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RTI on wheels to answer all your RTI queries |
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After palaces, politics and agriculture it is now time for the Right To Information Act to be mounted on wheels. For the first time in India, a vehicle is being exclusively designed to create awareness as well as help the people of Gujarat to use their Right to Information
effectively.
An initiative of Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pahel (MAGP), this vehicle will be equipped with an LCD projector, screen, computer with Internet connection, scanner, printer and copier and a small library. The vehicle will have provisions for a solar panel to be fixed over it to generate enough power for its operation. Manned by two volunteers, this vehicle will screen films on RTI, distribute pamphlets, hold public discussion on the act and assist people to file applications seeking information.
"The idea of launching RTI on Wheels came from the RTI Helpline we have been running for the last couple of years. While there have been
a lot of questions from specific areas, lot of grievances also surfaced against a few specific public organisations. We'll have the vehicle strategically visiting these offices regularly along with making visits to the areas, which demand such intervention," said Pankti Jog from MAGP.
The vehicle, which is being designed by modifying a Tata Sumo will initially operate in six districts of Ahmedabad, Sabarkantha, Banaskantha, Surendranagar, Rajkot and Patan. "Eventually, we'll tryto extend the area to entire Gujarat," said Pankti.
"The challenge was to have so many things in such a small vehicle," said Amit Paul, the designer of the vehicle and NID alumni. Paul, who
had also designed a blood donation vehicle for an NGO earlier, said that the vehicle will have three flaps, two on the sides and one at
the back. A table will be revealed on opening the co driver's side flap, which will be used for distribution of leaflets and helping people file applications. A flap on the other side will open to reveal a notice board, while the one at the back will open to a screen on which multimedia presentations and films on RTI will be screened.
Gujarat Chief Information Commissioner RN Das said, "The idea in itself is very exciting". He said he has already asked MAGP to focus
not only on the slums and outskirts of the city areas, but also to venture out in rural areas. Das is also likely to mediate with public
authorities like the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to hold RTI camps in areas coordinating with the visit of the vehicle.
"While things have changed considerably in the urban areas, the mindset of PIOs in rural areas are still a cause of concern," he
added. |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 25 February 2008 )
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