State News And Discussion - 3

[Guest]

<b>RTI on wheels launched in Ahmedabad</b>

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

AHMEDABAD, MARCH 18 : AMID much fan fare, the RTI on Wheels was launched at the Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA) here on Monday. The vehicle, conceptualised by the Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pehal (MAGP) is poised to take the Right to Information Act to the common man across the city.

Equipped with LCD projector, screen, computer with wireless Internet connection, scanner, printer and copier, and a small library, the vehicle will be manned by two volunteers, who will screen films on RTI, distribute pamphlets, hold discussions, assist people to file applications seeking information about the Act.

While the planned area of operation includes the six districts of Ahmedabad, Sabarkantha, Banaskantha, Surendranagar, Rajkot and Patan, the vehicle will initially start with the city before expanding elsewhere. Harinesh Pandya from the MAGP said the government might replicate this model across other districts later. “This vehicle has been designed by modifying an old Tata Sumo vehicle,” said Pandya.

“With so many vehicles lying unused, the Government can replicate the model across other districts,” he added. He said MAGP will help anyone wanting to replicate the model, with the design. He further said the vehicle will also be used for holding public discussions, for which MAGP is holding talks with the local authorities and the police department.

Noted activist Nikhil Dey from MKSS Rajasthan pointed out that the RTI Act has steadily become alive through vibrant mass-movement. Dwelling upon the scenario in Gujarat, Dey said that the state has been fortunate to have a combination of three bodies like the Information Commission, SPIPA and MAGP coming together for spreading awareness about the Act.

“Myriad innovations are taking place to generate awareness about the Act and we are learning a lot from each other,” he added.