RTI activists use hi-tech gadgets in fight for rights May 3rd, 2009 By Our Correspondent

RTI activists use hi-tech gadgets in fight for rights
May 3rd, 2009
By Our Correspondent

Vellore, May 2: A number of RTI activists have turned tech-savvy by adopting high-end gadgets to exposae malpractices and corruption in the public and private sectors.
Nearly 20 to 30 activists in Chennai, Tiruvannamalai and Vellore districts have been using gadgets such as spy cam (pen and button type with 4 GB storage capacity), spy cam (antenna model) annexed in laptops, micro voice recorders, mobile camera and mobile video recorders.
“I have been using pen-type spy camera. I can record continuously for one-and-a-half hours as the tiny device comes with a rechargeable battery with 4 GB storage facility,” said Mr V. Gopalakrishnan, an RTI activist, who exposed corruption in implementing welfare schemes in Vellore taluk office using the device.
The devices also play the role of self-protection gears for the activists, he said, adding, “When I filed an RTI application seeking information about the list of beneficiaries in welfare schemes in Vellore taluk office, two persons had approached and threatened me to withdraw the petition. But I recorded their speech using the pen-type spy camera without their knowledge and took the issue to higher officials and the police department.”
Mr Gopalakrishnan and three of his friends have also been using an antenna-type spy cam and static camera at a visiting room in their respective house or office. Mr Vinod Jain, member of FACT India, said the modern devices have been of great help to get justice. Around 10 co-members of the organisation have been using the devices during sting operations to expose malpractices, misuse of power and corruption in public and private sectors.
Lack of knowledge about the devices among the officials helps us to expose the corruption, he said. Finding the trendy spy cam handy to uncover malpractices and create crucial evidence to bring the truth to light, the activists and members of several NGOs are going for it.