Inclusion of RTI Act in school curriculum mooted

Mysore zonal level RTI Act workshop in Mangalore

Speaking after inaugurating a two-day Mysore zonal level RTI Act workshop being held under the aegis of Information Department at Kalaangan here on Monday, he said the committee has proposed to include a chapter giving basic information on the legislation in the primary and high school syllabus.

“The proposal also suggests inclusion of a similar chapter for the PUC and degree students also but it need not be there for examinations. However, the Education department is yet to consider the proposal,” Dr Krishna said.

Terming the RTI Act a “wonder” and a “revolutionary one”, the Information Commissioner said the RTI Act is the one which gave powers to the common men which is equal to that of an MLA or an MP or a minister. “It is on October 12, 2005, this nation got the actual independence, since it is the day when the RTI Act was enforced,” he emphasised.

“It is a change. It is a true people’s Act. It explains properly what democracy is. It is the Act that put a bridle on the officials against becoming dictators,” he observed.

However, Dr Krishna regretted that journalists and advocates are not making use of the RTI Act efficiently, through which they can bring much transformation in the society. “Even the benefits of the legislation have not reached the rural areas properly. The majority who use the Act include men and urban people. Only 10 per cent women are using the legislation. Many things need to be done to create a mass awareness on this revolutionary law,” he said. Superintendent of Police Dr A Subramanyeshwar Rao too emphasised that majority of the rural people are unaware of the capacity of the RTI Act, and there is a long way to go. “The situation is such that people need to be given information on the very Right to Information Act. The awareness activities too should go like a movement,” he said.

Information Department Director N R Vishukumar, in his introductory address, said the RTI Act is “the most progressive Act” that post-independent India has witnessed.
Information Department Mysore Deputy Director A R Prakash and DK Information Department Assistant Director K Rohini were present.

R L Law College, Belgaum, Administrator Prof D Y Kulkarni spoke on “RTI Act: Historical background and form” and Manipal University professor Dr A Narayan spoke on “RTI Act and media”. The delegates included representatives of the NGOs and the media from eight districts.