Pune:
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officer, Sanjay More, has his hands full with work. As the public relations officer of the civic body, More has to handle the media and publish statements issued not only by civic officials but also corporators. Moreover, he coordinates information that people seek from different departments under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. Recently he was asked by the civic administration to shoulder a new responsibility: managing the newly opened RTI library. A law graduate, More tells Abhay Khairnar about the new initiative of the PMC, the response from people, and his other responsibilities.
The PMC has started the RTI library. What is the response to it?The RTI library is a unique one and the PMC is perhaps the first civic body in the country to start such a library to promote the Right to Information Act, 2005.
It was former standing committee chairman Nilesh Nikam who introduced the concept in the PMC annual budget and municipal commissioner Mahesh Zagade agreed to implement it immediately. The library was inaugurated on July 17 this year.
We have around 175 books on different subjects, especially the different Acts. We are upgrading the library continuously and getting a good response from citizens visiting the library for information. The purpose of establishing the library is that, instead of filing applications under the RTI Act one can go to the library and collect information. On an average, about 60 people visit this library daily.
How many does the PMC receive every year under RTI? With every passing year, the number of queries that the civic body receives under RTI is increasing. In 2007, we received 5,218 applications, 5,804 applications in 2008 and 6,793 applications in 2009. This year till May, the PMC has received 4,243 applications. Although the number of applicants are increasing, people are getting satisfactory information under the Act. Hence, the number of people going for appeal against the replies is dropping.
As per our records, 486 people went for a second appeal in 2007; a little over 300 did so in 2008 and 2009. Till May this year, 268 people have gone for an appeal.
What are your responsibilities? My main task is to ensure proper coordination between the civic body and the media and provide necessary information to the latter. Moreover, many citizens visit the civic body for various works.
Many a times, citizens become impatient as they have to face various problems and they vent their ire on the PRO. At times, it becomes difficult to handle such situations. Many delegations visit the PMC.
It is my duty to show and explain them the various projects run by the PMC. I have to keep abreast of all departments, and about reports appearing in the media.
Can you share some experiences as the PMC PRO?
It is a key post. I have had many good and bad experiences. Many a times, I have to bear the brunt if negative stories appear in the media. But at times, I also receive kudos for positive coverage.
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