Kodinar, where slain activist Amit Jethava led a campaign to create awareness about the Right to Information (rti), this powerful democratic tool and its use has become an agenda against the BJP in the local body elections slated for October 21. Jethava’s two close aides, who say they also had to face the wrath of the rich and powerful for exposing corruption in the system, are in the fray for the...

The slain rti  and wildlife activist, Amit Jethwa, who paid the price for trying to expose illegal mining around the Gir Sanctuary with his life, has become an inspiration for the local rti activists in Kodinar taluka. Cashing in on the popular sentiment, Congress has named two rti activists to contest Kodinar taluka panchayat polls to be held on October 21. Jethwa was murdered outside Gujarat High Court two months ago....

Five years after Right to Information (rti) Act came into existence, Information Commissioners feel that there should be more transparency in their appointments. A survey conducted by Parivartan , an NGO, among state and central Information Commissioners , the final appellate authorities for rti Act grievances and complaints, has found that 66% of commissioners surveyed want a transparent selection process. The survey found that Information Commissioners had reservations about the...

In a recent judgement, the State Information Commissioner Vijay Kuvalekar has said that Trusts  or institutions that are not directly substantially funded by the government, but still indirectly receive funds to run schools, courses, colleges, come under the Right to Information (rti), Act. Kuvalekar, in his judgement said that indirectly, since the parent institute is getting the funds for institutes run by them, the rti is applicable. The judgement came in the...

Newly appointed state chief information commissioner (SCIC) Vilas Patil admitted that there are lacunaes in the Right to Information Act. He felt that this needs to be addressed urgently so that the act can be smoothly implemented. Patil added that due to this lacunae the percentage of recovery of penalties imposed on the errant officers duringimplementation is either low or unknown. After the swearing-in on Thursday, Patil took charge from outgoing SCIC...