Benefits of an RTI Activist

[DineshK]

I know that timing of speed post booking center is from 8 AM to 8 PM as I normally visit the post office after 7 PM so that there is no long queue. But yesterday when I reached post office at 7.30 PM I found the gate of Post Office closed. I could see from the grill of the gate that the counter was open and booking clerk was sitting on the counter. Someone inform me that the back door entry was open I could use it to reach the counter if I want.

While entering from back door I was stopped by the Chowkidar who told me that the time of booking has been changed upto 7.30 PM. There were some hot arguments as I wanted to meet some of the post office staff to confirm the timing but the chowkidar was adamant not to allow me. So I finally thought to give up and came back.

On next day I knocked at the door of Post Master for permission to enter the office. When I asked him since when they have changed the time and why the gate of post office was closed at 7.30. He said "Yes the time is changed because the collection van now a days comes early at 8PM and we have to prepare the bags before that."

"OK" I said "But why then timing on the notice board is not changed ?"

"We will change it soon" he said

"But sir, Is there any circular from Head Office about this change ? I find all other speed post offices are working from 8 to 8"

He was angry at this question and said "You are no one to ask about the internal working of our department"

"OK, In that case I will file a RTI application to get a copy of this circular" and left the cabin.

I hardly walked ten steps from his office when I found the post master following me. He caught hold my hand said "Sir, Aap tou naraaj ho gaye".

He took me back to his office and offered me seat. He then ordered for glass of water. I was surprised to see the complete change in his behavior.

He called for the booking clerk at speed post counter and wanted the explanation why the counter was closed at 7.30 PM. "I am sorry for the inconvenience Sir, henceforth you will have no such problem"

"Next time you come, you need not to stand in queue sir. You can simply give me your letter and collect the receipt on next day" said the post master.

And happily I walked out !!

[jiwateshwar]

Dear Dinesh Saab,
I would still request you to file the RTI application which you had threatened the post master with. He has allowed you special privileges which are nothing less than bribes to keep you from filling that RTI application. What about the rights of the common Junta who is unaware of things RTI? A part of being RTI activist is not only to file applications for yourself, but also to bring about greater good of the society as a whole. The act was mainly targeted at fighting corruption. Thus for the greater good of people around you, I would request you to file that application and make those postal workers adhere to set protocols.

[slchowdhary]

No, don't waist time on frivolous matters. RTI has worked. The fellow admitted his mistake. Let us forget this and move ahead. We have many more things to do.

[jits_kanpur]

May be, if we have so many things to do, we may not continue to file RTI in this case as suggested here.
Still, the offer of "need not to stand in queue" must be realised as a bribe and in that case wahtever "The fellow admitted his mistake", can not be true. In fact, he was smart to handle an RTI Activist in his own way.
Again, the statement of the postmaster as, "I am sorry for the inconvenience Sir, henceforth you will have no such problem", has subtle meaning that the others will continue to have that problem.

[sidmis]

Hello friends,

We have a lively discussion on the benefits of RTI Activism. We all know there are various hazards, pitfalls encountered during RTI Activism. May we have a separate discussion on the same.

I have started a new thread here. So plz put your valuable inputs.

Hazards of RTI Activism

[rafipv]

I Was lucky indeed!
I was offered a hot cup of tea by the Joint Commissioner of Commercial Taxes Yaar !
Things are changing!

[abhijeet]

This reminds me that we attended one FA hearing and FAA offerred us coffee thrice during and at the end of hearing. And requested not to go for 2nd appeal/complaint any more, which probably is not possible for the appellant.

[jiwateshwar]

it would seem that the rti activist are becoming a part of the system by being corrupted.

[prbhat_gen]

after we fire the RTI application we are only acknowledged but the things are not changing much

[The Great]

Thank you Dinesh ji for elaborating the success. I wonder, I do not know that the Head Post Office works from 8am. to 8pm for the speed post counter. Is this timing applicable for all India. I never experience our local Head post office opened the counter before 10 am.