Raipur:
Rajesh Bissa, the runner up to the best Right to Information (RTI) citizen category award last year, used the Right to Information Act to expose large scale corruption in selection of a private partner for a road project in Chhattisgarh.
The government had selected a private firm to upgrade 1500 KMs of roads, but signed an agreement for 2500 KMs. After the revelation, the government rectified what it said was a mistake.
"After receiving the award, I felt empowered. I felt that I am not alone in this fight. People of the country are observing us and after that helping us in the fight," said Rajesh Bissa.
Bissa is now using the provisions of the Right to Information Act to expose factories that are openly violating environmental norms.
"Using RTI, we were able to take out information for more than 150 industries which were violating serious environmental laws. Among these were 40 big industries, which without environmental clearances had set up their industry and also were running it. Authorities were doing nothing about it. Today almost all such industries are facing enquiries," said Rajesh Bissa.
Bissa says RTI is a powerful tool, and wants more and more people to use its provisions to crack down on corruption.