RTI Act -2005 – Effective Tool to Tackle Corruption and Very Potent Weapon against Corruption and Nepotism

The main objectives of the RTI Act are – To promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority and

To set up a practical regime for giving citizens access to information that is under the control of public authorities.

RTI Act 2005 was introduced to make the government machinery transparent and enhanced the accountability for good governance.

Right to Information and has been given the status of a fundamental right under Article 19(1) of the Constitution. Article 19 (1) under which every citizen has freedom of speech and expression and have the right to know how the government works, what role does it play, what are its functions and so on.

The Act confers right to the citizens to know as to how the taxpayer’s money is being spent by the Government.

Right to Information Act empowers every citizen to seek any information, take notes, extracts or certified copies of documents or records, and take certified samples of material.

DRDO although governed by Indian constitution and draw salary from central government funds.

But decisions are autonomous without accountability. They all are self style generals, they have own rules and rule implantations in own terms & conditions, but when succumbed to injury look for RM for protection and ask protection in the name of secrecy.

Like when an RTI revealed that induction of Grade Pay – Rs 4800 without approval of finance ministry now question of recovery of Rs 24 Cr is big crisis for DRDO, several court cases are facing by DRDO, almost 665 technical officers are busy to tackle the recovery issue.

DRDO management to hide their irresponsible act, making arrangements for reassessment for these technical officers. Please imagine the money involvement and man hour wastage.

The present Honorable Defence Minister has tried his level best and convinced DRDO officers/ employees to fall in the line and follow the constitutional provisions.

Honorable Defence Minister has take prompt action as per rule:-

1. Not granted extension to Dr V K Sarswat
2. Suspended Dr Arun Kumar, DOP two hours before his retirement day.
3. Charge sheeted to Dr. S M Veerabhadrappa just after retirement.
4. Node to enquiry for Dr W Selvamurthy, Ex CC R&D, Ph D in Yoga, Ms S Geetha, Ms Swati Srivastva, Mrs T Chandra banu, Scientist ‘F’
5. Charge Sheeted Dr A K Tyagi, ex CPIO, DRDO Hqr
6. Protected whistle blower Sh Prakash Singh, Senior Admin Officer-I

These well known decisions are in the right direction and has encourage the common people to identify incompetent, corrupt official , non performers etc of DRDO Labs across the India. So this cancer of corruption, nepotism, casteism can be treated in first stage.

DRDO has made it mockery of RTI Act – 2005. There are several examples in CIC decision; “ The Commission has taken a consistent view that notwithstanding the fact that DRDO is an exempted organization, this exemption applies only in respect of scientific/technical matters and not in respect of establishment matters.”

And best part is this that after CIC stands, DRDO went Honorable High Court for wasting precious poor tax payer’s money. Common man cannot digest who give power to these corrupt officers for saving their own skin they are using public money.

In case of DMSRDE, DRDO Lab Kanpur, some RTI were placed to expose the corrupt practices following in the Lab. As usual practice of RTI cell DRDO all were denied and after thoroughly and specifically made first appeal force to think first appellate authority for provide requested informations.

RTI cell DRDO intends to disclose informations. However, the RTI cell at Lab level put the sundry things under schedule-II exemptions. DRDO has protected its corrupt officials under exemption clause in the name of secrecy.

Please find enclosed copy of FAX addressed to Director, DMSRDE, KANPUR  Letter No RTI/02/2091 /F /2013/0139.0140,0141,0142,0144 dated 27^th September 2013 signed by Sh Bishan Singh, Astt. Director, RTI Cell, For First Appellate Authority.

For your ready reference.

Regards                                                                                             Date – 14^th October 2013

1. Enclosed – Photocopy of FAX addressed to Director, DMSRDE, KANPUR  Letter No RTI/02/2091 /F /2013/0139.0140,0141,0142,0144 dated 27^th September 2013