Full Description
This book is a definitive guide to using Right to Information (RTI) or Freedom of Information (FOI) or Access to Information (ATI) for journalists, journalism students, social activists, researchers and concerned citizens. In the age of fake news, the smart quip on Twitter, the cheap shot, the put-down, the hyperbolic rant that passes for reportage, this book shows how effective use of the RTI can be a bedrock for investigative journalism and for speaking truth to power.
The volume:
Presents a comprehensive history of transparency laws across the world
Includes pioneering stories from the field that map how ideas were conceived, how questions were framed, how RTI applications were filed, how those were followed up, how the information was processed into a news story and what their impact was
Shows how to write stories beyond the classical inverted pyramid—who, why, what, where, when and how
Lists attempts to make the laws ineffective
Written by one of the pioneers in the field, this volume will be an indispensable reading for scholars and researchers in political science, governance, law and legal studies, democracy, public policy, social change and media studies. It will also immensely interest the everyday reader who wants to learn more about RTI and activism.
Contents
Foreword. Preface. List of Figures. List of Abbreviations. Acknowledgements. 1. From birth of FOI in Sweden to a legislation in India and Role of Media 2. Contributions to PM Cares Fund 3. A flagship scheme called Prime Minister's Jan Dhan Yojna 4. Honorary Doctorates and Fake Research Journals 5. Foreign Travels made by Union Ministers 6. Foreign Travels of Bureaucrats of union government 7. Declarations of assets and liabilities of public servants and fight for that 8. Corruption Cases Against bureaucrats from prime services like IAS/IPS/IRS 9. Personnel in Personal Staff of MPs, all in Family 10. Cleaning the Rivers through the RTI Act 11. Guest Houses for Members of Parliament and facilities at Constitution Club 12. NGOs Funded by Government, how politicians get and occupy the JSSs and KVKs 13. Contribution of Non-Resident Indian to India 14. Light Every Corner, RTI Everywhere in the Government and impact 15. Misuse of RTI by Public Authorities, how they play the game with RTI applicants 16. They enacted and implemented it with enthusiasm, now themselves making historic legislation ineffective 17. How a Journalist Can Use RTI and paved way for the Change
