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Demand to include RTI text in academic curriculum

JAIPUR: The first national youth convention on Right to Information and democracy, held in Rajasthan’s Beawar town recently, has raised the demand for incorporating the text of the Right to Information Act, 2005, in the school and college curriculum across the country so that the youth get a firm footing on the fundamentals of citizens rights.

The convention, jointly organised by the National Campaign for the Right to Information (NCPRI) and JOSH, a Delhi-based group, and attended by 1,000 participants from 11 States, also decided to set up a national forum on RTI.

“The convention was of the view that educating on RTI Act would provide a firm basis for understanding of the rest of the fundamental rights embedded in our Constitution. This will strengthen democracy and create a culture of transparency and openness in public life,” said Nikhil Dey of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan.

The convention discussed the role of youth in strengthening democracy through the application of RTI. The gathering, also addressed by Magsaysay Award winner and RTI activist Aruna Roy, eminent academician Jean Dreze and MP from East Delhi Sandeep Dikshit discussed the negative impact of globalisation, gender, communal politics, state of Dalits, Adivasis, human rights, agriculture, education employment and implementation of NREGA through workshops, interactive sessions, puppetry and theatre.

“The political parties today are like houses with closed windows and doors which do not allow any fresh air and light to enter. As a result, these parties do not create the space for dissent in political thought for the youth,” Mr. Dikshit said during a discussion.

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