Activist seeks transparency in Maharahstra RTI chief’s selection
By IANSThursday, October 7, 2010
AHMEDNAGAR - Prominent Mumbai-based right to information (RTI) activist Krishnaraj Rao continued his indefinite fast for the second day Thursday, demanding transparency in the appointment of Maharashtras chief information commissioner.
According to Rao, the present mode of selection of persons to the sensitive post is unethical and illegal.
There are no laid down criteria for the candidates and the incumbents are selected on the basis of the whims and fancies, likes and dislikes of the political leadership, said Rao, who is protesting in Ralegan-Siddhi village, around 300 km from Mumbai.
Ralegan-Siddhi is better known as the home base of eminent social worker anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare, with whom Rao held a meeting and urged him to raise his voice in the matter.
We are also calling upon citizens of the state to write letters, send email or fax to Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal and Leader of Opposition Eknath Khadse on this issue, he said.
Two more RTI activists from the state, Sunil Ahya and Mohammed Afzal, visited Rao and sat on a token hunger strike with him.
