A Report on Awareness Campaign on the Right to Information (RTI) Act in Bihar

A Report on Awareness Campaign on the Right to Information (RTI) Act in Bihar The Hunger Project, Shaheed Bhavan, 18/1, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, Qutub Institutional Area, New Delhi -110067, India - Tel.: 91-11-41688847-50, Fax: 91-11-41688852 E-mail: thp@airtelmail.in, Website: www.thp.org

INDEX I. INTRODUCTION.....2 II. RTI CAMPAIGN AWARENESS....3 1) Capacity Building of EWR federation members on the RTI Act 2) Dissemination of information and knowledge on the RTI Act 3) Creating awareness on a mass level through use of mass media & IEC III. SUMMARY OF OUTPUT. 15 IV. IMPACT OF RTI CAMPAIGN.....16 V. LEARNINGS AND CONCLUSION. 17 VI. ANNEXURE: Campaign Photographs and IEC Materials Page1

I. INTRODUCTION The Hunger Project (THP) is a global non-profit organisation working across 13 countries for the sustainable end of world hunger. In India, The Hunger Project works to strengthen democracy by developing the leadership of elected women representatives in Panchayats. The Hunger Project, since the year 2000, has engaged with over 70,000 elected women representatives (EWRs) in gram Panchayats with a view to strengthen women s participation in rural local self governance. THP recognizes the opportunity that this revolutionary amendment offers to work towards a more equitable reality. In the current government resource allocations, since more than 70% of government funding is being routed through Panchayats in rural areas, the relevance of the RTI Act as a tool, to check corruption and promote accountability has increased. Within this reality of government fund allocations and the context of THPs work, which focuses on gender and governance in Panchayats, awareness on the relevance of the RTI Act and its use was seen as a necessary tool. While some basic information has always been provided in capacity building initiatives of THP within the realm of accountability, issues of corruption, transparency and the right of elected women representatives to know about allocation and utilization of resources in their Panchayats, there was an increasing need for raising awareness about RTI to a larger number of citizens and civil society. Given the above background, in September 2009, with the support of UNDP, THP launched an intensive four month awareness campaign on the Right to Information (RTI) Act in the state of Bihar. The intervention proposed a three-fold strategy to impact a large population in order to create a conducive and enabling environment for the active implementation of the RTI Act. While the primary focus of the program would be on EWR members of federations, civil society organizations were also included to reach out to larger sections of population. Additionally, dissemination of the Act was undertaken on a large scale through use of mass media. The three heads under which activities were planned were Capacity building of elected women representatives on RTI, Training of Trainers (ToT) of community based organizations and civil society organizations and Mass awareness campaign through mass media: In Bihar the highlight was the Road Show Jan Jagrukta Karwan. IEC material was also developed. Materials such as posters, pamphlets and booklets were conceptualized and developed for the campaign. This is a concluding four month campaign report. The report summarizes the key activities and outputs of the campaign. Experiences and response to the campaign have also been documented. The impact in Bihar is highlighted. The last chapter of the report captures the key learning s and conclusion, emphasizing the need to continue such initiates within the State of Bihar and also across the States in India, especially the backward and underdeveloped States, where citizens in rural areas, especially the marginalized and disadvantaged continue to face tremendous challenges related to lack of good governance and accountability in Panchayats. Page2

