. He advised activists to be transparent.

According to Gadag, earlier, state information commission used to issue notices to the concerned party based on appeal within 15-20 days. But, as around 28,000 cases pending in the commissioner, now it taking 9-10 months for the same. There is need of opening regional offices of the commission to handle cases swiftly, he opined.

State president of KPV Saif B, farmer leader Kalyanrao Muchalambi, writer Sidram Karnik, journalist Channappa Waggannavar and district vice-president of KPV Gurupadappa Pyati spoke. Gangadhar Swami of Tavag Math graced the occasion. District president Sayeed Ahmed Desai, advocate Suresh Hosapet were present.