A group of RTI activists in Mumbai recently held a debate on whether RTI activism be monetized or not. In other words, one should charge a fee while helping somebody file RTI application or giving a suggestion on how to file RTI application.

“Generally, activists are forced to earn a livelihood from other occupations and pursue activism only as an expensive and time-consuming hobby. Their occupations divert most of their energies and mental resources away from RTI and projects get postponed endlessly. A few activists manage to attract donors and supporters but such people are a tiny minority,” said Krishnaraj Rao, Mumbai based RTI activist.

Those who participated in the debate felt that many RTI activists have specialized knowledge of municipal corporations, police, slum rehabilitation authorities, registrar of cooperative societies etc. many guide citizens in resolving personal hardships by engaging with the administration in intelligent ways, similar to advice given by lawyers, who may be professionally qualified, yet may not hand hold or as practical in approach as an activist.

“Activists spend substantially from their own pockets to give guidance and almost never profit from it” said Rao.
RTI activist Ramesh Jadhav said, “essence of the act must be followed, people give their own interpretations to the act.”

There were those who were strictly against   monetizing or taking remunerations for RTI. “Undoubtedly activists fighting against land encroachers face life threats but they should stand united, help and support each other and continue to aid the sufferers” said G R Vora.