RTI Debate at Joginder Nagar

By: Jitender Verma

Mandi: True democracy can be achieved by ensuring participation of people in governance and transparency in implementation of various developmental activities. RTI is one such tool in the hand of people which can go a long way in ensuring that developmental funds percolate down to the neediest person. It would enable citizens to ensure that government official perform their duties. Enlightened citizens can become the fifth pillar of democracy. RTI Act came into force on 12th October, 2005. This act gives right to a common man to inspect almost any public document ensuring people’s participation in governance and developmental activities. This act has the capability to change the face of Indian democracy. But few people have knowledge about this powerful tool in their hands.

Govt. of India and UNDP has launched Capacity Building for Access to Information ( CBAI) Project on pilot basis in Mandi and Hamirpur districts. Centre for Sustainable Development ( Censud) is the executing agency for mass awareness campaign under this project. My Himachal is the online partner of Censud making available all activities under this project on its blog.

A declamation contest was organised under this project on RTI at Govt. Sen.Secondary School ( Girls) Jogindernagar. Dr. Sunil Thakur, Principal of the school presided over the function. Shailja and Ritu Thakur stood first and second while Priyanka and Divya stood third. Dinesh Kumar, Coordinator of these competitions highlighted the features of this act and told students how to use it for the benefit of the society. Winners were given prizes while all the participants were awarded certificates. Another contest under the project was organised at Govt. Sen.Secondary School School, Makriri where Pooja, Neetu and Mamta got first , second and third prize respectively