Hyderabad: Citizen journalism is on a high in Old City, also as most of the youths there are actively participating in the social welfare activities. A few years ago, the Right to Information (RTI) was used only for personal matters, that too after consulting lawyers. But, with the growth of technology and education, more and more youths are questioning governmental agencies like GHMC, police, water works and pension office by taking up societal issues.
Says Ms Sarah Mathews, women right activist: “Activism is not a career choice. It happens only when there’s angst. It’s not something like purposely coming out in the streets and shouting slogans. It’s like joining hands for a cause.” Most youngsters these days are aware about the issues through social media. So, they are raising their voices to ask the authorities about the problems in their society, adds Ms Sarah.
Adds she: “The old age pension loans from the Telangana government were not being distributed in the Kothapet gram panchayat. Of the 180 beneficiaries, loans went only to 30-40 persons. After the RTI was filed, the others also got the benefit.
An RTI was filed in January 2016 by Mr Md Karim, an activist. He said, “Now people are bold enough to question their leaders. This generation is not easily fooled by promises of their leaders and officers. Youngsters in Old City are ready to help their neighbours, and RTI has proven to be a powerful tool.” Activism is not only to question the government but also about promoting development. It is also an initiative to raise awareness, he said.
“New roads were to be laid, but officials kept delaying the works in Shaheen Nagar. Before the 2014 elections, the inauguration plaque was made, but the works never progressed. So, after filing the RTI in February 2015, the details were given. It said '5 lakh was spent on the roads. But, this has never happened. After the issue was reported in the media, immediate action followed,” he says.
Mr Md Akram says, “In the past three to four years, the number of RTI activists in Old City has gone up. There are 8-10 activists in Old City alone, working for the development of the area. In the municipal ward of Yakutpura, details were requested from Water department regarding pipelines, bore wells and supply of water. The PIO asked for '32,000 for giving the information, but after the issue was highlighted through the media, the information was given.
Mr Suresh G., an activist, said: “We work consistently on spreading education among the children and the youths. A lot of people were deprived of education in the past due to financial difficulties. We enlighten them about the importance of educating their children.”
Mr S.Q. Masood, an activist, said: “The RTIs have proven to be a boon for the citizens as most of the works are completed after filing it.”
