Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 31:
With the objective to educate the people of remote villages on the Right To Information Act (RTI) and its possible benefits to families below poverty line, a one day workshop was held today at CVTC conference hall, Palace Compound.
The inaugural function of the workshop organised by the CVTC under the aegis of Community Development for Peace Project was graced by principal of ICM Imphal P Chattopadhyay as chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Chattopadhyay hailed the initiative of CVTC to educate people on RTI Act.
Even as the Act came into force in Manipur last year, majority of the people are still unable to enjoy the benefits of the Act, he noted.
By creating awareness of the RTI Act among the Meira Paibis as well as among BPL families, the powerful Meira Paibi movement can be streamlined for more productive and beneficial purposes.
He also conveyed his desire to organise extensive awareness programmes on the Act by staging Shumang Leelas and dramas as was done in the case of HIV/AIDS.
CVTC secretary H Surendrakumar explained the RTI Act and its utilities.
Executive member of the centre Dr Y Baskar Dev observed that the Government should enforce the RTI Act in totality so that its benefits are made available to the people.
Project director in-charge Th Rajen maintained that the target audience of the workshop were people of rural and remote areas.
Speaking as a resource person, faculty member of ICM Imphal Dr KI Meitei decried the failure of the people to exercising their fundamental rights under the RTI Act even as the same Act has been enforced in the State since last year.
He further highlighted the various schemes/projects taken up by the Government for the welfare of people and the extent of benefit such projects give to people.