II. BIHAR: RTI CAMPAIGN AWARENESS UPDATE 1) CAPACITY BUILDING OF EWR FEDERATION MEMBERS ON THE RTI ACT: 2 DAY BLOCK LEVEL ORIENTATION WORKSHOPS WITH EWRS & 1 DAY BLOCK LEVEL FOLLOW UP WORKSHOP 2 DAY BLOCK LEVEL ORIENTATION WORKSHOPS WITH EWRS Objective of the Workshops To orient the EWRs about the RTI Act To motivate the EWRs to use RTI as a tool to ensure transparency in development To encourage EWRs to disseminate the Information on RTI to other women and EWRs Output 14 two-day block level workshops were conducted in different blocks of 8 districts namely Jehanabad, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Rohtas, Gopalganj, West Champaran, Supaul, and Bhagalpur 35 EWRs participated in each block level workshop. Overall 490 EWRs have been trained in Block level trainings on RTI. Districts Blocks Dates Jehanabad Kako 27-28/Oct/09 Madhubani Bisfi 27-28/Oct/09 Rahika 10-11/Nov/09 Bisfi & Rahika 24-25/Nov/09 Muzaffarpur Marwan 27-28/Oct/09 Motipur 04-05/Nov/09 Saraiya 09-10/Nov/09 Rohtas Tilothu 27-28/Oct/09 Sasaram 16-17/Nov/09 Nawhatta 23-24/Nov/09 West Champaran Bagha II 25-26/Nov/09 Bhagalpur Jagdishpur 02-03/Dec/09 Gopalganj Vaikunthpur 06-07/Dec/09 Supaul Kishanpur 11-12/Dec/09 Page3

The Process During the 2 day trainings, EWRs were informed about the importance of RTI Act in making the system more accountable and transparent. Various characteristics of the RTI Act were shared with EWRs in a simple manner. Various success stories were shared with the EWRs on the use of and positive impact of the Act. To ensure that the training on RTI is well comprehended by the EWRs, a question answer session was planned with the EWRs. Questions such as the following were asked and successfully answered by the participants: Who is the responsible person for receiving the application? In how many days, the A/PIO (Public Information Officer) has to provide the information after receiving the application? If the PIO refuses to accept the application, then what can be done? What can be done if the PIO fails to provide the information within the specified period? What can be done, if PIO provides incomplete or incorrect information? To whom the first appeal can be given? What can we done, if we are not satisfied with the information provided under first appeal? What facility has been provided to the BPL families under RTI Act? How much penalty can be fined to the PIO if s/he does not provide the information? Under which condition can we complain to the State Information Commission? Thereafter, samples of different applications on various issues of panchayats that could be given to the respective PIOs were shared with participants. Also, they were divided in groups and asked to frame applications regarding their Panchayat on the following: Non-payment of honorarium to the EWRs Decisions made in Gram Sabhas for recent 5 years List of beneficiaries under the subsidies on diesel List of beneficiaries under IAY (Indira Awas Yojana) Future Plan of EWRs The EWRs after discussing in their group created the applications and presented before everyone about the questions they wanted to get information on. After the presentation, the EWRs promised each other to submit at least one application under RTI. Also, they wished to share the impact of the application when they meet next, after the specified period meant for getting the information. 1 DAY BLOCK LEVEL FOLLOW-UP WORKSHOP Objective of the Workshops To share the experiences of filing applications under the RTI Act To develop strategies to resolve the difficulties emerging in using RTI Act Page4

Output 14 one-day block level follow up workshops were conducted in different blocks of the above mentioned 8 districts. 30 EWRs participated in each workshop. Overall 420 EWRs turned up for sharing their experiences. Districts Blocks Dates Jehanabad Kako 27/Nov/09 Madhubani Bisfi 06/Dec/09 Rahika 11/Dec/09 Bisfi & Rahika 17/Dec/09 Muzaffarpur Marwan 04/Dec/09 Motipur 07/Dec/09 Saraiya 08/Dec/09 Rohtas Tilothu 16/Dec/09 Sasaram 19/Dec/09 Nawhatta 22/Dec/09 West Champaran Bagha II 21/Dec/09 Bhagalpur Jagdishpur 23/Dec/09 Gopalganj Vaikunthpur 25/Dec/09 Supaul Kishanpur 29/Dec/09 The Process During the one day follow up workshop, the EWRs shared their experiences on the following points: Initiatives taken by them after participating in the 2-day training program Issues identified by them for utilizing RTI Challenges and difficulties faced in utilizing RTI Act The EWRs shared that after the 2-day training; they informed other EWRs about the RTI Act and showed them the resource materials provided to them. The other EWRs also got inspired and desired to file applications under RTI for ensuring the rightful implementation of the different social security schemes and improving the status of development of their Panchayats. Some EWRs shared that they faced difficulties in framing the questions. Hence, they were re-guided on the same. Page5

2) DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE ON THE RTI ACT WITH CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS (CSOS): 3 DAYS TRAINING OF TRAINERS (TOT) WITH CSOS Objectives The training programmes were organized with a purpose to: Disseminate the information on RTI to the like-minded Civil Society Organisations of Bihar Create an enabling environment for proper and active implementation of the Act especially in the rural context Output 2 ToTs were conducted on 04-06/Oct/2009 & 20-22/Oct/2009, in Bodhgaya, Bihar 80 participants in ToTs from 32 Civil Society Organizations 6 resource persons from MKSS (Rajasthan), PARIVARTAN (Delhi) and Bihar Suchna ka Adhikar Manch Overview of the Training Programmes Two Training of Trainers (ToTs) were conducted with the Civil Society Organizations of Bihar in order to create awareness about the RTI. 80 members from 32 organizations were invited to participate in the training program. These training programmes gave a broad view of the implementation of the RTI Act and the inherent challenges in its implementation. The participants were also informed about Social Audit or Jan Sunwai, and the importance and key role of the RTI Act in these public hearings. The training programmes highlighted the current debate and move towards amendment of the RTI Act. The Resource Persons The resource persons were invited from two well known organizations in the field of RTI namely PARIVARTAN and MKSS. PARIVARTAN is based in Delhi that stands and strives for strengthening practices and systems that encourage participatory democracy including transparency and accountability. MAZDOOR KISAAN SHAKTI SANGATHAN (MKSS), is based in Dungarpur, Rajasthan and is known for its activism that resulted in the enactment of the RTI Act in 2005. 1. The first ToT was facilitated by the following trainers from PARIVARTAN: Mr. Ramashish He has been actively involved in the campaign of PARIVARTAN for ensuring transparency in Sundarnagri, the urban area of Delhi. Ms. Santosh Santosh has been a part of PARIVRTAN for the last 8 years. In her childhood days, she volunteered for the organization and now she works as a full time active member dedicated towards the rightful use of RTI. 2. The second ToT was facilitated by the following trainers from MKSS: Mr. Shankar Singh He has been the backbone of MKSS in fighting for the rights of the daily wage workers and demanding minimum wages for them. With his contribution, the demand for RTI Act could be spread all over the country. Page6

Mr. Khima Ram He has also been an active member of MKSS and volunteered in the campaign with Mr. Shankar Singh. Mr. Kamal Tak He has volunteered with MKSS and currently works for RTI Manch in Jaipur. The participants were also updated about the status and challenges of using RTI in context of Bihar by Ms. Parveen Amanullah, the secretary of Bihar Suchna ka Adhikar Manch. CSO Thematic Areas background of participants 80 participants from 32 CSOs working on varied issues, such as Women Empowerment, Local Self Governance, Water Conservation and Management, Organic Farming, Environment Conservation, Child Rights, Trafficking, Child Labor, Health, Education, Livelihood, and Human Rights were invited for the TOT. Also, the group of street play artists (cultural team for the road show), were included in the training so that they can develop their understanding about the RTI Act before going to the field. Geographical Coverage of participating CSOs There are a total of 38 districts in Bihar. The campaign was planned in such a way that majority of the districts are covered, especially the ones touching the boundary of other States such as Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh along with the ones near Nepal. Overall, organizations from 20 districts participated in ToT. The districts were Banka, Bhagalpur, East Champaran, Gaya, Gopalganj, Jamui, Jehanabad, Katihar, Khagaria, Madhubani, Munger, Muzaffarpur, Nalanda, Nawada, Patna, Rohtas, Saharsha, Supaul, Vaishali, and West Champaran. Page7

