RTI Foundation of India: a journey of two years
27 Nov, 2013Dear friends,
As the website completes two years of airing regular updates, it is a time to sit, rejoice and introspect. A feeling of nostalgia engulfs me while thinking of November 22, 2011 when Shri Satyananda Mishra, the then Chief Information Commissioner, formally launched the website. That gentle click of the mouse marked the initiation of the journey of the website www.rtifoundationofindia.com which is now blooming and growing stronger each day. (For website launch photographs, please refer to link - http://www.rtifoundationofindia.com/web-site-launch-photographs-749)
The website was the culmination of the desire to do something constructive in the field of Right to Information (RTI) which could of use to all sections of the society. It was thought that the public authorities could use it as a learning tool for their officials while the citizens find the numerous possible ways of the using RTI. It was designed as a platform for expressing divergent views for a meaningful interaction and discussion. Such an action would result into emergence of a think-tank for the policy makers while aiding a common man to get answers to his RTI related problems. In all, it was conceived as a ONE STOP DESTINATION FOR ALL RTI MATTERS.
A lot of simple, but smart thinking have gone into the making of www.rtifoundationofindia.com as this website is the spine of our foundation’s activities. The highlights of some of our activities in a short span of 2 years are:
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The readers would like to note that during the past two years, the website has posted fresh information daily irrespective of holiday, rains or the breakdown of web servers. The whole work has been done on a shoe string budget as neither any donation was sought nor received. The complete team involved in the running of the website had a meeting on November 24 to commemorate the anniversary of the website and discussed the road ahead. The various proposals which were put forward are: Ø Publish some RTI applications covering the common issues which can be used by citizens Ø Publish inspiring interviews / stories /analysis Ø Printing of magazine / souvenir / e- Papers Ø Setting of call centre to cater to the doubts of the citizens relating to RTI Ø Rural campaigns to involve more citizens Ø Training to the public authorities Ø Expansion of the website to get more viewers |
Your critical comments and suggestions regarding the above proposal are solicited. While the modalities of the above are being worked upon, we look forward for the continued support and encouragement in taking the organisation to greater heights. Please do visit the RTI Foundation portal at www.rtifoundationofindia.com regularly to keep abreast of the latest developments and initiatives of the foundation on RTI and inform your friends and relatives about it.
Looking for your continued comments and support.
EDITOR