10 Years of Struggle Behind the Right to Information Act!

Sunjay rane

Ralegan Siddhi: Senior social activist and Padma Bhushan awardee Anna Hazare shared the inspiring story of the 10-year struggle that led to the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, along with other laws like the Lokpal and Anti-Corruption Act. The information was shared during the RTI Activists Federation Convention held at the Padmavati Temple premises in Ralegan Siddhi on Sunday, August 18.

Anna Hazare, the chief guide at the convention, recounted the relentless efforts required to bring the RTI Act into existence. He emphasized that the fight for the RTI was a long and arduous journey that ultimately resulted in the establishment of ten different laws aimed at serving the public interest, including the Right to Information, the Anti-Delay Act, and the Lokpal Act.

During his address, Hazare stressed the importance of setting life goals and encouraged activists to find their purpose in serving society. He advised that in order to achieve great things, one must cultivate purity in thought, honesty in actions, and the ability to endure insults. Only with these qualities, Hazare said, can activists achieve significant social change.

The event was attended by key figures including Dadu Bhule, coordinator and research officer of Yashada RTI Training Institute in Pune, RTI trainer Rekha Salunkhe, RTI expert Vivek Velankar, and Subhash Basvekar, the founder-president of the RTI Federation of Maharashtra.

**RTI Information is a Bomb: Vivek Velankar**

RTI expert Vivek Velankar highlighted the utility of the RTI Act as a tool for public empowerment. He refuted claims that the RTI Act is being misused, noting instead that government officials are the ones most likely to abuse it, particularly retired officers who are familiar with the loopholes and have the time to exploit them. 

Velankar also pointed out the failure of administrations to proactively disclose information under Section 4 of the RTI Act, which requires the public disclosure of all pertinent details. He noted that if these requirements were properly implemented, the number of RTI applications would naturally decrease.

Velankar urged the proper use of the RTI Act to compel the administration to make decisions and shared examples of successful interventions involving the state government, toll companies, and the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company. He emphasized the importance of citizens being informed about government rules and regulations, as well as the salaries and budgets of public offices, which should be publicly displayed.

In his concluding remarks, Velankar called on RTI activists to ensure that the information obtained through the RTI Act is made public, likening it to a "bomb" that can expose corruption within the administration.

The afternoon session of the convention featured additional guidance from various dignitaries. The convention aimed to increase awareness and vigilance regarding the effective implementation of the RTI Act, encouraging the creation of a large pressure group of aware and honest citizens to enhance transparency and public participation in governance.