January 20, 2010: Chandigarh:  RTI Users Association (RTIUA) which was founded in June 2009 under the aegis of “Citizens’ Voice” today expanded its base to provide support to people using “Right to Information” in six states of North India (Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Delhi). In a formal meeting of the RTIUA, new office bearers to coordinate with RTI users of these six states were selected. This according to RTIUA would further strengthen the application of RTI Act so as to make RTI a legal tool of choice for the people to ensure accountability in governance.

Kamal Anand, who also heads the NGO People for Transparency was unanimously selected to lead the association as the new Secretary-General of the RTI Users Association. Advocate Surinder Pal took over the responsibility to be a State-coordinator for Punjab. Dr. Gaurav Chhabbra would be the State-coordinator for Chandigarh. Col. D.P. Gupta would be State Coordinator for Himachal Pradesh. Professor Sandeep Gupta would be the State-Coordinator for Haryana and Sh. R. D. Sharma was given the responsibility to be the State-Coordinator for Jammu and Kashmir.

RTIUA opened its membership for all people who have been using the RTI Act or are desirous to use RTI Act for obtaining information. The spokesperson of the association informed that there was no membership fee for becoming a member of the RTIUA and one can visit the website www.rightto.info and register there to become a member of the association. After registration as a member, one can download sample RTI applications, sample appeals, Act, Rules and even post questions or post blogs relating to RTI.

Kamal Anand informed that RTIUA would be consolidating its base at the District and village level too and in due course would be selecting people who are willing to volunteer at District level to guide RTI Users. “We are looking for volunteers who have been using RTI in public interest and have reasonable understanding of the RTI Act and the legal system. Proven track record of work in the interest of public is an essential requirement; however RTIUA has decided not to select any political workers as office bearers for obvious reasons.” Kamal added.

The association currently has over 500 RTI users as its members not only from these six states but also from across the country.

The missing RTI Activist (and lawyer) has been traced out and admitted in a private hospital at Ferozepur for treatment. It is a matter of concern, however, that his condition is critical.

This morning, Sh. H. C. Arora, Convenor of RTI Users Association received a call from the sister of Kiran Kumar (the victim). She told him that they have received a phone call that Kiran Kumar is lying outside a Bakery in a critical condition. Thereupon, with assistance from another RTI Activist Sh. Jitender, the local media was also informed and to be witness to the incident. Some media people reached the spot at Ferozepur. The Inquiry Officer, Jasbir Singh, DSP, with policemen also reached the spot.

Kiran Kumar is in a critical condition but alive.

Further developments, as and when known, would be shared with all of you. Meanwhile, let us all pray for health and speedy recovery of Kiran Kumar.