JAMMU: Sensational accusations by one RTI activist against another pertaining to the functioning of civic body have become the talk of the town in Jammu city. Claims of alleged collusion between certain JMC insiders and an RTI activist in milking illegal constructions have raised serious questions over the functioning, transparency and accountability of the civic body.
The controversy remains one-sided so far. In a recent social media blog, RTI activist Balvinder Singh targeted another activist, who also owns an English daily newspaper, without naming him. Singh alleged that the activist had turned RTI activism into a means of allegedly blackmailing citizens accused of illegal constructions besides violating approved building plans and bye-laws.
No documentary evidence, however, was made public to substantiate the allegations. Further, while claiming that some JMC employees are hand in gloves with the activist, Singh urged citizens to come forward with evidence of alleged harassment or monetary demands.
Surprisingly, Singh apparent assurance of immunity in his blog from JMC action for completed buildings has also raised eyebrows: who has the authority to offer such protection?
The activist under attack has so far remained silent. He is, however, known for highlighting alleged building violations, often putting pressure on the JMC to examine complaints especially pertaining to opening of commercial complexes in blatant violation of civic laws and causes enormous loss to state exchequer besides defeating the spirit of urban planning.
For the citizens, the episode has drawn attention because both activists have largely focused on alleged irregularities in the Housing and Urban Development Department especially JMC. Interestingly, Singh, who usually addresses press conferences over RTI findings, chose a social media blog for this particular salvo.
Revealing an interesting case involving a building in Nanak Nagar owned by one skin specialist where 2 years ago an RTI activist allegedly displayed a huge board carrying his photograph and NGO name when the JMC was contemplating action against illegal fixing of iron shutters, one police officer citing anonymity said “RTI activism can become a tool to exert pressure. The question is why such pressure works only where there is something irregular to defend,”.
The flex was display by an RTI activist with an intention to deter municipal action against the willful violator, the police officer remarked.
There are rumours also doing the rounds that an RTI activist is influencing the JMC to de-seal a residential building in prime Gandhi Nagar area for a food outlet. If true, it would expose a sordid misuse of RTI activism by those projecting themselves as holy crusaders.
While admitting recieving complaints from citizens against officials of JMC and JDA for shielding illegal constructions besides dossiers from anti graft body on regular basis against enforcement officials, one officer of Housing and Urban Development Department confiding anonymity said “Serious assertions without proof may end up as a damp squib. If someone have proof about this nexus, they must come forward to nith the evil in the bud”.
The million-dollar question now is whether Singh will produce evidence, whether the activist concerned will respond, and whether this controversy will move beyond social media into legal scrutiny.
Until then, Jammu’s latest RTI episode remains a spicy subject of discussion with everyone waiting to see whether proof follows the allegations or the entire salvo simply fizzles out as pressure tactics.