In January 2010, Mediavoice saw and heard the emerging voice of India and spoke to Arvind Kejriwal on his movement 'Parivartan' which has propelled common people to invoke RTI in 2001. This led to the streamlining of Public Distribution System (PDS ) in Delhi, where information obtained under the RTI revealed that the shopkeepers and food grain officers tapped off 87% of wheat and 94% of rice meant for the poor. After watching the support that the recent movement on Lokpal Bill by AnnaHazare, where Arvind Kejriwal stood together, we, at Mediavoice saw it fit to reprint excerpts from the interview with Arvind.

The Parliament of India has passed Right to Information Laws on 15th June, 2005, which empowered citizens to question the government, inspect their files, and take copies of government documents and also to inspect government works.

Arvind Kejriwal's passion and dedication to this movement in India was recognised with Ramon Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership recently. In an exclusive interview to Media Voice, Arvind Kejriwal gives an insight into the RTI movement in India, about 'Parivartan' and worries that this formidable tool might be misused or might slip out of the citizen's hand.

MV: What prompted you to start Parivartan?
Arvind Kejriwal: It was basically against corruption. The common man is better equipped to work against corruption. The biggest hurdle is the people's attitude. They have turned cynics that nothing can change. Our vision is a governance system where more and more people can have control over their destinies.

MV: What is the future of the Right to Information Act in the Indian context?
Arvind Kejriwal: I am very upbeat, though there have been several hiccups. It gives us hope. In such a short span of time, it has soared to great heights and made its presence felt, far and wide.

MV: How can mechanisms of delivery be more efficient?
Arvind Kejriwal: There are two things. Government should shell out max information under Section 4. Section 4 1b and 4 1c need to be carried out in letter and spirit. They clearly spell out that full and fair information be made available to the people of this country.

MV: Have you considered involving the media in a more proactive role for spreading RTI awareness in small towns?
Arvind Kejriwal: I think the media is already on the go. Many journalists are already using the RTI to its best.

MV: What do you see as the main reason for differences in delivery mechanisms of various states and how can it be homogenised?
Arvind Kejriwal: There needs to be more interaction between information commissioners and various authorities. We need to learn from best practices rather that re-inventing the wheel.Exemplary penalties must be imposed on corrupt officials. I can understand the bureau trying to put obstacles in the effort to providing free and fair information. As injustice increases, the demand for justice will increase. The solutions will also emerge.