To save cost, Joshi asks UP for RTI details in digital format

[1]

With the cost of replying to her applications under RTI, seeking information on NRHM and Janani Surakhsa Yojna in Uttar Pradesh, likely to run into several lakh rupees, UPCC president Rita Bahuguna Joshi has now sought the details in a digital format instead of a printed version.

"I request you to provide all the information sought by me in electronic format, that is, compact disc. The provision exists in the RTI rules," Joshi said in an application to the public information officer (PIO) of Uttar Pradesh government.

"Kindly tell me the total cost at the earliest taking into account50 per disk as provided in the rules," she said.

Chairman of RTI task force of Congress S.J.S. Makker went to the office of PIO of NRHM Anil Kumar Mishra on Tuesday to submit the request, but the latter refused to accept it, Congress spokesman Subodh Srivastava told PTI.

Mishra refused to accept the request on the ground that it was wrongly addressed to PIO, ministry of medical health and family welfare, government of Uttar Pradesh.

"The application has now been sent through speed post," Srivastava said, alleging that the UP government was reluctant to provide the information sought by Joshi.

The Congress spokesman said seeking reply in digital format was not only intended to save money but also to save the environment.

"One of the objectives behind it is to minimise the use of paper," Srivastava said.

On April 27, Joshi along with AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi had moved two applications under RTI seeking details of funding and expenditure under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and Janani Suraksha Yojna (JSY) in the state.