Right to Information – Usage study

RaaG excerpt in Indian ExpressIndian Express published an interesting excerpt on the usage of Right to Information. The base study has been done by RTI Assessment & Analysis Group, and their website has much more detailed information. The presentation below captures some of it.

In my view, the relevance of this act will multiply several folds as more and more people know about it, and citizens start using this rather than just NGOs and activists. Also, from the presentation, it seems clear that the OD challenges earlier referred to on nextindia.org for other governmental functions are equally relevant here – from PIOs not knowing about it, to not wanting to answer, to not having the requisite training. An integral part of this might be the incentive (or penalty) system that one can implement. It seems that the current penalty system in place lacks enforcement, partially due to the realization that the enablers for PIOs are not in place yet.

2 Responses to “Right to Information – Usage study”

  1. Naveen says:

    Even with all the constraints of the act, RTI still aids in citizen empowerment primarily because there is a monetary penalty possible on the erring Government employee for non-compliance. This fundamental axiom needs to be widened across the administration as an HR policy. Problem is that our system requires someone to lodge a complaint from outside the system inspite of all the built-in checks & balances and despite the blatant wrongdoings visible to all co-workers & other witnesses. Once a society has agreed to set of rules than anyone & everyone has the locus standii to demand compliance. As it stands, whistle blower is confronted with “Tu Kaun Hota Hai Bolne wala”. It ought to be a citizens right to deter or/& detain an offender. Then again those who are empowered to do so, the cops, do not proactively prevent injustices and many a times are mute spectators to crimes being committed as they take a leaf from cricket rule book lamenting that nobody asked “Howzzat”

  2. B Shantanu says:

    Alok: You and your readers may find this RTI Guide to Improving Urban Environment useful.

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