It was lessons of absolutely another kind for students of Zakir Husain College as they trooped in for a session on right to information today. And, chief among the concerns was the condition of roads.
The first in a college, the meet was organised by The Indian Express in collaboration with NGO Parivartan.
For starters, students were briefed on the different aspects of RTI and how through a simple application, they could they get their queries clarified from the state government.
Principal Dr Kishan K. Sharma said such sessions helped students know their city better. ‘‘RTI is very useful. In day-to-day life, we all face problems and sometimes we feel cheated by those in power. It’s the way to make those people answerable,’’ he said. ‘‘Awareness among the consumers is necessary. Of course, we have laws but RTI works faster, you get feedback from the organisation concerned within a month. A whip has to be cracked to make a change in the system and this is the best way.’’
After the briefing, students made a beeline for the applications. While most wanted to complain against or question the condition of roads in their neighbourhood, garbage disposal was another concern.
‘‘I was planning to take an off today but this day has turned out to be the most unforgettable day for me,’’ said Neelanjali, a student. ‘‘I thank the college authorities for such an initiative. I am worried about the road in our area in Pratap Vihar. The potholes makes me feel we should know about the material used to construct the road and hence I have filed an application.’’
According to Rahul Jain of BCom (P) Ist year, if more students come forward, it could create a revolution and consequently shape a better tomorrow. ‘‘Corruption can be controlled to a great extent by making use of RTI. At least, babus would know they answerable for every misdeed,’’ he said. Rahul, from Sadar Pahar Ganj, wants to know how well the MP fund has been used in his area.
Teachers also put in their applications. ‘‘RTI is an excellent way to make the system better. The students should come forward and if they make it a revolution, I think the result would be great,’’ said Ashwini Kumar, reader in philosophy, who also filed an application on the condition of roads. Reader in commerce Bharat Bhushan followed him, filing an application on the road in Geeta Colony.
But for Mohammad Naqi, a commerce teacher, it was the number of Urdu schools under the Delhi government and vacancies there that he was concerned about.