The Duty to Publish Renu Vinod Research Associate Centre for Civil Society, New Delhi

2 Suo Motu Disclosure [Section 4 (2)]: It shall be a constant endeavour of every public authority…to provide as much information suo motu to the public at regular intervals through various means of communications, including internet, so that the public have minimum resort to the use of this Act to obtain information.

3 Why Proactive Disclosure? Right to information extends obligation to publish information. Transparency and accountability. Increases faith of citizens in government.

4 What is Suo Motu or Proactive Disclosure? Disclosure on request and proactive disclosure. No formal request. Information already in public domain. Exempted information.

5 RTI Success Stories: Public works in Rajasthan Road repair and construction in Delhi (MCD) Public Distribution System in Delhi (F&CS Dept)

6 Jan Sunwais (Public Hearings) Participatory social auditing Meetings presided over by respected persons Publicizing of discrepancies in official records Local people give testimonies Successful in drawing attention to corruption

7 Outcome: RTI to DTP PDS in Delhi: All ration shops paste on the wall records of the amount of rations received and disbursed. Government passed an order that records of all ration and kerosene shops will be open for public inspection between 2 and 5 pm on Saturdays.

Let the mobilization from RTI to DTP begin in Tripura!