Dear Col, Karira etc.
As an individual I would also not like for the citizens
to be burdened with "appeal fees", "fees for service of
process" etc. It is the last thing on my mind, because
at the end of the day, irrespective of this debate, we
are law abiding citizens.
The real issue, however, is the role of the NGOs in
RTI and the role of these so-called "RTI activists".
Strictly speaking the purposes of RTI Act are :-
a) to enable cityzens to get information from the
Government.
b) For the Government to get its records in order,
publish their suo-moto disclosure, and put in place
the necessary infrastructure to service request for
information from the citizens.
In this process, there is neither any role for
a) NGOs or b) for RTI activists. Nobody on this list
would seriously dispute that the vast majority of
NGOs / RTI activists are 'haramis' in the true sense
of the word. For them RTI is only a tool for blackmail
purposes or to push their own private agendas.
There is also no shortage of groups like Hum Janenge,
RTI4empowerment, etc where NGOs and activists are
allowed to have their say on RTI - even if citizens
like me and Ashish etc are banned from posting there.
The purpose of RTI_India group is different. It is a
space for citizens to interact on RTI Act with other
citizens and PIOs / First Appellates and even the odd
IC or two, so as to preach, practice and propagate
"responsible RTI". So citizens and GOs are necessary
members for this list, and we are lucky that we have
so many GOs who help us. It is also the reason why
the RTI debates on this group are definitely the best
as compared to any other group.
If NGOs and activists are to participate on this group
they must ensure that they do not fall victim
to the "I am RTI God whatever I say is correct" syndrome.
On this group everyone (me included) who contributes
will be subject to exceptional and frank peer review.
As we have repeated many many times we have no censorship
or moderation.
This thread / debate is the result of an exchange between
Ashish and Venkatesh. We debate in a sporting way here.
Ashish's ball is now in Venkatesh's court, if he chooses
to smash it back the game will continue, otherwise the
point will be awarded to Ashish and the discussion closed.
Sarbajit
--- In rti_india@yahoogroups.com, Col NR Kurup <colnrkurup@...> wrote:
>
> Dear Mr.Sarbajit,
>
> My I request you to consider closing this post please ?
>
> Col Kurup
>
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