There is in all 60 households in Noorjahan's locality. So the amount came to 60,000/-. Noorajanhan asked the local leader whether he is going to give her receipt, which he refused. Noorjahaan next day visited the camp and filed an application under RTI to ask what is the sanctioned budget, details of the work sanctioned work etc. Noorjahan along with 25 other local women went to file an application in District Panchayat Office.

PIO initially refused to take application but then upon pressurizing, called his superior. The record was shown to all the women. The record showed that all the 18 drainage pipelines were sanctioned also 480 ft construction was also sanctioned and they need not pay single rupee of that. All the women came home and spread the news to each household not to pay single rupee to contractor. But some had already given 1000 Rs. by then. Tomorrow, District Panchayat Officer have called meeting where contractor has been asked to give reasons for asking such money.

One of the women from the locality working as housemaid was supposed to borrow money from landlady at interest rate of 10% per month. Another khalifaappa, had planned to mortgage her ear rings to get Rs.1000. In the open house session held on 10th of July, residents happily shared that RTI saved that 60,000 Rupees!!!

[Compiled by Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pahel]