Rationale for Selection of Districts Out of these 20 districts, THP has been working with local organizations in 4 of them, namely Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, Jehanabad, and Rohtas. Since, they have been working to increase women s participation in political processes; their support was a must for this campaign. Districts like West Champaran, East Champaran, Supaul, Katihar, and Saharsha have a literacy rate of below 30 percent (*as per the Government of Bihar), poverty, and lower Human Development Index. Under such circumstances, it becomes imperative to raise awareness on the use of RTI Act amongst the marginalized and districts farthest from the Capital city. Hence, THP moved its campaign in these selected districts. ToT: Summary of Inputs during Trainings Resource Persons: The resource persons in both the ToTs were from different backgrounds and had varied experiences related to RTI. PARIVARTAN from Delhi had experience in urban areas and MKSS in rural areas in Rajasthan. Information related to Social Audit or Jan Sunvai was also shared. Participants were given an overview of the campaign towards the enactment of the RTI. Shankar Singh from MKSS and Santosh from PARIVARTAN shared his rich experience in this regard. Methodology and Knowledge Gap: The methodologies used in the ToTs were a mix of case studies, group work, discussion, films, presentations and extensive participant and trainer interaction. Examples by participants on use of RTI in Bihar were shared. They ranged from issues of honorarium to EWRs, number of Gram Sabhas conducted each year, copy of attendance register in Gram Sabha to track quorum, trainings to Aangadwadi workers and government hospital policy on admitting patients in distress. Overall, in both the trainings around 10 participants had used the RTI. For the others it was a tool that they were aware of, however had limited knowledge about its use and its scope. Based on the above a need assessment was done. The broad knowledge gaps were as follows: Who are the responsible public authorities where applications could be given? How can one fill the first and second appeal form? How can RTI be used in matters of Court? Can RTI be used by a group of people? What kinds of information can be accessed by use of RTI? Information Related to RTI: Information on the following aspects related to the RTI Act was imparted: History and background of RTI Act. States where it s applicable Basic aspects of the Act Legalities related to Act Kinds of information that can be sought under the Act Which departments can be asked of information under the Act Information about relevant government officials who are Public Information Officers (PIOs) in each department and their responsibilities Process of filing an application under the Act Page8

Timelines for receiving information and timelines for first and second appeal Fees related to filing application Third party related information for RTI Examples of bureaucratic hurdles related to accessing information under RTI Information on how to overcome hurdles in getting information under RTI Information on who can file RTI and age limits or rather lack of it to file RTI and use related to NREGA, PDS, BPL File noting and RTI Public Hearing Jan Sunvai : What is Jan Sunvai Its advantages and linkage to RTI Impact of ToT: Various myths and misinformation related to RTI were addressed during the training. The participants were highly motivated and inspired and committed to use the RTI themselves and spread awareness about it. Some of their commitments were as follows: Make farmers aware about RTI and motivate them to use it to know about updates on agricultural development. To know the list of BPL holders in Panchayat and the facilities provided to them. Will start an awareness seminar at block level and start a road show to make people aware about RTI. Seeking information related to Courts, as very less people come to know about the corruption in court. Will help the participants to file writ petition in court, if SIC does not give a reasonable response. To know about the amount of honorarium provided to the EWRs To get the copy of the muster-roll under NREGA To find out the process and duration involved for getting a voter identity card To find out the list of madarsas and schools for Muslim community and financial provisions for them. Also, the dates and amount when these installments were released. It was suggested that participants use RTI with an intention to collect information, not with an intention of maligning anybody or for the purpose of exposing a scam! Cautionary measures need to be taken in asking for information where there is knowledge of large scale pilferage. Post-Training Interaction with Participants: Many participants, after the training; kept in regular touch with THP and asked for guidance on certain issues. Some of the participants had applied under RTI and some of them have even gone for Second Appeal. They also asked THP to provide them the resource materials so that they can distribute in their working areas, and motivate them to use RTI. Page9

