the goan I network
PANAJI
Right to Information Act (RTI) is an excellent tool but is misused, said Advocate Moti Keni, a retired judge. He was speaking as the chief guest at a function organised by Dalgado Konknni Academy (DKA) at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. DKA President, Tomazinho Cardozo, secretary Vincy Quadros and Treasurer Celso Fernandes shared the dais with him.
Adv Moti advised that the RTI act is very simple and people-friendly. In a democracy, he said, we need to be open and transparent and added that as per RTI Act we can seek any information which the authority must furnish within 30 days. If not provided within 30 days, then the information is provided free of cost and the official responsible to provide the information also must pay a fine. If not satisfied with the data furnished, then there is also a provision to appeal to the Commissioner. Despite the simplicity of the procedure, some people misuse the act, sometimes to harass the officials and at other time to obtain information, free of cost, Adv Moti further said.
Adv Moti in his simple style and citing common examples explained beautifully the ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ of seeking the information under the RTI Act. Anyone can ask for the information that our State Assembly and the Parliament provide. Due to this Act several benefits to the society are seen. Corruption at public offices is exposed and changes in the educational and social fields are taking place, Adv Moti said.
In his address, DKA president said that the 1967 Opinion Poll was in fact a war to preserve Goa’s identity and our forefathers took a wise decision and saved Goa from merging with Maharashtra. Only if we use Konkani, we will be able to preserve the identity of Goa, he said, adding further said that several NGO’s work towards preserving identity of Goa by saving our fields, trees, hills, forests and environment. What use would it be if we are successful protecting all these and made our Goa green and beautiful and not saved our Konkani? Tomazinho expressed his gratefulness to Dr. Jack de Sequeira, the father of the ‘Opinion Poll’ and all the other leaders of that time who saved Goa and called upon the youth to work towards preserving Goa’s identity.
In his welcome address, DKA Secretary, Vincy Quadros recapped the facts that took place from the day of Opinion Poll until Goa attained statehood and opined that every Goan should be proud of this Osmitai Dis (Identity Day).
