By TCN News,
Aligarh: “Right to information Act is meant for the weaker sections of the society especially Dalits, minorities and the backward classes of the country. It is very beneficial for them and due to this Act the poor and backward sections of the society are in a position to get more and more information and become aware of their status in the society”, said Dr. Shakeel Samdani of Department of Law, Aligarh Muslim University, while speaking the inaugural session of a Workshop on Right to Information Act. The Workshop was organized by Aligarh College of Education and Aligarh College of Engineering and Management, Chherat, Aligarh.
He said that India is a democratic country and in democracy every citizen has a right to know that how and where the public money is being spent by public representatives and government officers. Whether this money is being used properly or misused by them? By just spending Rs 10, a citizen can obtain information worth millions of rupees. This is a revolutionary Act of 21st Century and it should be used and respected by everyone living in this country, Dr Samdani said.
Dr. Shakeel Samdani Speaking in RTI workshop
Dr Samdani further said that due to this Act many scams are being unearthed and corrupt persons are being exposed. The days are not far away when the corrupt people will be exposed fully.
While discussing the weaknesses of the Act, Dr Samdani said that in addition to public authority the Act should cover private bodies also, because in the era of globalization and privatization, the private sector is also playing a significant role in the country. He said that some dishonest and corrupt people were trying to misuse the provision of RTI Act posing themselves as RTI activists and harassing and blackmailing dedicated and honest officers. A curb on this tendency should be brought by the concerned authorities. Dr Samdani explained in detail various provisions of the Act and their impact on public authorities. He urged the people to use the provisions of this Act for needy persons and undertake social work.
Dr. Shakeel Samdani delivering lecture on RTI
Prof. M. Muqimuddin, Director, Aligarh College of Engineering and Technology said that such type of activities will be organized in future also. He thanked Dr Samdani for his brilliant and excellent lecture.
The workshop was conducted by Syed Umair and Dr. Serajuddin welcomed the guests. Dr Abida Ghaffar, Principal of the College of Education proposed a vote of thanks. Dr. MS Khan, Dr. Dharmendra Sharma, Dr. Chhabi, Mr. Naqvi, Sufiya Anjum, Pooja Gupta, Surendar Kumar, Wasim Ahmad, Mohd Subhan etc participated in the programme.