3) CREATING AWARENESS ON A MASS LEVEL THROUGH USE OF MASS MEDIA SUCH AS IEC MATERIAL, STREET PLAYS AND ROAD SHOWS a. The Road Show RTI Jan Jagrukta Karwan Objective To spread awareness about RTI Act in among the rural citizens of Bihar Overview To attain the above objective, it was necessary to start a massive campaign that can reach out to people in rural areas. Thereby, a road show named RTI Jan Jagrukta Karwan was conceptualized to cover 13 districts of Bihar State, including the partner organizations of THP. The Karwan was supported by a team of young adults who transferred the information on RTI to the rural people through street plays, songs, and slogans. Output Inauguration The RTI Jan Jagrukta Karwan was inaugurated from Kargil Chowk near Gandhi Maidan, Patna on 13 th October 2009. EWRs, members of partner organizations, other CSOs were present at the occasion. Mr. Tripurai Sharan, a close associate of Jai Prakash Narayan, was one of them. The inauguration program was a huge success as a large number of people gathered at the inauguration to gain knowledge about RTI. The EWRs flagged off the vehicle for the road show. Progress After the inauguration, the road show moved into other districts. Finally, 13 districts namely Patna, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, East Champaran, West Champaran, Supaul, Nawada, Bhagalpur, Saran, Jehanabad, Madhepura, and Rohtas have been covered. The road show was inaugurated in each district headquarter and then proceeded to respective Panchayats. Number of programs: This indicates the number of performances- street plays in each district. Participation So far overall 31, 358 citizens have attended the road show. Date District No. of Male Female Total Programs 13/Oct/09 Patna 1 75 60 135 13/Oct/09 Vaishali 4 611 176 787 14-16/Oct/09 Madhubani 11 1051 943 1994 27/Oct/09 Vaishali 3 441 45 486 30 Oct- Muzaffarpur 21 2597 2223 4820 03-04/Nov/09 East Champaran 7 1146 374 1520 05/Nov/09 West Champaran 5 207 828 1035 06/Nov/09 Muzaffarpur 1 76 432 508 07-09/Nov/09 Jehanabad 12 1455 1532 2987 12-15/Nov/09 Rohtas 19 2113 2208 4321 17-20/Nov/09 Bhagalpur 16 1765 1295 3060 21-24/Nov/09 Supaul 18 4133 1616 5749 Page10

25/Nov/09 Madhepura 1 89 217 306 26-28/Nov/09 Nawada 11 1511 532 2043 01/Dec/09 Vaishali 1 182 52 234 02/Dec/09 Patna Rural 3 1082 291 1373 TOTAL 13 Districts 134 18534 12824 31358 The Road Show Implementing Team The team of RTI Jan Jagrukta Karwan constitutes a coordinator, who has been an active member of Ekta Parishad, and a team of seven artists trained by the Bachpan Bachao Andolan, in Bihar. Geographical Coverage of the Road Show: The road covered thirteen districts of Bihar: Patna, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, East Champaran, West Champaran, Supaul, Nawada, Bhagalpur, Saran, Jehanabad, Madhepura, and Rohtas. Page11

The Planning: In order to cover the above districts in a specific period of 2 months, the team members along with THP planned to give 3 days in a given district and cover different locations. However, in some of the districts, only a single day could be allocated due to time constraints: P 2 P 1 P 3 P1 Block Hq.2 P 3 P = Panchayat P 2 Block Hq.1 District Block Hq.4 Hq. = Headquarter P 2 P 3 Block Hq.3 P1 P1 P 2 P 3 The road show team would cover 4 block head quarters and 3 Panchayats each in each headquarter. Day First half Second half One Arrival 1 Block Hq. with 3 Panchayats Two 1 Block Hq. with 3 Panchayats 1 Block Hq. with 3 Panchayats Three 1 Block Hq. with 3 Panchayats Departure for nearest district Page12

