The real change would come when people start demanding accountability and the government is forced to respond. Then, it would not be easy for the governments to go astray.
Right to Information is the first concrete step in that direction. People are already holding governments accountable by seeking details of funds spent in their areas.
For your convenience, we are providing some suggestions on what kind of information you should ask for different types of problems. We will be happy to help you in case you have decided to make an application and need any help to get you going.
Do you have a pending work or a pending grievance in some government department? Is someone asking or expecting a bribe to do that work? Don't pay bribes. Now you can get the work done by using Right to Information Act.
Does your area remain very dirty? The municipal sweepers rarely show up? Use Right to Information to know the amount spent on sanitation in your area. Demand the attendance registers and muster rolls of sweepers.
A number of authorities carry out various types of works in any locality, for instance, Delhi Jal Board, Horticulture Department of MCD, Sanitation Department of MCD, PWD, Engineering Department of MCD etc. Do you wish to conduct a social audit of all the works done by a particular department in any area? .
Is some ration or kerosene shopkeeper not giving supplies properly in your area? Apply to seek his records.
Inspect Government works
Is some government work taking place in your area? Has some work been done shabbily? Apply to inspect that work officially and to obtain sample of material used in that work.
Do you want to know how your MLA used his constituency development fund? How much money is lying unutilized in this account?.
Often, we hear that the politicians and bureaucrats misuse their official cars for personal purposes. Now, you can keep a check on that. .
Often we hear that cases of corruption are not taken to their logical end. They are either dropped on some pretext or the progress in these cases is quite slow due to some influence. Now you can keep a check on that.
The grievances of the public are not attended properly by the government officials. This is also one of the reasons why people are forced to pay bribes. Now, you can keep a check on the functioning of the grievance redressal machinery of any department..
