RIGHT TO INFORMATION

I keep wondering as to how many of us know about RTI Act and its advantages to a common man. In this so called democratic set up, the commoner has very little voice to fight injustice since the bureaucracy is not easily approachable and legal remedy is costly and time consuming. You can hardly wait for the legislature to take cognisance of the problem and enact law for the common good. Somewhere, somehow, the common man is waiting to put his foot down and ask / demand for a remedy. Most of the problems related to corruption, red tapism, general welfare are not solved due to the inability on the part of the common man. His enemy number one is "LACK OF KNOWLEDGE". Even if somebody wants to set right the things, he may not have required information / authentic information as to what is the reason for his plight. The babudom is also having limitations in serving general public due to age old rules and regulations.

A very effective tool which is made available during 2005 by virtue of RTI Act, 2005. How to use it. First of all identify your problem and analyse from all angles. Be it legal, social or economical. Find out the government agency/body which is responsible for redressal. Ascertain the impediments, problems and the cause for the same in a very general sense. After doing this exercise, frame questions eliciting the reasons leading to a situation wherein the problem is not solved. Send application u/s 6 of the RTI Act to the concerned authority/public body having information / reasons for unresolved problems. Cost of application Rs.10 and cost of supply of information should be intimated by the concerned authority. Duration for furnishing information 30 days. If no information received within the said time, approach the appellate authority for redressal.

Believe it or not. You will get answers rightly or wrongly within the due date. Not only that the concerned authority / person will think ten times before doing anything irresponsibly. This will inculcate a proper discipline among the executive in responding to problems relating to general public welfare.

"Buyer be aware" is the principle in Commercial transactions. "Commonner know your rights and exercise them diligently" is the key word in DEMOCRACY. Make it happen and be part of a vibrant Indian polity.