There is always a question and criticism regarding the government's actions and development records. We all think and calculate about the government's spending, allocation, whereabouts of funds and revenue which are being used by the government. Back in time, in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, a few labourers and farmers protested frequently regarding the subsidy money provided by the government for crop failures and schemes. So the officials always used to escape or hide the funds and manipulate poor victims.
Rajesh: My agricultural crops failed due to heavy rains. I have applied and requested the government for compensation. The government has allocated 1000 crores this year to crop failure.
Suresh: Yes, every farmer would get subsidy money, but I am scared that these government officials eat our money without giving us. I don't know where all these government funds have vanished every time.
Rajesh: There should be a strong rule for government's accountability and transparency also.
As time passed, this movement became a nationwide movement across India. People started asking for accountability and transparency in government departments. After huge changes and laws finally in 2005, India adopted the RTI ACT, and it became the 48th nation to bring this accountability and transparency law. It has already been implemented in 100 countries. Section 19(3) of the RTI ACT gives us the right to ask for information from the government regarding documents, funds and developments. Any citizen can apply online and offline by filling out the application. The public information officer would provide details within 30 days, and would provide authentic information regarding the current activities and developments of concerned departments. Except the information regarding national security will not be provided for safety concerns.
This RTI Act 2005 has done tremendous work by exposing one of the crucial scams in India.
* Aadarsh Housing Society: It was meant for the Kargil war army soldier's families, but few bureaucrats and politicians have occupied and sold it for 3 to 8 crore for a total of 31-storey building.
* 2G Scam: The telecom contract was sold for a cheaper price compared to the current market price through favoritism worth 1.76 lakh crore.
* Commonwealth Games scam worth 70,000 crores: The sports equipment and arrangements were overpriced with wrong bills.
* Indian Red Cross society: It was a charitable organization where all humanitarian funds were misused by a few individuals worth 70 lakhs.
The RTI has exposed all these scams with just 1 application and complaint by just asking for the government's accountability and transparency. The citizens can ask for any information and ask for the accountability of the government's actions. This rule and law has given hope for citizens to analyze and understand how governments are working with proof and information.
