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 [email protected], Col NR Kurup <colnrku...@...> wrote: > > Dear Mr.Sarbajit, > > My I request you to consider closing this post please ? > > Col Kurup >
