Use of RTI by farmer for irrigation facilities
20 Apr, 2012
The use of Right to Information (RTI) Act by an ordinary farmer of Nandana village in Kalyanpur taluka of Gujrat has revealed that Rs 8.5 crore were paid between 2009 and 2011 for the irrigation related work that was not done. The 45 year old Vikram Chavda was informed by the authorities that that the grant for check dams and rainwater harvesting had been sanctioned and as the work has already been done as per their records.
Mr Chavda sought information about the work allegedly done in his village under the Right to Information (RTI) Act and was amused to learn that a payment was Rs 12 lakh was made to various contractors whereas no or little work was done on the ground. Using this information, action was initiated against the contractors and local authorities. When the villagers of the nearby areas approached him, he took up the matters relating to the entire Kalyanpur taluka of Dwarka which is an area in severe need of good irrigation water for farming. For nearly two years now, he has taken up numerous issues related to development of his village and taluka and intends to continue in his pursuit.
Share your comments with RTI Foundation of India.