Kochi: The Kochi corporation will collect the details of activists who repeatedly file RTI applications seeking information from the local body, and submit the data to the vigilance and anti-corruption bureau (VACB) to probe their financial background.
It is learnt that the activist has filed around 2,000 RTI applications,” Minimol said. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news.
Mayor V K Minimol said the corporation’s move is against those who misuse the RTI applications for seeking bribes. If there are any irregularities, VACB will expose it,” she said. Councillor from Kadavantha, ‘applicants seeking information’ are roaming around the corridors of the corporation, according to Gison George. The financial background of such people should be probed,” George said. He said the photographs of ‘nuisance applicants’ should be pasted on the walls of the corporation office. A vigilance probe is needed to unearth their roles,” Painuthura said. LDF’s Elizabeth Idikkula said seeking a vigilance probe against those who file RTI applications is an unwarranted move While the UDF councillors demand strict action against the RTI activist who causes ‘nuisance for the corporation’. “The demand to paste photos of RTI activists on the walls of the corporation office, like photos pasted on police stations’ walls, is deplorable,” she added.
“Recently a corporation official was caught for bribery while an RTI activist, who filed an application to facilitate the corruption, is co-accused. “We have already collected the details of the RTI activists with a suspicious background. The council secretary has been asked to collect the details of other people with similar backgrounds. These details will be sent to the VACB, and the agency can inquire about their financial background. “They are colluding with certain officials in the corporation to seek bribes. It’s like a caucus. Welfare standing committee chairperson Antony Painuthura also aired similar views. “The number of RTI activists is on the rise, and they are becoming vexatious litigants. P D Martin, councillor from Gandhi Nagar, also demanded a probe into RTI activists’ alleged involvement in corrupt practices. “Filing RTI applications is not a new thing. Why do people fear RTI applications, if they are not culprits? Idikkula asked. Download the TOI App.
The corporation council held on Wednesday decided to adopt such a move following a couple of cases where RTI replies were allegedly used for seeking corruption and malpractice.