Rightfully Yours

Ask,and it will be given to you. Seek,and you will find. Knock,and it will be opened for you. Transparency is equal to truth. That’s the philosophy of Citizens’ Voice,an open social forum,which has formed an association of users of Right to Information Act (RTI) and today launched an online portal,www.rightto.info/youth for promotion of use of RTI by the youth. “It’s the fourth anniversary of RTI and we realized there is no professional body or agency,which uses the Act on a regular basis and assists the common man to benefit from the Act,’’ explains Hemant Goswami of Citizens’ Voice and an RTI activist. The forum,explains Goswami,will encourage interaction between RTI users,support common activities and provide a common platform by forming an RTI user association so there is representation of people with common public interests.

“The core group,of about 40 members,are people who use RTI,have a high levels of expertise,and whether you are using RTI for public good or to expose and rectify a wrong done to you,we welcome you to join a process,which will strengthen the democratic character of the country and promote a culture of transparency in Indian democracy,’’ adds Goswami. The portal,believes Hemant,will encourage new and young users to come forward,share ideas,concerns and will be a potent tool to channelize their energy,pent up anger in a positive manner and encourage them to follow their ideals and make no compromises. The portal will comprise an introduction to the RTI Act,mentorship on RTI issues from NGOs,online support for queries,discussion forum for RTI users,online social networking of activists. “RTI gives you the power to ask,’’ pronounces Dr Gaurav Chhabra,who will be active in promoting the same among the youth. “What happens is that many youngsters have brilliant ideas to work on social issues,but they need guidance and mentorship on writing RTI letters. Guidance gives them confidence,that they are doing things right and RTI helps in getting the facts right,helps PILs and other legal actions too. Being the major tool for transparency RTI strengthens the democratic structure of country,’’ Gaurav has used RTI for gaining facts for many of his documentary films. “We can find out the answers only if we know how to ask questions,’’ he sums up aptly. Log on to http://www.rightto.info for easy registration.

—Parul