Kochi: Over five lakh people have filed RTI applications online ever since the launch of a website for the same. Interestingly, 6,308 illiterate persons used the website to seek information. Total RTI requests filed from rural areas through the website is 1,25,690. Kerala is yet to start a website to file RTIs though funds were allotted for the same. Total RTI requests filed from urban areas through the website was 3,35,691.
The Union government revealed details to Dhanraj Subhash Cha-ndran, a Kochi-based RTI activist. The Centre has allotted Rs 1.20 crore in the last nine years. However, the government is yet to implement facilities online. Union government implemented it in 2012. The state is allotting these funds to conduct classes to create awareness among public and government officials. RTI activists have called for a website and a mobile app so that the state can effectively implement RTI Act.
“I don’t know why the state is turning a blind eye to a RTI website. If it is set up, people can easily access information. At present the officials are trying hard to reject applications than give information,” Dhanraj said. Applications dated 2011 are pending with the commission. The Kerala State commission is facing a shortage of five commissioners. In a recent RTI seminar, Chief Information Commissioner Vinson M. Paul, has claimed that the commission receives around 20 to 25 applications a day.
