Visually handicapped shows way by using RTIAHMEDABAD: Today, Rangpar villagers are happy to see that there is a two km road connecting their village to the highway. The Gando Baval (babool) shrubs along the roadside have been cleared by the gram panchayat authorities. But, it was not all that simple to get these basics to this small village of Wankaner taluka in Rajkot district. It took a visually challenged Ratna Ala, 26, to open the eyes of the authorities through the Right to Information Act. Earlier, TOI had reported the dilapidated condition of this village and the struggle of this man to get the system to work. "At last some development work has been started by gram panchayat. Since last two years, I have been using RTI to get information regarding how many schemes panchayat implemented and how much money they spent on each work. Although I did not get accurate information throughout, it helped them realize that their incapabilities could stand exposed," he told TOI. Ala's struggle is on, but he is happy that the road has been constructed and the dense shrubs which were a hindrance to passers-by, is cleared. I can't see, but I can feel the joy of villagers,'' says Ratna Ala, who is a farmer and a Class X graduate. Rangpar is a small village with population of around 750 people, 25 km from Wankaner in Rajkot district. When he first confronted the panchayat, it humiliated him. Ala has met several officials with the documents but no one has taken note so far. But, he was determined to carry on till the village gets justice and all facilities it's entitled to under different government schemes. "Ratna's work is really praiseworthy. Because people support him but not openly as no one wants to confront local authorities. But, Ratna stood firm and results are there,'' says villager Bhurabhai Barot. [Submitted by Administrator]  |
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