[HumJanenge] Need to file an RTI, expert help is now at hand

Dear friends,

Here is an interesting article on a new breed of RTI Touts.

http://goo.gl/HuWdo

MUMBAI: A new breed of professionals is on the rise that owes its existence to the Right To Information (RTI) Act that has grown popular and powerful as it has proved to be effective in empowering citizens.

The professionals, though few, are experts on the RTI Act. They are well-versed with the act's finer points and can draft questionnaires for applicants. The consultants charge anything from a couple of hundreds to a few thousands. In some cases, they demand a share of the commission if there is monetary benefit to the client.

A Ramakrishnan, who retired as Maharashtra principal secretary, and became an RTI consultant, said, "We began to provide consultancy on RTI-related issues a few months ago as we realized people are eager to use the tool but are unaware of the modalities even though it is one of the least complicated acts."

Ramakrishnan works with a firm that provides consultancy services to small and medium firms that cannot afford former Indian Administrative Service ( IAS) officers. The firm set up an RTI cell, which consists of retired government employees who provides guidance to clients hoping to use the RTI Act.

Ramakrishnan said, "From experience, I realized that there are many who want to file an RTI application but are stuck due to lack of knowledge about the act or lack of time. We decided to offer our expertise in the field. Even though we charge fees, our aim is to create awareness about the RTI Act."

Explaining his RTI business model, he said, "After seeking an appointment on the telephone, the client, depending on the nature of the RTI, has to pay a few hundred rupees per session for a meeting with an expert. We listen to their grievances or try to understand the motive of filing the application. We then advise them on whether or not to file the application. "

The firm charges additional fees if the client wants the company's expert to file the application on his behalf. Ramakrishan said, "We generally ask the client to give us the power of authority in the form of an affidavit before drafting the application. We also depute experts before the information officer on behalf of our client."

Ramakrishnan said three types of clients usually approach them. "Some people come to us to make use of the RTI to solve personal problems. Others have a wider social agenda. Many businessmen also make use of the RTI to safeguard business interests."

Ketan Modi, a former journalist, who has become a full-time RTI activist-cum-consultant, said he offers services on a professional basis to people who will get monetary benefits on using the act.

For example, a client approached me after the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) failed to pay him for stationery he had supplied it till 2005. The amount was Rs 30,000 and the client offered me a 50% share if the RTI route helped him get it. As soon as I filed the application, the BSNL issued a cheque and the amount was split between me and my client. I have now filed a second appeal seeking compensation of an equivalent amount which will come to me. Even the cost of litigation will be paid to me."

Modi also charges applicants who want to get income details or refunds. Modi, though said, that he does not charge if the RTI is filed in larger public interest. "There are certain dos and don'ts I follow even though I use the RTI for professional purposes. For instance, I do not charge applicants who are poor, illiterate or semi-literate."

Navin Pandya, a social activist from Malad, decided to provide services as an RTI consultant, and has conducted workshops on its use.

Soon after the act's introduction. Being involved in social work, many people approach me for help to draft an RTI application. All these years I helped them for free. However, I have begun charging a fee as I need money for my daily expenses."

Pandya said he charges depending on the nature of the query. "I do not charge anything if the query is in larger public interest. However, I do not hesitate to ask for a fee if the query is filed for business purposes."