--- In rti4ngo@yahoogroups.com, "Dhirendra Krishna"
<dhirendrakrishna@...> wrote:

Friends,

Saakshi Trust of Bangalore has done a very good job by drafting RTI
Applications in the field of education. Guide prepared by them has
been added as one of the files in rti4ngo.

RTI can be used to demand better performance. This can be elaborated
by raising issues of persistent failures, despite the existing
systems of checks and balances. In fact, it is quite common to bury
adverse findings in the files instead of taking the required
corrective measures. Public pressures on grass-root authorities can be
more effective than administrative controls.

Following steps are needed for making the applications under RTI more
sophisticated, that forces the grass-root level authorities to improve
governance processes, by taking corrective measures.

· Budget of Education Department of Karnataka provides details
of expenditure under Plan / Non-Plan schemes. Issues can be raised
under RTI regarding the suo moto public disclosure of benefits
expected from these schemes by the Grass-root authorities. Such
disclosures should enable the "potential beneficiaries" to evaluate
whether the intended benefits of the public expenditure is reaching them.

· Qualitative aspect of education provided by Government
funded educational institutions is a major issue. There may be
internal checks like annual inspection of schools. The findings of
such inspection can be obtained under RTI. Public pressure may lead to
qualitative improvements, based on the internal procedures of the
education department.

· Administrative and financial controls are reflected in the
regular reports submitted to the superior authorities. Findings of
Internal Audit and C&AG reflect failures in administration and
management of finance. Despite these checks and balances, there can be
rampant waste/misuse of public funds. RTI can enable a citizen to
obtain copy of such reports.

· Corruption related findings are available in the reports
prepared by the vigilance Department and RTI enables any citizen to
ask for copy of reports where investigation is complete.


Next issue is how to motivate persons at District /Block /Village
level to file such applications. District level NGOs may be requested
for using RTI to demand better services from the public authorities.
Education is a State subject and each state would have its own system
of checks and balances. RTI Application can be standardized for each
State, taking these variations into account.





Dhirendra Krishna

--- End forwarded message ---