Book on RTI launched

Book on RTI launched Mumbai, Jan 20 (PTI) A book on Right to Information (RTI) Act written by former Central Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi was released here today. The book titled RTI Act- Authentic Interpretation of The Statute was released at the hands of Maharashtra Chief Information Commissioner Ratnakar Gaikwad and former Supreme Court Judge B N Srikrishna.

Speaking on the occasion, the 69-year-old Gandhi said, "Our RTI law has been ranked the third best in the world in terms of its provisions, but unfortunately our country ranks at number 66 in terms of implementation. In a bid to bridge this gap, I have put forth my ideas in this book, which I am sure will empower citizens and RTI activists." Justice Srikrishna, who has written the foreword to the book, said, "I am sure the book will serve as a manual to people dealing with the RTI. The book is the product of Gandhis passion for the subject and practical experience in the field."

During a panel discussion held later, Gandhi expressed displeasure over the rising cases of rejection or denial of information which are against to the Act.

The book is co-authored by Pralhad Kachare, a bureaucrat, who earlier headed Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA) in Pune. It contains views of Satyananda Mishra, former Chief Information Commissioner and Toby Mendel, an expert on transparency laws.

The e-version of this 90-page book is already available on www.satyamevajayate.info.