ASHOK KUMAR/26yrs

The residents of Jagdamba Camp, a large slum area midst the posh South Delhi, were witnessing yet another case of government negligence. As usual, the water supply was short and drinking water was not available. A water chlorinator was installed, but it was just for show. All the residents were troubled, and would cross the idle chlorinator cursing the government. Everyone did that, except Ashok. He took charge. He wanted to know why the chlorinator was not working, and who was responsible for it. He filed an RTI application just to see whether the act was actually effective. His effort did pay off when the officers came all the way to meet him. The chlorinator which wasn’t working for months started working within a week!

Now the residents of Jagdamba Camp are witnessing an awakening. A realization, that they can take charge too. Since the chlorinator’s incidence a lot of issues have been sorted out. Even various government expenditures have been checked upon. Ashok still plays a key role in the filing of these RTI applications. He is a part of the organization called, Satarak Nagrik Sangathan, which expects the citizens to be alert and helps them to ask questions.

Ashok’s efforts made him win the stature of a ‘pradhan’ of Jagdamba Camp. However, he refused to take it up as he didn’t want to get involved in unnecessary formalities. He continues to work at the grass root level with his characteristic humble smile.