Campaign Goals
Educate the general public about RTI and its implications – Enable the public to use RTI to access information that is vital to them.
Summary
Right to Information Act (RTI) came into force October 2005. It gives the citizens to inspect work, documents about various government projects. The RTI can be used for acquiring all the information to get the work done, without offering bribes to the officials.
The Other Media, Chennai RTI, Human Rights Advocacy and Research Foundation, Citizen Consumer and Civic action Group in association with voluntary collectives, non-governmental organizations include AID Chennai, worker unions and public spirited individuals are carrying out a campaign to explain the use of RTI to the various people in the state of Tamil Nadu.
The Tamilnadu campaign is part of a larger nationwide campaign on right to information. They are well networked both locally and nationally. TN RTI Campaign has the support of 70 groups across the state.
Achievements
After the Tamil Nadu RTI Campaign, there is far greater awareness in Tamil Nadu about the Right to Information Act. – At least 2500 people from Tamil Nadu have been trained on the use of the Act during the 15-day campaign and an equal number has been assisted in drafting questions and writing applications for information under The Right to Information Act on their specific problems. – Partner organizations, including NGOs, dalit and women’s groups, Consumer groups, Colleges and trade union from Nagapattinam, Madurai, Trichy, Cuddalore, Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Kanyakumari, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Villupuarm, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, Coimbatore and several other districts have organized training sessions, RTI clinics and awareness campaigns outside important Government offices such as Collector’s and Tasildhars offices. -In several districts activities were organized at more than 10 locations. -More than 60 one-day camps were held in Chennai and various districts reaching out to the marginalized and poorer sections of people. – Through the print media and radio and television network, lakhs of people have already become aware of this law and how to apply for information under this law. -Hundreds have filed applications before several Public Authorities. -Thousands have become aware how to use this law through mass circulation of information pamphlets. Specific demands have been made by the campaign to make this law more easily usable and information accessible to the common person.