Basics: RTI ACT & RTI RULES in English & Marathi, plus Important SIC Order about Cost of Info, Certified Copies etc.
Krishnaraj Rao
These files are must-haves for Maharashtra RTI Activists. Download and keep these handy:
I. RTI Act 2005
In the English copy, key sections of RTI Act are highlighted.
II. Maharashtra State RTI Rules
These Rules contain detailed guidelines for implementation in Maharashtra of Right to Information Act 2005, such as cost per page of Xerox copy, per CD/DVD, per 15 minutes of file inspection etc. They also have standard formats for RTI application, first appeal and second appeal.
III. Maharashtra Chief SIC’s Very Important Order about Costs, Certified Copies etc.
This order stresses that public authorities cannot take liberties while charging RTI applicants for costs incurred. They must abide by the Maharashtra Rules without any exception.
Deep gratitude to:
1) Marathi version of Maharashtra Rules is surprisingly rare. I took a copy from the blog of Prahlad Kachare, Director of Yashada’s RTI Cell. Thank you, Mr Kachare!
2) Chief SIC Vilas Patil’s important order was a fitting response to several appeals and complaints by Activists Bhaskar Prabhu, S K Nangia, Chetan Kothari and Dilip Nevetia. Kudos to all of you, guys! And thank you, Mr Patil, for your proactive order!
3) At the initiative of Activist G R Vora, the Chief SIC’s Marathi order was well translated into English by Dr D G Thuse, a professional translator (Mob. 93222 67546 ), at a cost of Rs 1,600. Rehan Yar Khan has generously offered to bear this cost, and also an earlier translation cost of about Rs 2,500 incurred by GRV. Thank you GRV and Rehan! Large-hearted guys like you make RTI activism a real pleasure!
Warm Regards,
Krish
98215 88114
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