ChAnGe INDIA- ALL THESE DAYS WE WERE WRONG!

      Do you think you cannot stop or at least try controlling corruption in INDIA?

      Do you think you don’t have any power in this democracy?

      Do you think the government has no system to take heed of our problems?

Then hold these words deep in your heart......... YOU ARE WRONG !!

Let me start this post with an example of a common man who inspired all who knew about his simple humble and audacious act, 

He was not being given his ration card. But when he applied under THIS LAW, he was given a card within a week. What did He ask? 

                             He asked the following questions:

I filed an application for a duplicate ration card on 27th January 2004. Please tell me the daily progress made on my application so far. i.e. when did my application reach which officer, for how long did it stay with that officer and what did he/she do during that period?

According to the rules, my card should have been made in 10 days. However, it is more than three months now. Please give the names and designations of the officials who were supposed to take action on my application and who have not done so?

What action would be taken against these officials for not doing their work and for causing harassment to the public? By when would that action be taken?

                                  By when would I get my card now?

Huh, these are normal complaint letters which we write to any govt office. And we don’t even 

know were these applications go, sure to a dustbin, if that office has one.

So what is the difference it made.

In normal circumstances, such an application is of no use. But THIS LAW says that the PIO has to reply in 30 days. If they don’t do that, their salary could be deducted. The problem is that it is not easy to answer these questions.

The first question is: 

                                     Please provide the daily progress made on my application

There is no progress made. But the government officials cannot write in that they have not acted for so many months. Else that would be “admission of guilt on paper”. Which in a legal term for saying that they are going to be “booted”

The next question is:

                                   Please provide the names and designations of the officers who were supposed to take action on my application and who had not done.

If the government provides names and designations of the officials, their responsibility gets fixed. Any officer is most scared of fixing of responsibility against him in this manner. 

So, the moment one files such an application, his/her pending work is done.

                                       What is THIS LAW,  that i am adverting to. Its the

                                          RTI- RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT.

The reason for making this fundamental right an Act is as simple as that, to give us power to change the present pathetic state of our mother, and to punish the cause.

     I have tried to answer a few FAQs on this topic of topic of discussion. If you still have any query, you can leave me a mail or do your own research.

                      Who will give me information I am looking for?

PIO-Public Information Officer, each govt office has one or more and there are APIOs Assistant PIOs too to help them.

                     Can the PIO refuse to give me information?

Unless it is a information received in confidence from foreign countries and something that has the countries interest to secure.

                    Where do I submit the application for information?

To the PIO or APIO in that office or in the RTI POST OFFICE(Special post off. Just to receive your applications). The addresses are given in the following link.  http://www.indiapost.gov.in/rtimanual16a.html

                    Is there any fee? How do I deposit that?

Yep, but not more than Rs10 which is submitted along with the application.

                   What should I do if the PIO does not accept my application?

You can write a complaint to Information Commissioner.

Then the PIO is liable for trial.

                   Is there an "application form" to be filled?

No, in case of central govt office.

Yes, in case of state govt office.

                  How can I apply for information?

Fill in the application, if necessary along with the fee and a formal letter stating your problem.

                  Do I have to give reasons why I want a particular information?

No, not at all.

                  Is there a time limit to receiving information?

Yes, 30 days maximum.

                 Can the PIO refuse to accept my RTI application?

BIG NOO.

PLEASE INDIAN FRIENDS ... COME WITH ME, GIVE ME HAND TO CHANGE OUR COUNTRY.

TRY IT ONES!!! FEEL THE DIFFERENCE.....