RTI group to plead your case

[sidmis]

RTI group to plead your case

As Reported by B K Ganesh,TNN, 12 Aug 2008

BANGALORE: People power is all set to take on a new avatar in Bangalore, and police officials will feel its impact. Mahithi Hakku Jagruthi Vedike, a group of RTI activists, will launch a service to
assist citizens in their dealings with the police.

This voluntary organization will help you register your police complaint and hold your hand through follow-up action. The Vedike was inspired by the success of Mumbai-based PLEAD (People for Legal and Emotional Assistance to the Deserving).

The Vedike team has about 21 retired persons from all walks of life in each police station limit. Of these, five will be in constant touch with the police station. They will take up a complainant's cause and the idea is to ensure that people get justice. Volunteers will keep an
eye on corruption too.

Indur Chhugani formed PLEAD, which has over 160 volunteers. Chhugani told TOI: "We prefer retired officials as volunteers as they have time to spare, and experience too. Our success in Mumbai motivated us to open similar organizations in Bangalore and Kolkata. Many volunteers
in Bangalore have come forward. In Mumbai, we were able to get a court order to demolish 137 police chowkis constructed illegally on the pavements. That was a landmark achievement," he explained.

To begin with, Mahithi Hakku Jagruthi Vedike will have teams in JP Nagar and Kalyan Nagar. "Many people have contacted us through our social networking site. Anybody can join us," said Vedike president J S D Pani, adding,: "They should be ready to spare 8-10 hours a month
for this activity."

Indur said, "These pursuits may not be rewarding financially. But, they are a source of immense happiness and fulfilment. Sometimes, you may even spend some money from your own pocket to benefit others," he said, adding, "We cannot expect change to happen overnight. It happens
through legislation, it happens through social transformation, attitude change, and mindset change. It is indeed a work in progress all the time."

RTI group to plead your case-Bangalore-Cities-The Times of India