No bribes, no endless visits and no begging before the corrupt. The ration card was given to him immediately. This shook up the corrupt officials, since this would be written confirmation that they had given ration cards to others who had applied after him, which would be conclusive evidence that they had no justification for delaying his card. He asked up to which date applications for ration cards had been cleared and the details of the progress of his application. Using the simple format and with a Rs 10 application fee he delivered it to the public information officer at the Food and Supply office. He waited for an extra four weeks and then applied for information under RTI. He found out in how many weeks people who paid bribes got their ration cards. The slum-dweller, however, decided to become the enforcer of good governance. But our friend, just went ahead and applied for the ration card without giving any bribe or grovelling in front of officials for pity.
The protagonist was told that he would have to pay a bribe of Rs 2,000 to obtain a new ration card. One simple yet powerful example of how effective RTI can be is reflected in this story of a slum-dweller who wanted a ration card. But its impact can best be felt in the arena of corruption, both while exposing and containing the vice. From getting an electricityĬonnection to road repairs, the citizenry have used the law effectively.
Nearly 10 years after it took shape in India, citizens have used the Right to Information (RTI) Act across the country to address a wide range of issues. But then, during these 10 years, the country has witnessed murders of over 40 RTI activists, attempts to constrict powers vested by the Act and refusal of several ministries and government agencies to divulge information under the ruse of exemption. With RTI Act completing a decade, it is time to take a look back at a historic legislation which brought in new empowerment to the citizens of the country.