The Program At each location, the team spread the information of RTI Act through the following activities: Introduction Firstly, the coordinator introduced the public about the theme of the campaign. They were told why we needed to know about RTI Act. An environment was created at first so that the public becomes interested to know about the Act. Play and Songs The cultural team then highlighted the importance of RTI Act through play and songs. The plays and songs were based on the essence of RTI Act. The plays were structured in way that people in the rural areas could understand the problems in Panchayats and find out the solutions for them by using RTI. Question-Answer Session After the plays got over, an open forum was conducted where people were encouraged to ask their queries regarding RTI Act and its use. This was a better platform for the people to clarify their doubts and know that RTI could be utilized for the development of their Panchayats. Issues addressed during the Show During the process of information dissemination, the audience raised and desired to know the ways to address the following issues: Ensure rightful implementation of social security schemes like Indira Awas Yojana, Vidhva Pension Yojana, Old-age Pension Scheme, etc. through use of RTI Alternate ways to make a RTI application if the PIOs refuse to accept the application when fee is paid in cash Ways to get information in time when applied to First Appellate Authority and State Information Commission, as the post of Chief Information Commissioner was vacant by the time Response and impact of Road Show - The road show team had a mixed experience while performing in the above districts. According to them, people in these areas were very keen to know about the RTI Act. The show caught the attention of most of the people, media, and other organizations. People from various places approached the campaign team and requested to disseminate the information on RTI in their respective Panchayats. Some of them also called at the offices of THP s partner organizations to know more about the Act and requested information regarding its use. At some places, few people tried to create disturbance so that the information on RTI could not be provided; but the local people themselves controlled the situation. It is always seen that a particular section of society does not want others to get updated as they fear that power would be transferred to the latter; and hence they create a disruptive environment. Overall, such situations clearly pointed towards the powerful tool that RTI is for citizens, and especially the marginalized to use RTI to access information, demand accountability and check corruption. Further Scope There is a need to follow up at the areas where road show has been carried out. Also, further inputs and guidance is required to people who make an application under RTI Act and inputs on process of Appeals is necessary. Page13

b. IEC material Objective To create awareness and disseminate information on RTI Act Output Posters Four posters have been developed highlighting the importance of RTI. o The first one mentions about the citizens ownership over the government s resources. o The second poster highlights the process of RTI Act. o The third one conveys the message that people shall themselves be responsible to make the government accountable. o The fourth poster highlights the fact that corruption in the system can be stopped by using RTI Act. Application Forms Two types of application forms have been developed; one for Application, and other for First Appeal Pamphlets Pamphlets have been developed highlighting the legal provisions under the RTI Act Booklets One thousand booklets named as Suchna ka Adhikar Adhiniyam, 2005 - Bihar Rajya ke Sandharv mein (RTI Act, 2005 In context of Bihar State) have been developed and published specifying the different aspects of RTI Act along with the amendments made by the Government of Bihar on 19 th November 2009. Page14

III. SUMMARY OF OUTPUTS Performance Targets Baseline Target Proposed Actual 1) Capacity building of Elected Women Representative (EWR) federation members in the RTI Act undertaken: None a) 10 Block Level Workshops Total 350 EWR participants a) 14 Block Level Workshops Total 490 EWR participants a) 2-Day orientation workshops b) 1-Day follow-up workshop at blocklevel, 2 months after orientation workshop 2) Dissemination of information and knowledge on the RTI Act with civil society organizations (CSOs): 3- day training of trainers (ToT) with CSOs 3) Creating Awareness on a mass level through the use of mass media such as IEC material, street plays and road shows: a) Street plays and road shows b) IEC material: posters, pamphlets, planners, folders and booklets b) 10 Block level Follow-up Workshops Total 300 EWR participants None 2 workshops with 80 participants None a) Road Show covering 8 districts b) Posters, pamphlets, planners, folders and booklets developed and shared during workshops and street plays/road shows b) 14 Block Level Follow- up Workshops Total 420 EWR participants 2 workshops with 80 participants a) Road Show covering 13 districts b) 12000 Posters (3000 each x 4 types) 25000 Application Forms 1000 First Appeal Forms 25000 Pamphlets 1000 Booklets Page15

