Rti Helping Tribals In Gujarat

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New in Times of India Ahmedabad edition of 06-07-08

How tribals used RTI to get water, power restored in villages
Rahul Mangaonkar | TNN

Ahmedabad: Even after six decades of Independence, there are far-flung tribal villages in the state nestled between mountains and forests where basic amenities such as roads, water and electricity have not yet reached.
But, with the help of few fellow citizens, people living in these villages are now making their voice heard and getting their existence noticed by the bureaucracy in Gandhinagar by demanding accountability for the state of affairs in their village and using their right to know.
While complete information as sought under the Right to Information (RTI) Act is still to reach them, signs of development work has begun to show — roads, water supply and electricity transmission towers have reached villages. Villagers believe that RTI is a magic wand, which can make unresponsive administration to get their work done..
Mahendra Gamit, 30, from Chinchbordi village in Vyara taluka and Rajesh Valvi, 28, of Holipada village in Uchal taluka in Tapi district in South Gujarat have been involved in this empowerment of tribal villagers, especially women. Both are members of Shakti Legal Aid and Human Rights Centre (SLAHRC) based in Songadh taluka.
“Through street plays, we make these villagers aware about their fundamental rights. When they come to know of their rights, they are keen to know how to go about making applications. We assist them in getting organized and making village committees, and on getting guidance they started exercising RTI,” says Mahendra Gamit.
“These villagers, who have exercised RTI, have not received complete information, but as work on providing them basic facilities has started they are greatly enthused and there is a belief now that RTI is like a magic wand of accountability. Once used, officers know that the citizen knows what he is entitled to and what are his rights. Work begins first and reply comes later,” says Rajesh Valvi.