Activist laud RTI impact on Chief Minister's relief fund

Over a few years ago, the chief minister's relief fund had come into direct criticism for not providing details of the money spent by it for "relief". In 2005, when former central information commissioner, Shailesh Gandhi managed to get some information under RTI, the CM's relief fund came under further criticism for giving money for cricket tournaments, gymnasium in Rajbhavan, press club in Delhi, money for strategic studies and building toilet facilities.

However, almost nine years down the line, things have changed drastically, particularly when the money given is over Rs 50,000 from the relief fund. All the money provided was for medical purposes to individuals. No money was given to organisations. Some money was given to collector office below Rs 50,000 for which the details was not asked. Earlier, between Rs 5 lakhs to Rs 25 lakhs were given to above mentioned activities that were funded by the CM's fund. Gymnasium in Rajbhavan had received Rs 25 lakhs.

"I would credit the RTI in some ways for this along with the chief minister to have used the fund wisely," said Gandhi. He added, "But the bigger credit has to go to RTI as it put in open the kind of usage the money was put to." Of the two year's information he sought, a total of 140 people were benefited from it.

In 2012-13 wherein 41 people benefited, a total of Rs 22.75 lakhs was given away for their treatment. The maximum amount given was rupees one lakh for the treatment. In 2013-14, 99 people were beneficiaries on whom Rs 57.57 lakhs was given. The highest amount paid for medical expenses was of Rs 1.5 lakhs. Some of the beneficiaries were from city too.