India recently passed a Right to Information law (RTI, known here in the US as Freedom of Information, FOIA). It might sound like an esoteric issue or one that is simply about the politics of open government. What it illustrates beautifully, though, is the impact these issues have on for everyday life for real people. Like those living with sewage and promises of sewers to come.
The BBC highlights changes that are taking place since RTI was passed — and the biggest beneficiaries are those who were most shut out of the system before: the poor. Now they can find out if their officials really plan to install sewers or what’s holding up their personal paperwork. And hold government accountable for delivering the services without additional hassles or bribes.
Now communities can arm themselves with information and press for proper sewers, water connections, etc. Mosquito populations and disease have already fallen in one community that used RTI to get long-promised sewers installed. Individuals can find out why applications are held up, who is really using their rations cards, and much more. Everyday things that make life livable are suddenly more attainable because the power has shifted with the information.
Passage of the law was championed by Arvind Kerjiwal, a former civil servant turned activist. He points out
“It is a revolutionary act…It changes the power balance in favour of the people…It is so powerful, it empowers the very ordinary citizen in a tremendous way.”
To hold government accountable, you must first be able to see what it is doing — gaining the information is a powerful first step to exercising citizen rights.
Published Date: November 14, 2006