IV. IMPACT OF RTI CAMPAIGN In Bihar, 110 RTI applications have been filed by EWRs and other citizens. Outreach: More than 40000 citizens, including EWRs, women, and citizens from rural areas have been informed about the RTI Act Filing RTI applications: 60 EWRs and 50 other citizens have filed RTI applications from districts such as Madhubani, Jehanabad, Rohtas, Muzaffarpur, Supaul, Nawada and West Champaran to gain information related to development work and schemes such as Indira Awas Yojana, NREGA, PDS, ICDS, etc o Most of the applications have been filed to make Panchayat accountable and transparent in disclosing the information related with the honorarium of EWRs, number of Gram Sabha and Panchayat Meetings. o EWRs have gone for First and Second Appeal in Madhubani District Local level bureaucracy sensitized: In areas where campaign was implemented presence of PIOs at the government offices in Blocks has started. In some of the blocks, (Karahgar Block of Rohtas District) information [as mentioned in the section 4 (b) of RTI Act, 2005] has been displayed as a result of RTI applications. CBOs and RTI: CBOs continue to receive queries on process of RTI application. Some have initiated awareness programmes in their work area on RTI. Campaign against amendment of RTI Act in Bihar: Post awareness about the relevance of the RTI Act as a powerful tool that can demand accountability of government; citizens have mobilized against measures to amend Section 27 of the RTI Act in Bihar. More than 500 letters have been sent to the Chief Minister and Prime Minister by EWRs in this regard. Page16

V. LEARNING AND CONCLUSION The key learning from this RTI campaign has been that while citizens and especially the marginalized and disadvantaged, vest tremendous faith in their governments by exercising their right to vote time and again, successive governments lack of good governance continues to plague large number of States, thereby denying citizens of basic amenities and a rightful existence of dignity and self respect. In such a context then, a tool such as the RTI becomes a powerful tool in the hands of citizens to exercise their demand for good governance and accountability in the basic unit of democracy Panchayats. Other learning has been that despite the existence of the RTI Act since 2005, awareness about the RTI Act is limited to State capital bureaucrats, some civil society and development practitioners. Citizens in rural areas or in the heartland of poor and backward State such as Bihar, who are more dependent on the State for health, education, livelihood, infrastructure and shelter, lack information on RTI or are misinformed about its scope and significance. The responsibility of making citizens aware about a tool such as RTI rests with the government, if it is serious about good governance, since the use of RTI can prove to be a fantastic and cost effective system of checks and balances. The fact that RTI applications in Bihar during the course of this campaign were filed largely towards NREGS, PDS, ICDS, IAY and PHCs, indicate that areas where government outlays are maximum are also areas where citizens are being denied access and control. This signals poor implementation, corruption, lack of transparency and accountability and pilferage of government resources in one of the poorest States of India. The most important learning has been that there is a need to continue to raise awareness on RTI in rural India. Civil society in Bihar has come back to The Hunger Project requesting a continuation of the campaign. In fact, THP has had requests from CBOs in far flung districts seeking information and support to conduct a similar campaign. In conclusion, the awareness campaigns on RTI have been very successful in the States of Bihar. As expected, earlier trainings on RTI in the State had been very technical, without much information on the practicality and use of RTI and also its scope. Also, for the first time, trainings on RTI have been imparted to citizens and especially Elected Women Representatives in the rural areas. The mass campaigns have also generated large amount of interest and curiosity. In Bihar, the response to the road show was very encouraging and proved to be a good tool to impart information about the scope and significance of RTI. Overall at the conclusion of the campaign, it can be said that the RTI Awareness Campaign in State of Bihar has been successful and has been able to generate adequate interest and awareness amidst the media, citizens in rural areas, civil society and local bureaucracy. The need is to expand the campaign in other districts and blocks of the State and in other States to empower citizens, especially the marginalized and disadvantaged with rights and tools to demand accountability of their governments. Page17

VI. ANNEXURE: Campaign Photographs & IEC Materials RTI Road Show in Field RTI CAMPAIGN INUGURATION RTI Road Show Vehicle being flagged off by EWRs RTI Road show vehicle

Road Show in progress Women discussing during Road Show Women listening to the cultural team during road show Women & Men listening querying about RTI Act January 2010: The Hunger Project Page1

THP s team during Capacity Building Workshops

Training of Trainers I (RTI) Training of Trainers II (RTI)

Citizens demanding accountability Citizens should be responsible to make government responsible Corruption can be checked by rightful use of RTI Process of seeking information under RTI

Pamphlets of RTI Application Form and Form for First Appeal January 2010: The Hunger Project Page1

Booklet on RTI Act in context of Bihar January 2010: The Hunger Project Page2