Well known transparency campaigner Commodore (retd) Lokesh Batra was honoured by Moneylife Foundation for his stellar contribution in promoting accountability and good governance through the Right to Information Act (RTI) Act.
 
Sucheta Dalal, founder-trustee, Moneylife Foundation, recognised Cmde Batra's relentless efforts to use RTI as a tool for public good, particularly his fight for transparency in areas such as political funding and government expenditures. She highlighted the profound impact of Cmde Batra's work.
 
Since the inception of the RTI Act in 2005, Cmde Batra has played a pivotal role in shedding light on critical issues, including the 2007 Nithari killings investigation. His persistent efforts led to the introduction of electronic Indian postal orders (e-IPO), empowering Indians living abroad to seek information through the RTI Act. His relentless pursuit of transparency in political funding, mainly through his challenge to the electoral bond scheme, led to an unprecedented judgment from the Supreme Court.
 
Speaking at the felicitation ceremony, Cmde Batra, 77, thanked the RTI community and emphasised the continued need for vigilance in using RTI to ensure accountability. "The fight for transparency is far from over. We must continue working together to keep the RTI Act a strong tool in the hands of every Indian. Although I had thought about reducing my activities in the transparency campaign after the victory with electoral bonds, the need for inspiring the younger generation to carry forward this fight has kept me going," he said.
 
Former Central Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi said, "It is a privilege to honour my friend Cmde Batra. His post-retirement achievements are monumental and more valuable to the nation than even his distinguished service in the Navy. He has been on to greater things. He has been using RTI to strengthen RTI, be it for better governance or attacking corruption. He is very meticulous. His fight for transparency continues to inspire all of us."
 
Speaking on the RTI Act, Gandhi said that even though we have one of the best transparency laws in the world, courts and commissioners have not been following the law in letter and spirit. He said that if RTI is applied properly, corruption should go down considerably. “It gives citizens the respect they deserve but it is being grossly undermined by commissioners, government and judiciary.”  
 
Expressing his pride in the transition of Cmde Batra from a Navy officer to a formidable RTI activist, Admiral (retd) Vishnu Bhagwat, former chief of Indian Navy and Cmdre Batra’s mentor, said, "It is inspiring to see how Lokesh has switched over from the uniform to become a transparency campaigner, constantly fighting for justice. His journey is commendable and should inspire the younger generation."
 
Speaking to Governance Now, Cmde Batra said: “As compared to when I joined the Navy, when I came out I was a different man with varied experiences. And it was at the cost of taxpayers. Now, even my pension is coming from the taxpayers’ money. I owe it all to them, whatever best I can do I do it.”

He added that post-retirement he did not want to take up a job. He wanted to give back to the society. “Participatory governance can only take place with documents. People must understand that it’s their money. The government has zero money. People should get inspired and do something for society,” said Cmde Batra.     
 
A 1971 war veteran, Cmde Batra retired as secretary, Kendriya Sainik Board. He brought in new procedures and processes for efficient handling of Armed Forces Flag Day Funds for various problems of over 1 crore people comprising widows of service personnel, disabled servicemen and those boarded out from service, ex-servicemen and their dependents in need. During the earthquake in Gujarat in 2001, he was responsible for the reconstruction of an entire village. He has also published a book titled ‘Outreach’.  
 
Ironically, using the power of RTI, Cmde Batra was instrumental in the government uploading the corrected Hindi version of the RTI Act in November 2012. For seven years, the Hindi version of the law had carried over 34 mistakes. Using the power of RTI, he had to push officials of the PMO, DoPT and the law ministry for seven years to get it corrected.
 
The felicitation ceremony saw the presence several RTI practitioners who spoke on the proper use of the law.
 
"Sometimes, the key is to build a rapport with the information officer rather than relying on appeals. RTI, combined with persistence, is a powerful tool," said RTI activist Anil Galgali, adding that people should not resort to shortcuts to seek information. They must have patience and persistence.  
 
"If you sustain your efforts, as Cmde Batra has, you will see change. Start small and look at local aspects. Look at the expenditures of your local municipal corporation on parks and gardens in your ward. Don't stand on the shoulders of RTI activists to seek information under RTI. Put in your efforts, build relationships and be persistent," said Bhaskar Prabhu, convener, Mahiti Adhikar Manch.