Times of India: Kochi: Sunday,
May 15, 2016.
After the
declaration of assembly polls, there has been a surge in RTI applications in
the district.
From March
2016, the administration has received nearly 350 RTI applications. This is at
least 15-20% higher than the average number of RTIs received every month.
Interestingly, most the applications sought details regarding the assets of
MLAs and utilisation of MLA funds.
Generally,
the maximum number of RTIs is received by the department of land reforms, which
handles land deals. But this trend has changed this election season.
"During
polls, the finance department receives more RTI requests. Applicants inquire
about details of financial transactions such as fund utilisation for various
projects, local area fund utilisation or asset details of politicians. However,
we'll provide information to the extent that our laws permit," said
Muhammed Shafi, the official in charge of RTI in collecotrate, Ernakulam. From
January 1, 2016 the collectorate received a total of 580 requests till date.
The number was relatively less during the same period last year, added Shafi.
"People
are increasingly making use of RTI. Awareness about RTI could be the reason for
it. Details regarding fund utilisation will be in high demand during elections.
But still, we're yet to tap the complete potential of the RTI Act." RTI
activist D B Binu said.
Apart from
individuals and RTI activists, political parties are also equally making use of
RTI during elections. "AAP, which tops in RTI queries, wanted details of
government-owned properties, encroachment of government land and details about
the distribution of 'pattaya' land," he said.
However, the
rise in the number of RTI requests has made the job difficult for officials.
"We are equally responsible for clerical work and providing RTI responses.
It has become a challenge to finish our work on time. We have to do both
election-related work and provide replies for RTI applications. It's a tough
job," said an official from the collectorate.
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