Scrap vendor turns RTI crusader

Vijaysinh Parmar, TNN 20 July 2009,RAJKOT: Altaf Chichodara, 42, a scrap vendor in the city is known as Arjiwalo Altaf' in various government departments. Reason: Chichodara has filed over 85 applications under the RTI Act, covering a range of issues. "RTI is a weapon for common people like me. I use it for common good," said Chichodara, who propagates the use of RTI even when he is collecting scrap. Also an animal rights activist, Chichodara makes it a point to inform the police control room whenever he finds an abandoned animal or even vehicle. He, then, follows up by filing RTI applications to find out what action has been taken. "In an application regarding abandoned vehicles in the city, I was given incorrect information by the police. I took up issue with the information commissioner, who directed the then police commissioner to provide the accurate and full details," he said. After receiving answers under the RTI, he gives this information to people who are likely to benefit from it. "Three months back, I obtained information about concession in electricity bills for BPL category. There is a government scheme that those living under BPL are entitled to get electricity per unit at Rs 1.50 for 30 units. Most of these BPL families did not know about this. So, I go to people and try to educated them about such things," he said. But, alleges Chichodara, that due to his RTI mission he was recently charged by police under Sections 186 and 114 of Indian Penal Code for disturbing police work. "I fear that because I am using RTI extensively to seek information from police department they (police) might harass me," he added. Two years back, a contractor was fined Rs 27,000 for delaying work at police commissionerate.