Skip to main content

J&K activists explore transformative potential of Right to Information Act

J&K RTI Foundation note on RTI Pend Initiative's successful inaugural event, which explores the transformative power of the Right to Information (RTI) for transparency and community empowerment:

***
The RTI Pend Initiative, a community-driven platform dedicated to transparency, accountability, and community empowerment, made a significant impact with its inaugural event, "RTI Pend 1st," held on September 10, 2023. The event, both online and at the J&K RTI Foundation's office in Magam, brought together individuals, activists, and community leaders to explore the transformative potential of the Right to Information (RTI).
Irfan Banka, a social activist, anthropologist, and the founder of J&K RTI Foundation, assumed the role of host and warmly welcomed participants, setting the stage for a day of engaging discussions and shared insights.
Sheikh Maqbool, Co-Founder of J&K RTI Foundation, graced the event as the esteemed guest speaker. His profound insights on RTI advocacy and its impact on communities resonated with attendees, sparking meaningful conversations on how RTI can be leveraged as a tool for positive change.
The event's agenda covered a comprehensive overview of RTI, step-by-step guidance on filing RTI applications, open community discussions, collaborative problem-solving sessions, and an opportunity for participants to network and connect informally.
Notably, participants actively engaged in the event, asking questions and seeking clarification on various aspects of RTI. The J&K RTI Foundation's members, including Akhtar Ali and Sajad Hussain, played a crucial role in addressing the queries of participants, offering expert guidance, and sharing their wealth of knowledge on RTI-related matters.
The event's Technical Director, Ishfaq Majeed, ensured a seamless technical execution, overseeing recording, livestreaming, editing, and providing technical support to enhance the experience for both online and offline participants.
One of the event's key announcements was the RTI Pend Initiative's commitment to extend its mission offline. The initiative is set to conduct awareness programs, facilitate RTI filing assistance, and engage with communities in villages, government departments, and public gatherings.
Irfan Banka, the event's host, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the participants for their enthusiastic support. He emphasized the community's vital role in driving positive change through transparency and open dialogue.
The RTI Pend Initiative remains committed to empowering communities by providing the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to exercise their Right to Information effectively. The initiative invites individuals, communities, and government departments to collaborate in this journey toward a more transparent and accountable future.

About the RTI Pend Initiative:

The RTI Pend Initiative is a community-driven platform dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and community empowerment through the Right to Information (RTI). Founded by social activist and anthropologist Irfan Banka, the initiative aims to create positive change by fostering open dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collaborative problem-solving.

Comments

TRENDING

Small Farm, big success: How an innovative couple built a model of sustainable farming

By Bharat Dogra  In Sema, a remote village in Rajasthan's Rajsamand district, Bhagwati Lal and his wife Rekha share equal credit for creating a remarkable farm that has become an inspiration for villagers and visitors alike. Their achievement demonstrates how even a very small piece of land can provide a strong foundation for sustainable livelihoods while enhancing climate resilience and protecting the environment.

Incarceration of Prof Saibaba 'revives' the question: What is crime, who is criminal?

By Kunal Pant* In 2016, a Supreme Court Judge asked the state of Maharashtra, “Do you want to extract a pound of flesh?” The statement was directed against the state for contesting the bail plea of Delhi University Professor GN Saibaba. Saibaba was arrested in 2014, a justification for which was to prevent him from committing what the police called “anti-national activities.”

Shrinking settlements, fading schools: The Tibetan exile crisis in India

By Tseten Lhundup*  Since the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959, the Tibetan exile community in Dharamsala has established the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) as the guardian of Tibetan culture and identity. Once admired for its democratic governance , educational system , and religious vitality , the exile community now faces an alarming demographic and institutional decline.