MARGAO: GOACAN on Thursday held an awareness programme at Margao to highlight the benefits of the Right to Information Act 2005 and the need for greater transparency and accountability in governance in Goa.
Consumer forum volunteers armed with placards and colourful flags distributed information slips on RTI to consumers in the town and urged them to make good use of the act to combat bribery and corruption in Goa. During the awareness action, posters on various frequently asked questions about RTI were also on display.
GOACAN convenor Roland Martins said the awareness drive was held as part of its ongoing RTI awareness fortnight.
It may be noted that the RTI fortnight is being observed by GOACAN to address the need for awareness on RTI and to petition the Goa government to fulfill its duties and responsibilities with respect to the Act.
Martins said in the context of the forthcoming Municipal council elections, the use of RTI is important to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of the Councils, especially in relation to budget, staff, infrastructure and provisions of essential services.
Consumer forum volunteers also publicized the user friendly method of affixing a court fee stamp of Rs 10 on the RTI application at the time of submission as well as the importance of filing appeals in time before the first appellate authority and the Goa state information commission.
Meanwhile, GOACAN has evoke good response to its SMS campaign highlighting the demand that the Goa government print and make available copies of the RTI Act in Konkani and Marathi for an affordable price. (HD)
Roland Martins of GOACAN: I hope your organisation grows in numbers and Goans come to understand that there is a tool of awareness. Goans need to be educated in Right of information Act 2005.Thanks to all you Guys out there in Margao for giving your time for this cause.
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